On April 29, 1899, American composer, pianist and jazz band leader Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington was born and had a tremendous career in music for over 50 years when he passed on May 24, 1974.  Proving that at least one good thing came from Washington, D.C, Duke was born there and then moved and based his career out of New York City’s Cotton Club and other venues.   Although known primarily as a jazz man, his musical compositions were truly beyond category of any specific genre.

During his long career, Ellington wrote more than 1000 compositions with many of his works becoming standards.  From 1941 onward, he collaborated with composer-arranger Billy Strayhorn.   Also during his career he recorded and performed for several films and scored stage musicals as well.   In 1999, he was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize for music.

His album The Far East Suite won a Grammy Award in 1968 for Best Instrumental Jazz Performance for Large Group.  It’s a classic well worth the listening to .. which Aloha Promises Forever strongly encourages you do.  Without the slightest hesitation, this album is a solid 10 out of 10.  Perhaps even a 20?  Is that possible?  In this case, I believe so.

You may listen to The Far East Suite here: