Ellington, Edward K. “Duke”

Description

Type: Signed card
Description: (1899-1974) Washington DC-born composer, pianist, and jazz orchestra leader with 50+ year career. Based in NYC from mid-1920s, gained national profile through appearances at Harlem’s Cotton Club and in 1930s toured Europe. Ellington melded best-known orchestral unit in history of jazz. A master at writing miniatures for 3-minute 78 rpm records, Ellington composed 1,000+ pieces, largest recorded personal jazz legacy, many of pieces now standards. He also recorded songs written by his bandsmen, inc. Juan Tizol’s Caravan and Perdido. After July 1956 appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival, he and his orchestra enjoyed major revival and world tours. Ellington recorded for most US record companies of his era, performed in several films, scored several, and composed handful of stage musicals. Noted for inventive use of the orchestra or big band, and for his eloquence and charisma. He was awarded posthumous Pulitzer Prize Special Award for Music 1999. His classic compositions include: It Don’t Mean a Thing, Take the ‘A’ Train, Sophisticated Lady, Mood Indigo, Satin Doll, In a Sentimental Mood, and In My Solitude.

Signed blank verso of gentleman’s 1-½ x 3 calling card, in-person signature, undated  but from 1930s.
Condition: Very good