| 1 min read

American jazz composer, pianist, and bandleader who revolutionized big-band jazz and composed thousands of scores over his 50-year career.Born in Washington D.C., Ellington rose to fame during Harlem Renaissance-era performances at New York's Cotton Club. He led his orchestra from 1923 until death, creating jazz standards like 'Take the A Train' and symphonic works. Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom (1969) and posthumous Pulitzer Prize (1999)....