Duke Ellington, Genius Beyond Category
No one led a life, no one led a band, and no one made music like Duke Ellington.” Dr. John Edward Hasse
Ellington: he was one of a kind—beyond category. Based on his acclaimed biography, Dr. John Edward Hasse of the Smithsonian Institution will introduce you to the moving and inspiring story of Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington, who overcame racial, social, and musical obstacles to become one of the 20th century’s greatest musicians. Not just a bandleader or pianist, but a composer of more than 1,500 works.
You’ll learn about
In telling his story, Hasse will take you on a journey of discovery into triumphs and disappointments in Ellington’s life.
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Duke Ellington’s boyhood in Washington, DC and his breakthrough at Harlem’s Cotton Club.
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How Ellington personalized his compositions for the individual gifts of his players and created one of the foremost orchestras in history.
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And, his sharp disappointment about being rejected for a Pulitzer Prize.
You’ll hear excerpts from his famous recordings such as Mood Indigo, Take the ‘A’ Train, and his surprising Sacred Concerts. You’ll enjoy learning about the maestro’s musical breakthroughs. And you’ll relish every moment of movie and video clips spanning forty years of a career that exemplifies the genius, the eloquence and charisma that was Duke Ellington.
Other keynote topics
