Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington was one of the most prolific composers of the twentieth century. His career as a jazz band leader lasted over fifty years. Born in DC, he lived in seven addresses in the city in his youth, and took piano lessons from a local teacher, Henry Grant. While still underage, Ellington began visiting juke joints and dance clubs along 7th Street NW to hear live music. Ellington’s first paid gig with his own band, “Duke’s Serenader’s,” took place at the True Reformer’s Hall, on U Street, and his subsequent band, the “Washingtonians” was one of the leading society bands in the city. Ellington moved to Harlem in 1923.
Ellington is the author of an autobiography, Music is My Mistress (1973). When the U.S. Mint issued a coin representing DC in 2009, Duke Ellington was portrayed on it, the first musician and the first African American to be featured on a U.S. circulating coin. He is remembered in the city with a high school and a bridge named in his honor. Other honors include: 13 Grammy awards, a Presidential Medal of Freedom (1969), the French Legion of Honor (1973), and a posthumous special citation from the Pulitzer Prize board.
The Homes
420 Elm St. NW, Washington, DC
1805 13th St. NW, Washington, DC
Marked with an historic plaque.
2728 Sherman Ave. NW, Washington, DC
1816 13th Street NW, Washington, DC
Duke Ellington
420 Elm St. NW, Washington DC
Located in Ledroit Park neighborhood, Northwest - East of Rock Creek
Duke Ellington
1805 13th St. NW, Washington DC
Located in U Street/Strivers Section neighborhood, Northwest - East of Rock Creek
Duke Ellington
2728 Sherman Ave. NW
Located in Pleasant Plains neighborhood, Northwest - East of Rock Creek
Duke Ellington
1816 13th Street Northwest, Washington, DC, USA
Located in U Street/Strivers Section neighborhood,