Join us on Friday, April 29th as we celebrate the 117th anniversary of the birth of Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington, one of the most significant figures in the history of jazz. His innovations in orchestration and composition have informed much of the development of the music. Originally from Washington DC, he moved to New York City where, in 1927, he began his tenure at the Cotton Club. It was there that he rose to international stardom. He remained successful throughout the great depression and even after the swing era, financing his orchestra through the royalties he received from his many compositions, which became jazz standards. In the later part of his career, he was know for his highly advanced extended works as well as his Sacred Concerts. Throughout the years, his band included such important figures as Johnny Hodges, Ben Webster, Cootie Williams, Lawrence Brown, and Clark Terry, to name just a few. Please tune in as we take an in-depth look at the career of Duke Ellington, a figure who truly stands at the heart of America's music.