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Duke Ellington Headshot

Duke Ellington

Date of Death: May 24, 1974 (75)

Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA

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Productions

 
[West End, 2025]
Composer
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Composer

Writing

Lyricist
Composer
Composer/Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Composer
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Lyricist
Source Material
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Composer/Lyricist

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Music in a Play

Duke Ellington, Timon of Athens

Videos

News


Miami City Ballet 40th Anniversary Season Announced
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 12, 2025

Miami City Ballet sets the stage for an electrifying celebration as it unveils its spectacular 40th Anniversary Season. This milestone season is a high-voltage tribute to four decades of boundary-pushing artistry, Miami style, and show-stopping performances that will leave audiences breathless.
Review: ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER at The Kennedy Center Opera House â€" February 4th
by Audrey Cahak - Feb 7, 2025

The excitement was overflowing in The Kennedy Center Opera House as the annual Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater program began. The audience was so heavily anticipating the start that they found every excuse to cheer — they even applauded the sponsor acknowledgement. 
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater And BAM Reveal June Program
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 7, 2025

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will return to Brooklyn with a spring program that includes a world premiere from choreographer Jawole Willa Jo Zollar in collaboration with Samantha Figgins and Chalvar Monteiro. Learn how to purchase!
Louisa Lee Poster To Present SWINGING DOWN TIN PAN ALLEY at Silvana
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 5, 2025

Silvana will host an unforgettable concert as Louisa Lee Poster returns for an Encore Performance of 'Swinging Down Tin Pan Alley.' Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
92NY to Present Max Roach At 100: Tyshawn Sorey Trio & Sandbox Percussion
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 5, 2025

The 92nd Street Y, New York will celebrate the extraordinary legacy of legendary drummer, composer and activist Max Roach on his centenary. Learn more and see how to attend.
Interview: Jayna Elise of TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL at Salle Wilfred-Pelletier, Place Des Arts
by Noelle Hannibal - Feb 4, 2025

Jayna Elise has been performing since the age of 4. She has been on stages with Queen Latifah, Tyler Perry and many more. When she was 14 years old, she appeared on America's Got Talent and followed that up with two seasons on American Idol. In addition to her performance career, she is a songwriter, writing for hit Kpop groups like Red Velvet and NMIXX. I had the chance to chat with Elise just prior to TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL, in which she stars as Tina Turner, landing in Montreal. She's simply the best!
Photos: The Museum of Broadway Celebrates Black Storytellers of Broadway in New Exhibit
by Stephi Wild - Feb 4, 2025

The Museum Of Broadway recently celebrated its new special exhibit, Crafting Excellence: Black Storytellers of Broadway. Check out photos from the event here!
Review: Sultry, Soulful, and Spectacular: BLUES IN THE NIGHT Delivers at Arizona Theatre Company
by Robert Encila-Celdran - Feb 3, 2025

Curated in collaboration with musical director Sy Johnson, acclaimed director Sheldon Epps first staged BLUES IN THE NIGHT in 1980 as a musical revue. The show follows three women and one man, each offering a different take on love and loss. Structured around legendary songs by Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, et al., it debuted on Broadway in 1982 and earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Musical.
Review: PLAY ON!, Lyric Hammersmith
by Aliya Al-Hassan - Feb 3, 2025

During these dark and cold nights, something magical is happening on stage at the Lyric Hammersmith. Play On! was originally created by director Sheldon Epps and writer Cheryl L. West back in 1997, transferring from San Diego to Broadway. Talawa theatre company have stripped the show back and have created a truly joyful production to delight the most curmudgeonly of audiences.
Susan Mack's NO MORE BLUES (WINTER EDITION) Set for Chelsea Table & Stage This Month
by Blair Ingenthron - Feb 2, 2025

Susan Mack will return to Chelsea Table & Stage with a one-night-only encore performance of her newest show, No More Blues (Winter Edition). Learn more about the performance here!
Dallas Black Dance Theatre Welcomes New Interim Artistic Director, Richard A. Freeman, Jr.
by Stephi Wild - Jan 31, 2025

Dallas Black Dance Theatre's 48th season will continue under the leadership of Interim Artistic Director Richard A. Freeman, Jr., whose deep roots in American dance and relationship with DBDT spans nearly 20 years.
CHICAGO SINGS 30 YEARS OF PORCHLIGHT On Sale At Porchlight Music Theatre Tomorrow
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 29, 2025

Porchlight Music Theatre has announced its annual fundraising concert celebrating Porchlight's 30th anniversary with Chicago Sings 30 Years of Porchlight, Monday, May 12 at 7 p.m., with a 5:30 p.m. reception, at the House of Blues Chicago.
Interview: Melissa Errico's Valentine's Day Residency Returns to Birdland
by Rebecca Kaplan - Jan 29, 2025

In cabaret master Melissa Errico's hands, familiar songs are recast as 'intimate conversations and private reflections,' perfect for a Valentine's Day weekend with your family, partner or friends. Read a conversation about the show, love, and more.
JAZZ AT NAZ Returns to the Soraya in February
by Stephi Wild - Jan 29, 2025

The Soraya’s signature festival, Jazz at Naz, will return or a month of performances from legendary masters to up-and-coming stars and more. Learn more here!
Soho Theatre Walthamstow Reveals Initial Programme
by Stephi Wild - Jan 28, 2025

First programming has been announced for Soho Theatre Walthamstow, a major new 960-seat venue opening in May 2025 that will house the very best UK and international comedy, theatre, cabaret and panto, alongside a creative engagement programme. 
Songbook Sundays Continue at Dizzy's Club With JUST IN TIME FOR JULE STYNE
by Stephi Wild - Jan 23, 2025

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 Just in Time for Jule Styne.
Michael Feinstein to Close Kean Stage’s 2024-2025 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 22, 2025

Kean Stage will present Michael Feinstein in Because of You My Tribute to Tony Bennett, featuring the Carnegie Hall Ensemble, which will close Kean Stage’s 2024-2025 season. Learn how to purchase tickets.
The Springfield Chamber Players Clarinet Quintet Opens 2025 Season At The Westfield Athenaeum
by Stephi Wild - Jan 22, 2025

The Springfield Chamber Players will launch its 2025 Westfield Athenaeum season with a performance by the Springfield Chamber Players Clarinet Quintet in February.
ALL BLOOD RUNS RED Comes to Leeds Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Jan 21, 2025

The little-known story of a pioneering black fighter pilot who later worked with iconic French dancer Josephine Baker and American jazz legend Duke Ellington has inspired a new show by imitating the dog.
Review: RONALD K. BROWN’S EVIDENCE Celebrates 40 Years with Return to The Joyce Theater
by Elizabeth Blosfield - Jan 17, 2025

Ronald K. Brown's EVIDENCE, A Dance Company, marks its return to The Joyce Theater from January 14–19 with a worshipful celebration of the company’s 40th anniversary.

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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