Edward Kennedy Ellington, American jazz composer, orchestrator, bandleader, and pianist, is considered to be the greatest composer in the history of jazz music and one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. He composed over 2000 works and performed numerous concerts during his musical career. A compilation of some of his most popular music is collected on a CD called “The Popular Duke Ellington.” Ellington personally created most of the music played by his orchestra. …showed first 75 words of 547 total…

…showed last 75 words of 547 total…that never die.” Other pieces were “recycled,” or being derived from previous pieces. One example is “Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me” which came from “Concerto for Cootie.” Both compositions have the same distinguishable melody. Many of Ellington’s compositions have common characteristics, such as the muted brass instruments and high, wailing clarinets; distinctive harmonies; his stride piano playing style; and unusual combinations of instruments. He created a body of innovative and original music.