Born: 4/29/1899 Washington, D.C., United States

Died: 5/24/1974 New York City, New York

Duke Ellington was an American composer, pianist and bandleader of jazz orchestras. He led his orchestra from 1923 until his death, his career spanning over 50 years

Awards / Achievements:

• 1960, Hollywood Walk of Fame, contribution to recording industry<br/>1966, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.<br/>1969, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the US<br/>1971, an Honorary PhD from the Berklee College of Music<br/>1973, the Legion of Honor by France, its highest civilian honors.<br/>1999, posthumous Special Pulitzer Prize for his lifetime contributions to music and culture