Duke Ellington was an American jazz composer, pianist, and bandleader who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in jazz music. He was born Edward Kennedy Ellington in Washington, D.C. in 1899 and began playing piano at a young age. He went on to become one of the most prolific and celebrated jazz musicians of all time, composing over 1, 000 songs and leading his own orchestra for over 50 years. His compositions, such as 'Mood Indigo' and 'Satin Doll, ' are still popular today.