Duke Ellington
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Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was an American jazz pianist, composer, and leader of his eponymous jazz orchestra from 1924 through the rest of his life. Music critic Ralph J. Gleason called him "Ame
Publicity portrait, c. 1940s
British pressing of "East St. Louis Toodle-Oo" (1927)
Adelaide Hall recorded "Creole Love Call" with Ellington in 1927. The recording became a worldwide hit.
Ellington at the Hurricane Club, Broadway & West 51st Street, New York City, May 1943
Count Basie
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William James "Count" Basie was an American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer. In 1935, he formed the Count Basie Orchestra, and in 1936 took them to Chicago for a long engagement and t
Basie at the piano; portrait by James J. Kriegsmann
Basie and band, with vocalist Ethel Waters, from the film Stage Door Canteen (1943)
Basie in Rhythm and Blues Revue (1955)
Count Basie (left) in concert (Cologne 1975)