Judging

Differences

Simalarities

Duke Ellington Interview

Q1: Being a conductor and all, how’d you get started in the music business?


Duke Ellington:

In my early years, I played piano. I just found out that I loved music and I loved playing. Later in my life I realized I loved conducting especially my own group, The Washingtonians and my, 'self title group'. The Ellington Orchestra. But I also had some solo work on the side. For my sake, I needed to make some music by myself, instead of conducting. Because I felt that conducting was my passion and I found a better liking towards than just playing piano. Even though I played the piano while I conducted, so I was a multi-tasker.

I started playing professionally in 1917. The first time I tried to play professionally in New York City. It didn’t go so well, in fact it sent me back home to Washington D.C. Until a couple years later I got my confidence back and the gang and I, I mean my band and I, went back and got our break! But not until a couple years later, I didn’t get fully recognized till about 1926.

Q2: Did you have any mentors or idols that really make you express your musical talents?


Duke Ellington:  

My Parents definitely were my inspiration. They wanted to me successful, so they made me start playing when I was seven years old. And believe it or not at first I didn’t wanna play the piano. Then I met Harvey Brooks a Jazz pianist, who gave me pointers and technique skills to help me become a player. Then I was taught by Louis Brown, a man with unbelievable technique, who played at the Lincoln Theater and Oliver “Doc” Perry, who was a local bandleader in the town where I grew up.

          But I felt like it was my responsibility to make music and practice. I could’ve had a top professor from a top music school, who could tell me what to do, but they couldn’t force me, it’s my responsibility to take what I’ve learned and apply it to my rehearsing and practicing. I applied these skills I learned from my teachers. When I applied these skills, it’s what made me successful, and caused my fame. It also made me not just is good, but I learned the instrument.

"My Men and my race are the inspiration of my work. I try to catch the character and mood and feeling of my people."

(http://www.dukeellington.com/ellingtonbio.html)

Q3: What kind of culture and musical style was when you entered the music profession?


Duke Ellington:

Well I officially began playing music as a professional in 1917. Right when I entered the music industry, Jazz was a budding genre of music; some people have considered me a pioneer of a certain style of Jazz. Jazz is about they move and feel of the music. 'Jazz: Empty rhetoric or insincere or exaggerated talk.' See, Jazz originated in New Orleans in the early 1900s.

I played big band and swing style Jazz music. Swing was a type of music that had flowing rhythms and is simple. Swing is a not complex type of music, probably the simplest type of Jazz. And many a time that was the style of Jazz and music I played in my era. But usually I was a Jazz man. Because I loved Jazz music because I studied other types of music but Jazz was a upcoming new style of music that sparked my interest by far than any other genres of music. The swing and beauty of the music, just makes me giddy, and eager to make more music. (http://www.credoreference.com/topic/jazz) 

Q4: How did major cultural, economic, and political situations affect your work in your time?


Duke Ellington:

Well during my era, age, whatever you wanna call it! The cultural and political situations were during the start of my career a war was ending and a new war beginning, WWI then WWII, some hard times. Even in places like Europe the economy had production decrease over 30%. In 1928, fewer than 2,000 people were unemployed. By 1934 over 10,000 people were unemployed! It was unimaginable. In America, The Depression seemed like it was the worst of all places in the economies, but the whole world suffered. But ya know that’s what millions of dollars poured into war gets you, debt.  

And the war was causing tons of our American men to go over seas to fight pointless battles. To die for nothing, put the whole country and world out of…what’s the word, out of whack to say. But it was necessary for our men, to be active and take pride in their country. I still don’t like war, but I love my country.

(http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/depression/about.htm).


Q5: What were your big hits or accomplishments in your time?


Duke Ellington: I think my most career defining song, which according to people’s opinions was the song of the 1930s. That song was 'It don’t mean a thing (If it ain’t got that swing)'. Also in 1966 I was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. A huge accomplishment for any black man was to be recognized among the general population. Not rejected by my skin color. Although among some stubborn people I was always going to be a roach, or a burden of the world.

 Most people were in favor of me though. It’s because of those people I got famous. I was recognized for my music, not my skin color. All my music was an accomplishment. Ultimately the biggest accomplishment I could have was I was able to make music, able to express myself through sound, like I wanted.

(http://www.dukeellington.com/) (http://www.redhotjazz.com/duke.html) (http://remembersegregation.org/)

Q6: What were some opportunities that made your talent have turning points in it? Or accessible to other artists and people?


Duke Ellington:

I think when any of my songs/albums hit the top of the charts, were great opportunities for me, by people getting to buy and hear my music, which enabled me to be awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. When I got the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the award gave me, the chance to be recognized as a musician of the past, and how my musicianship will be used throughout generations.

I was so happy to get that award. Along with A couple of my Grammy awards, in 1969, I received the Medal of Freedom. And in 1973, I received the French Legion of Honor. Which made me feel great, wanted to play more. But unfortunately, I have to rest and get better. Unfortunately I have Cancer, I am very sick so I have to get better if I wanna make music again.

 (http://www.dukeellington.com/ellingtonbio.html) (http://pbskids.org/jazz/nowthen/duke.html)




Q7: What personal choices did you do to become successful?


Duke Ellington:

 Well as anyone wants to become famous or they just want people to hear their music, as I said in question two, you asked me if I had any mentors or idols, I said that I felt as though it was my responsibility to become successful! That’s your answer sweetheart. I felt the need to practice. Although sometimes I didn’t want to.

I also became successful with the help of people that I love, and that love me. The support of my parents helps me become successful by them pushing me. Also they got me to be confident and meet people who eventually taught me how to play. As I said in the first question, I didn’t like playing the piano when I was seven, but my parents urged me to play. But I was interested in baseball and the ladies instead. But the ladies liked piano players, maybe one of the reasons I started playing again when I was a teenager.

(http://www.dukeellington.com/ellingtonbio.html) (http://pbskids.org/jazz/nowthen/duke.html)


Q8: What hardships or roadblocks did you face, or have to overcome to be as successful as you are, being a musician?


Duke Ellington:

One word SEGREGATION probably was the biggest problem I faced. I mean I don’t get it, it’s just a skin color, ya know? But, people have/ had their ways and some people heard my music and if only people gave me chance.

Just imagine if, people took a different approach to our skin color. The world would definitely a better place if people just saw other people for the way they are. Not judging people by their skin. But by talking to them and understanding where people come from and how they got here, and what their like.

(http://remembersegregation.org/)


Q9: What kind limitations did you run into as an artist and a person?


Duke Ellington:

In the previous question I had already said that segregation and the color of my skin. We blacks had it rough. Couldn't even share water fountains with white people. It’s not like we were sickly, just different colors of skin. Whites only the banners would say on buses, water fountains, schools. Couldn't even be as "smart" as white people.  Racial segregation was blown totally out of proportion.

I just couldn’t believe how the world worked. But obviously it didn’t stop “The Duke” from making music. I got that nickname “The Duke” because one of my friends admired me; yes I had fans when I was young too. My full name is Edward Kennedy Ellington, but soon went by Duke.

(http://remembersegregation.org/) (http://pbskids.org/jazz/nowthen/duke.html)


Q10: What kind of personal stories best showcase how you become famous? Or successful in the arts?


Duke Ellington:   

One time in New York City in 1923, I had went with some players/friends from Washington D.C. we worked for awhile with a banjoist Elmer Snowden, and we formed a group called The Washingtonians, and we worked in the Hollywood Club in Manhattan, a lotta of artists played with us such as, Sidney Bechet and Bucher Miley, a trumpet player who later became a part of the band. He brought a new type of style to my band and our music. Later people called it the “Jungle Sound” which led to my early success.

I’ve had many stories that led to my success in my life. But I’d just want to thank everybody for my success. My parents of course, they helped me get started in music. My teachers, helped me learn the techniques of Jazz, piano, and music in general. And finally my fans made me famous by giving me a chance and listening to my music. Also myself, for trying. (www.redhotjazz,com/duke.html)

Work Cited List (Bibliography)

1. Bio. "Duke Ellington Biography." Biography.com. 1994-2010. 16 Feb. 2011 <http://www.biography.com/articles/Duke-Ellington-9286338>.

2. "Duke Ellington." The Red Hot Jazz Archive. 16 Feb. 2011 <http://www.redhotjazz.com/duke.html>.

3. (c) & TM 2008 the Estates of Mercer K. Ellington and Edward K. "Duke" Ellington, and Duke Ellington Estate Executor: Paul Ellington. "Duke Ellington news from the Official Website of Jazz Legend Duke Ellington." The Official Website of Jazz Legend Duke Ellington. 2008. 16 Feb. 2011 <http://dukeellington.com/ellingtonnews.html>.

4. PBS. "PBS - JAZZ A Film by Ken Burns: Selected Artist BiographyPBS: Public Broadcasting Service. 2000. Courtesy Of Jazz at Lincoln Center. 16 Feb. 2011 <http://www.pbs.org/jazz/biography/artist_id_ellington_duke.htm>.

5. "Edward K. (Duke) Ellington." Schirmer. Apr. 2002. 16 Feb. 2011 <http://www.schirmer.com/default.aspx?TabId=2419&State_2872=2&ComposerId_2872=2311>.

6. DDB Worldwide Communications Inc. "Segregation." Remember Segregation. 2006. DDB Worldwide. 16 Feb. 2011 <http://remembersegregation.org/>.

7. "About the Great Depression." Welcome to English « Department of English, College of LAS, University of Illinois. 16 Feb. 2011 <http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/depression/about.htm>.

8.  1990-2011. "Duke Ellington - IMDb." The Internet Movie Database (IMDb). 1990-2011. 17 Feb. 2011 <http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0254153/>.

9. "Duke Ellington." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 17 Feb. 2011 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duke_Ellington>.

10. "Jazz - Credo Reference Topic." Credo Reference Home. 17 Feb. 2011 <http://www.credoreference.com/topic/jazz>.

11. Tucker, Mark, and Duke Ellington. The Duke Ellington reader. New York: Oxford UP, 1993.

12. Lawrence, A. H. Duke Ellington and his world: a biography. New York: Routledge, 2001.

13. Ellington, Duke. Music is my mistress. New York: Da Capo P, 1976.

14. "Duke Ellington." AllMusic. 17 Feb. 2011 <http://www.allmusic.com/artist/duke-ellington-p72532>.

15. Yanow, Scott. Jazz a regional exploration. Westport, CT: Greenwood P, 2005.

16. Levine, Mark. The jazz theory book. Petaluma, CA (

P.O. Box 445, Petaluma

, 94953): Sher Music, 1995.

17. Schultz, Stanley. The Great Depression: a primary source history. Milwaukee: Gareth Stevens, 2006.

18. Hasse, John Edward. Beyond category: the life and genius of Duke Ellington. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1993.

19. Pinkney, Andrea Davis., and J. Brian Pinkney. Duke Ellington: the piano prince and his orchestra. New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 1998.

20. McElvaine, Robert S. The Great Depression: America, 1929-1941. [New York, N.Y.]: Times Books, 1984.

21. Dance, Stanley. The world of Duke Ellington. New York: C. Scribner's Sons, 1970.

22. Estrella, Espie. "Profile of Duke Ellington." Music Education. 2005. 20 Feb. 2011 <http://musiced.about.com/od/blackhistorymonth/p/dukeellington.htm>.

23. PBS. "Jazz. Jazz Greats. Duke Ellington | PBS KIDS GO!" PBS KIDS: Educational Games, Videos and Activities For Kids! 1994-2005. Web. 23 Feb. 2011. <http://pbskids.org/jazz/nowthen/duke.html>.