Duke Ellington wus born on April 29,1899 in washington D.C he grew up a lonely child. He wrote his first song when he wus 16 years old. Duke created his first band in 1917. They were called "the Duke serenaders". He married Edna tompson he wus 19 years old .They had their first son wus called mercer.In 1923 he moved to Harlem in new york cidy in 1929 he stars in his 1 film,black and tan.Duke wus a member of the cotton club [a jazz club] for 4 years . In 1931 he made his first record that wus a hit . He met his bast friend in 1938 sadly his best friend died shortly after. In 1965 he performs the frst secred concert in San Francisco. In 1966 he appears at the New Port jazz Festival. In 1966 Duke Receives a Lifetime Achievement Grammy award. In 1969 Duke is Awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom. HE sadly died on may 24 1974 in New york city.He will be remembered for his jazz skills and for his grat peano skills