Who was Fernanda de Castro Monte?
Ellington’s companion in the ’60s and ’70s was Fernanda de Castro Monte, described by Jewell as “a tall, arrogantly striking blond of great sophistication whom he (Ellington) always introduced as ‘Countess. ‘ She was imperious – a handsome woman rather than beautiful. She acted like a countess.”
Was Duke Ellington married?
Edna Thompsonm. 1918–1967
Duke Ellington/Spouse
Death. At the age of 19, Ellington married Edna Thompson, who had been his girlfriend since high school, and soon after their marriage, she gave birth to their only child, Mercer Kennedy Ellington.
Who was influenced by Duke Ellington?
Johnson, became a very capable stride pianist. But unlike all of his contemporaries (other than Mary Lou Williams), Ellington continually modernized his playing during the decades that followed, becoming an influence on Thelonious Monk in the 1940s.
What did Duke Ellington’s parents do?
Daisy Kennedy Ellington
James Edward Ellington
Duke Ellington/Parents
Does Duke Ellington have a daughter?
His daughter Mercedes Ellington is president of the Duke Ellington Center for the Arts.
Who was Duke Ellington’s wife?
Duke Ellington/Wife
The composer was married to his high school sweetheart, Edna Thompson Ellington, for nearly half a century, but for much of that time he lived with Ellis, who also used his name and was sometimes called his “First Lady.”
What was Duke Ellington’s impact on society?
Leading and anchoring his ever-evolving band for half a century, Ellington showed how the American Orchestra could achieve a perfect balance of music that was both shaped by the composer while also birthed on the spot by the musicians, while also creating art that swung relentlessly while also achieving the heights of …
Who is Mercedes Ellington married to?
Eric Butler
Mercedes Doralyn Ellington, a choreographer and stage director, and Eric Butler, a musician, composer and vocalist, both in New York, are engaged to be married.
Who were Duke Ellington’s children?
Mercer Ellington
Duke Ellington/Children
Who was Duke Ellington in a relationship with?
They continued the relationship even after Ellington was in a relationship with Fernanda de Castro Monte in 1960s. For the rest of his life, Ellington supported both women. Ellington’s son Mercer played trumpet and piano and had his band. He also worked as his father’s business manager.
What was the first film Duke Ellington appeared in?
Ellington’s film work began with Black and Tan (1929), a 19-minute all-African-American RKO short in which he played the hero “Duke”. He also appeared in the Amos ‘n’ Andy film Check and Double Check, released in 1930.
When did Miles Davis cover Duke Ellington’s the Duke?
Dave Brubeck dedicated “The Duke” (1954) to Ellington and it became a standard covered by others, including by Miles Davis on Miles Ahead, 1957. The album The Real Ambassadors has a vocal version of this piece, “You Swing Baby (The Duke)”, with lyrics by Iola Brubeck, Dave Brubeck’s wife.
Who was Duke Ellington’s High School music teacher?
Henry Lee Grant, a Dunbar High School music teacher, gave him private lessons in harmony. With the additional guidance of Washington pianist and band leader Oliver “Doc” Perry, Ellington learned to read sheet music, project a professional style, and improve his technique.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vu0jOqeSENY