Duke Ellington
1899-1974
A master of sophistication and jazz, be it orchestral or at the piano, Ellington was also a great composer of lasting musical pieces that have long survived him. Strangely, although his Orchestras turned out many quality recordings in the 78 era, he did not enjoy the satisfaction of seeing any of them reach the dizzying heights of million sellers.
His first composition, in 1914 was called Soda Fountain Rag. The compositions that followed are too numerous to mention here and many are so famous that people know them without even realising it. They are still around to be enjoyed and performed and will remain in public affection far into the future.