Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington was born on April 29, 1889 to two talented musicians and started studying the piano at the age of 7. He wrote his first composition at the age of 15 called "Soda Fountain Rag." This song was inspired by his soda jerk job he had at the time. In the 1920s, Duke performed within a sextet which soon grew to a 10-piece ensemble. He played the piano. Duke sought for unique people for his ensemble. Ellington died on May 24, 1974 at the age of 75.