Duke Ellington was a renowned American composer, pianist, and bandleader, celebrated for his significant contributions to jazz music. Born on April 29, 1899, in Washington, D.C., he led one of the most popular orchestras from the 1920s through the 1970s, blending various musical styles and creating timeless classics. His innovative approach to composition and arrangement helped elevate jazz to a respected art form. Ellington's works, such as Mood Indigo and It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing), showcase his genius and continue to influence musicians today.