American pianist, composer and bandleader Duke Ellington is regarded as one of the towering figures in jazz history. His career spanned more than fifty years, during which he created a distinctive blend of swing, blues and classical elements with his orchestra. Famous for timeless works like "Take the 'A' Train" and "Mood Indigo", Ellington proved that jazz could be both sophisticated and widely popular. What set him apart was his remarkable ability to continually push the boundaries of jazz through innovative compositions and arrangements.
