Duke Ellington. A musical sensation. His music really became popular during the Harlem Renaissance, which is when African American poets, TV stars, and musicians got to express themselves freely. Duke Ellington was born on April 19, 1899 in Washington D.C. He was born to very musically influenced parents, named James Ellington and Daisy Ellington. Inspired by his job as a soda jerk, he wrote his first composition, “Soda Fountain Rag,” at the age of 15.

Duke Ellington went to Armstrong High School and then was offered a scholarship to the Pratt Institute of Brooklyn, New York, but turned it down, because he followed his passion of playing Ragtime.Duke Ellington’s first job was a Soda Jerk, which is a person who serves soda and ice cream. Then, at the age of 17, he was offered a scholarship to an art school, as I mentioned before, but he refused so he could focus on his music. He then became a famous musician. Some of his famous works are: Sophisticated Lady, Satin Doll, and Take the “A” Train. He also said many popular quotes, such as “A problem is a chance for you to do your best” and “Grey skies are just clouds passing over.

” Duke Ellington did not have a lot of challenges, except that he was African American, and they faced a lot of challenges, especially racism and then, during the Harlem Renaissance, they finally got their chance to express themselves however they wanted.Duke Ellington’s impact on the world was how it had a popular influence during the late 20th century. For almost 50 years he toured the world as a band leader and piano player. Today, his recordings among the most popular jazz of the big-band era. Then, after being nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, elected for the National Institute of Arts and Letters, awarded the doctor of music degree from Yale University, given the medal of freedom, and, most importantly, built the foundations from which much of the best American music ergo grew.