An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
Official websites use .gov A
.gov website belongs to an official government
organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A
lock (
) or https:// means you've safely connected to
the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official,
secure websites.
Duke Ellington. Photo by Gordon Parks, from Library of Congress collection
Jazz aficonado or not, you've probably heard of Duke Ellington, one of the 20th-century's most iconic composer-bandleaders. Born in Washington, DC, as Edward Kennedy Ellington--he was dubbed Duke as a kid--Ellington's career spanned more than 50 years. Just a few of his hits include "Sophisticated Lady," "Satin Doll," and, of course, "It Don't Mean a Thing (...If It Ain't Got That Swing)." Ellington garnered multiple Grammy awards, including a Lifetime Achievement award and induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 1969, he was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. To celebrate Black History Month and to inspire you whenever you need it, here are five pin-worthy quotes by the master musician.
Stay Connected to the National Endowment for the Arts
