Duke Ellington and His Orchestra

A studied pianist, musicologist, bandleader, tastemaker, composer, and former butler, Duke Ellington was one of first great innovators in jazz, creating pieces that extended beyond the standard time limit found on most 78 RPM records in the '30s and '40s and integrating the influence of classical music thanks to the input of arranging partner Billy Strayhorn. He also had "that swing" — the rhythm that drove people to dance or to fall in love. Maybe this came from his time entertaining at Harlem's Cotton Club or maybe it was a part of "Sir Duke’s" innate talent. Whatever the reason, his music from "Mood Indigo" to "Caravan" to "Sophisticated Lady" and his albums (including late period triumphs such as the exploratory Far East Suite and the Charles Mingus- and Max Roach-assisted hard-bop of Money Jungle) are not only part of Duke's rich legacy, but part of the great history of American music in general.