A renowned composer, trumpeter, conductor, and arranger, this talented individual's education was marked by attendance at prestigious institutions such as Juilliard, New York University, and Columbia University.
In 1939, he took the initiative to form his own band, and his musical journey continued to unfold as he served in the US Army during World War II. Upon his return, he led his band until 1949, solidifying his reputation as a skilled musician.
The following years saw him take on various roles, including road manager and trumpeter for the Cootie Williams orchestra, and general assistant to his father, the legendary Duke Ellington, from 1955 to 1959.
Not content to rest on his laurels, he organized a recording orchestra and went on to make numerous records. In his spare time, he found opportunity to share his expertise as a radio commentator for WLIB in New York.
As a member of ASCAP since 1957, his chief musical collaborator was, of course, his father, Duke Ellington. Among his most notable compositions are "Blue Serge", "Moon Mist", "Jumpin' Pumpkins", "The Girl in My Dreams", and "John Hardy's Wife", which have become beloved by audiences everywhere.
