[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 16, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S2781]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DUKE ELLINGTON

 Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I would like to take this 
opportunity to recognize the 100th birthday of one of the greatest 
American Jazz musicians and composers this country has seen, Duke 
Ellington. Duke's contributions to today's music are immeasurable, and 
his hundreds of compositions, including ``Satin Doll'' and ``Take the 
A-Train,'' are all time classics. Jazz and all genres of music will 
forever be influenced by the sophisticated, yet emotional and spiritual 
sound of Duke Ellington's music.
  Born in a segregated Washington, DC neighborhood, Edward Kennedy 
``Duke'' Ellington, achieved an enduring legacy and popularity that has 
not been equaled or exceeded. He developed his talent during the Harlem 
Renaissance period and became one of the top five band leaders from 
1926-74. Duke's contribution to music can be summed up best by Miles 
Davis: ``All musicians should get down on their knees once a year and 
thank the Lord for Duke Ellington.''
  Duke was the first jazz composer to produce extended compositions, 
such as ``Creole Rhapsody'' and ``Reminiscing in Tempo'' as well as a 
series of long works like ``Jump for Joy,'' ``Black, Brown, and 
Beige,'' and ``A Drum is a Woman.'' He wrote for large orchestras, 
small combos, vocalists, choirs, movies, theater, church and 
nightclubs. He produced thousands of songs for more than fifty years, 
which are still as fresh and vibrant today as they were when he wrote 
them decades ago.
  It is my honor to express an enthusiastic tribute to this jazz legend 
during this year-long celebration of his amazing contributions to 
American music.

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