Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington is an actor, composer, composer/lyricist whose BroadwayWorld credits include Play On! and Timon of Athens.
Date of Birth: April 29, 1899
Date of Death: May 24, 1974 (75)
Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA
Latest News on Duke Ellington:
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Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Music in a Play
Duke Ellington, Timon of Athens
Videos
Video: PLAY ON! Trailer Released Ahead of Chicago Shakespeare Theater Premiere
by Michael Major - 2026-09-18 15:32:27
Video: Inside PLAY ON! Rehearsals at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
by Michael Major - 2026-08-18 15:21:05
Video: Opera Singer Denyce Graves Reflects on Career Ahead of Retirement on PBS
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-02-11 10:31:46
Video: Original DREAMGIRLS Star Jennifer Holliday Sings 'I Am Changing' At 54 Below
by A.A. Cristi - 2026-01-09 23:01:37
News
The Smith Center to Present PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, ELF THE MUSICAL Fall 2026
by Rachel Stone - Sep 26, 2026
The Smith Center will present major Broadway productions including PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (October 21–November 1), ELF THE MUSICAL (November 24–29), and OH, MARY! (October 6–11), with tickets on sale now.
by Rachel Stone - Sep 26, 2026
The Smith Center will present major Broadway productions including PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (October 21–November 1), ELF THE MUSICAL (November 24–29), and OH, MARY! (October 6–11), with tickets on sale now.
SOPHISTICATED LADIES to Open WBTT's 2026-2027 Season
by Stephi Wild - Sep 25, 2026
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present SOPHISTICATED LADIES, a musical revue celebrating Duke Ellington's jazz legacy, at The Donelly Theatre in Sarasota.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 25, 2026
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present SOPHISTICATED LADIES, a musical revue celebrating Duke Ellington's jazz legacy, at The Donelly Theatre in Sarasota.
BLUES AND THE ABSTRACT TRUTH to be Performed by NEC Jazz Orchestra
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 24, 2026
The NEC Jazz Orchestra under conductor Ken Schaphorst will perform Blues and the Abstract Truth, featuring compositions by Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, and others at Boston's Plimpton Shattuck Black Box Theatre.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 24, 2026
The NEC Jazz Orchestra under conductor Ken Schaphorst will perform Blues and the Abstract Truth, featuring compositions by Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, and others at Boston's Plimpton Shattuck Black Box Theatre.
Everett McCorvey to Conduct Two Music Worcester Concerts in November
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 23, 2026
Conductor Everett McCorvey leads two concerts celebrating American composers George Gershwin and Duke Ellington as Music Worcester's Artist-in-Residence, featuring the Worcester Chorus, National Chorale, and guest soloists at venues including Hanover Theatre and Mechanics Hall.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 23, 2026
Conductor Everett McCorvey leads two concerts celebrating American composers George Gershwin and Duke Ellington as Music Worcester's Artist-in-Residence, featuring the Worcester Chorus, National Chorale, and guest soloists at venues including Hanover Theatre and Mechanics Hall.
Pianist Chengcheng Ma to Make Carnegie Hall Debut
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 23, 2026
Pianist Chengcheng Ma will perform his Carnegie Hall debut at Weill Recital Hall, featuring world and U.S. premieres and works by living composers.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 23, 2026
Pianist Chengcheng Ma will perform his Carnegie Hall debut at Weill Recital Hall, featuring world and U.S. premieres and works by living composers.
Noah Kellman, Alexander Claffy and Charles Goold to Perform at Jazz Vespers
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 22, 2026
Pianist and composer Noah Kellman will present a multimedia talk examining jazz's evolution from Mozart to contemporary artists, featuring archival images, listening examples, and live demonstrations at Saint Peter's Church in Manhattan.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 22, 2026
Pianist and composer Noah Kellman will present a multimedia talk examining jazz's evolution from Mozart to contemporary artists, featuring archival images, listening examples, and live demonstrations at Saint Peter's Church in Manhattan.
The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble to Present 10th THE TAPCRACKER at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 22, 2026
The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble will present their 10th annual production of THE TAPCRACKER at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre in Philadelphia. The all-tap reimagining of the holiday classic features a cast of over 40 dancers.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 22, 2026
The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble will present their 10th annual production of THE TAPCRACKER at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre in Philadelphia. The all-tap reimagining of the holiday classic features a cast of over 40 dancers.
Feature: THE FULTON THEATRE at Lancaster, PA
by Joyce Phillips - Sep 21, 2026
The Fulton is a historic theatre located in the heart of Lancaster City, PA. It is truly a Broadway theatre, inside and out. This article covers its history, the Lancaster community, the Jonathan Groff connection, and their upcoming 2026-27 season.
by Joyce Phillips - Sep 21, 2026
The Fulton is a historic theatre located in the heart of Lancaster City, PA. It is truly a Broadway theatre, inside and out. This article covers its history, the Lancaster community, the Jonathan Groff connection, and their upcoming 2026-27 season.
Roger Kellaway, John Goldsby and Terry Clarke to Present Jazz Events at The New School
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 21, 2026
The School of Jazz and Contemporary Music at The New School will host a masterclass, concert, and rhythm section workshop featuring pianist Roger Kellaway, bassist John Goldsby, and drummer Terry Clarke, with selections from their 1986 album In Japan.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 21, 2026
The School of Jazz and Contemporary Music at The New School will host a masterclass, concert, and rhythm section workshop featuring pianist Roger Kellaway, bassist John Goldsby, and drummer Terry Clarke, with selections from their 1986 album In Japan.
Cyrille Aimée, Hiromi, and More Set for SFJAZZ October 2026 Programming
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 21, 2026
SFJAZZ presents internationally celebrated artists and Bay Area favorites throughout October, including vocalist Cyrille Aimée, pianist Hiromi, and five-time Grammy-winning collective Snarky Puppy.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 21, 2026
SFJAZZ presents internationally celebrated artists and Bay Area favorites throughout October, including vocalist Cyrille Aimée, pianist Hiromi, and five-time Grammy-winning collective Snarky Puppy.
Review: PLAY ON! at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
by Rachel Weinberg - Sep 20, 2026
Play On! is a lively retelling of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Conceived by Sheldon Epps (who also directs) and with a book by Cheryl L. West, Play On! transports Shakespeare’s story to Harlem, New York. West’s book skillfully weaves Duke Ellington’s songs into the narrative.
by Rachel Weinberg - Sep 20, 2026
Play On! is a lively retelling of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Conceived by Sheldon Epps (who also directs) and with a book by Cheryl L. West, Play On! transports Shakespeare’s story to Harlem, New York. West’s book skillfully weaves Duke Ellington’s songs into the narrative.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld September 21, 2026- Jennifer Simard Joins SCHMIGADOON! and More
by - Sep 21, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is September 21, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
by - Sep 21, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is September 21, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
Video: PLAY ON! Trailer Released Ahead of Chicago Shakespeare Theater Premiere
by Michael Major - Sep 18, 2026
Chicago Shakespeare Theater shared a trailer for PLAY ON!, its jazz musical retelling of Twelfth Night set to Duke Ellington's music, opening the company's 40th Anniversary Season.
by Michael Major - Sep 18, 2026
Chicago Shakespeare Theater shared a trailer for PLAY ON!, its jazz musical retelling of Twelfth Night set to Duke Ellington's music, opening the company's 40th Anniversary Season.
Peggy Lee's "Since You Have Gone" EP to Debut Unreleased Original
by Rachel Stone - Sep 18, 2026
A previously unreleased Peggy Lee original discovered in Capitol Records vaults after more than 60 years will debut as the title track of a new digital EP, paired with signature recordings and a new visualizer.
by Rachel Stone - Sep 18, 2026
A previously unreleased Peggy Lee original discovered in Capitol Records vaults after more than 60 years will debut as the title track of a new digital EP, paired with signature recordings and a new visualizer.
Zacchae'us Paul Releases New R&B Single STAY Featuring donSMITH
by Rachel Stone - Sep 18, 2026
Atlanta-born artist Zacchae'us Paul released his new single STAY, featuring donSMITH and trumpeter Milena Casado, ahead of his sophomore album JAZZ MONEY VOL. 2: SWINGIN' R&B on Candid Records.
by Rachel Stone - Sep 18, 2026
Atlanta-born artist Zacchae'us Paul released his new single STAY, featuring donSMITH and trumpeter Milena Casado, ahead of his sophomore album JAZZ MONEY VOL. 2: SWINGIN' R&B on Candid Records.
New School Studio Orchestra to perform HEAVY WEATHER in WEATHER REPORT tribute
by Rachel Stone - Sep 17, 2026
The New School Studio Orchestra will perform the complete 1977 album HEAVY WEATHER, featuring the iconic hit 'Birdland,' at Tishman Auditorium in New York City. The concert is free with registration.
by Rachel Stone - Sep 17, 2026
The New School Studio Orchestra will perform the complete 1977 album HEAVY WEATHER, featuring the iconic hit 'Birdland,' at Tishman Auditorium in New York City. The concert is free with registration.
Catherine Russell to Celebrate 70 At Jazz At Lincoln Center's Rose Theater With Cyndi Lauper
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 16, 2026
The 3x GRAMMY-nominated vocalist will perform two nights at the Rose Theater with special guest Cyndi Lauper, featuring longtime collaborators in a program shaped by Russell's influential jazz career.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 16, 2026
The 3x GRAMMY-nominated vocalist will perform two nights at the Rose Theater with special guest Cyndi Lauper, featuring longtime collaborators in a program shaped by Russell's influential jazz career.
Lisa Hilton Quintet Releases NATURALLY Album
by Rachel Stone - Sep 16, 2026
The Lisa Hilton Quintet releases its thirtieth album featuring tenor saxophonist JD Allen, trumpeter Igmar Thomas, bassist Luques Curtis and drummer Rudy Royston. The recording marks another entry in Hilton's cool jazz catalog.
by Rachel Stone - Sep 16, 2026
The Lisa Hilton Quintet releases its thirtieth album featuring tenor saxophonist JD Allen, trumpeter Igmar Thomas, bassist Luques Curtis and drummer Rudy Royston. The recording marks another entry in Hilton's cool jazz catalog.
Karen Ziemba, Matthew Scott and Vanisha Gould to Celebrate Kander & Ebb at Jazz At Lincoln Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 15, 2026
Songbook Sundays, created and hosted by Deborah Grace Winer celebrating the American Songbook will continue at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Dizzy's Club with LIFE IS KANDER AND EBB.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 15, 2026
Songbook Sundays, created and hosted by Deborah Grace Winer celebrating the American Songbook will continue at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Dizzy's Club with LIFE IS KANDER AND EBB.
AILEY II: THE NEXT GENERATION OF DANCE is Coming to Westport Country Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 15, 2026
Ailey II, the second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, will present a mixed repertory including works by Francesca Harper, Ronald K. Brown, and Alvin Ailey at Westport Country Playhouse.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 15, 2026
Ailey II, the second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, will present a mixed repertory including works by Francesca Harper, Ronald K. Brown, and Alvin Ailey at Westport Country Playhouse.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Duke Ellington written?
Duke Ellington has written 15 shows including Cotton Club Parade (Composer), Jump for Joy (Composer), Blue Holiday (Composer/Lyricist), Beggar's Holiday (Composer), My People (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), Pousse-Café (Composer), Bubbling Brown Sugar (Composer/Lyricist), Sophisticated Ladies (Lyricist), Queenie Pie (Composer), Stardust (Composer), A Drum is a Woman (Composer/Lyricist), Play On! (Composer), Dream (Composer/Lyricist), Swing! (Composer/Lyricist), Taking a Chance on Love (Composer).
What awards has Duke Ellington been nominated for?
Duke Ellington has been nominated for the Outstanding Music in a Play award at the Drama Desk Awards for his work on the play "Timon of Athens".
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