Features
The Untold Stories of Black History
The Knightly News is highlighting nine Black and African Americans across various fields who have broken barriers and distinguished themselves through their lives and careers.
Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington was an American pianist and composer who was the greatest jazz composer and bandleader of his time. Ellington led his band for over 50 years and composed thousands of scores, as well as created one of the most distinct and influential sounds in all of Western music. Ellington created several masterworks such as “Concerto for Cootie”, “Cotton Tail”, and “Main Stem.” Ellington also branched out from jazz and created pop music as well like “Rocks in My Bed” and “Satin Doll.” The Ellington band toured Europe, Asia, West Africa, South America and Australia as well as frequently toured North America. Ellington’s composition paved the way for all further jazz artists and musicians, as well as artists who use parts of Ellington’s musical compositions in other genres. Duke Ellington has earned the title of arguably the greatest American composer to ever live.
The Knightly News 