The Life of Duke Ellington By amoser Apr 29, 1899 born in washington d.c. as edward ellington Duke was born in Washington DC. His given name was Edward, not Duke. Period: Nov 8, 1900 to Nov 8, 1975 Duke Ellington's Life Oct 26, 1914 writes 1st song while working as a soda jerk. Oct 26, 1918 he play misc at partys. Oct 2, 1927 songs on the radio Nov 2, 1939 he hired blly strayhorn Nov 2, 1941 he his a greatest hit Jan 23, 1943 he played at carnegie hall May 24, 1974 he died
