“110 Years Duke!” - Duke Ellington’s 110th on 110th Anniversary

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The world will celebrate Duke Ellington's 110th anniversary starting April 29, 2009, with a brass band kickoff parade in NYC's Central Park.

The "Duke" is considered by many, worldwide, to be America’s greatest composer, bandleader and recording artist. Many believe he's the most prolific 20th century composer because his work encompasses so much variety, range of forms, and number of compositions. His development was one of the most spectacular in the history of music—underscored by more than fifty years of sustained achievement as an artist and entertainer.

Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (April 29, 1899 to May 24, 1974) was, without question, the most significant figure in jazz and, in fact, all American music. Regarded in his lifetime as the most influential contributor to our music culture, he received in 1966 the President’s Gold Medal from Lyndon Johnson and in 1969 the Medal of Freedom from President Nixon. After his death, recognition for The Duke actually increased—including a special award citation from the Pulitzer Prize Board in 1999.

The kickoff affair will be held at the Duke Ellington Memorial, located inside Duke Ellington Circle, on 110th Street and 5th Avenue in Manhattan. The Memorial is the first monument in New York City dedicated to an African American and the first memorial to The Duke in the United States.

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