"I merely took the energy it takes to pout and wrote some blues." -- American musical great Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington, who was born 120 years ago today in Washington, DC. He passed away in 1974.
That he wrote some blues is a monumental understatement. Ellington was one of the greatest pianists and composers of American music -- blues, jazz and music that he referred to as "American music." His career spanned more than 50 years, and he received many honors for his music, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the French Legion of Honor. He was a giant.
