It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington on Thursday, May 24th, 1974 at the age of 75. Duke Ellington was an incredibly influential American jazz composer, pianist and bandleader. He was born in Washington, D.C. on April 29th, 1899 and achieved worldwide fame with his distinguished and acclaimed work in jazz music. Throughout his lifetime, Duke earned a reputation for choosing top musicians for his band including Johnny Hodges, Cootie Williams, and Ray Nance. Ellington received wide recognition in the music world and was awarded honorific titles such as the “Duke” and the “King of Jazz.” He composed over 3,000 pieces, including classic songs such as "Sophisticated Lady", "Mood Indigo", "It Don't Mean a Thing", and "Take the A Train”, and created over 60 musicals and film scores, including 12 Tony Award nominations and a Grammy. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and was a member of the NAACP and Interracial Council of New York City. Duke Ellington was a true jazz pioneer and will be remembered for his vibrant music and legacy.