Edward Kennedy -Duke- Ellington (April 29; 1899 May 24; 1974) was an American composer; pianist; and bandleader. Recognized during his life as one of the most influential figures in jazz; if not in all American music; Ellington-s reputation has increased since his death; including a special award citation from the Pulitzer Prize Board.One of the twentieth century-s best-known African-American celebrities; Ellington recorded for many American record companies; and appeared in several films. Ellington and his orchestra toured the United States and Europe regularly before and after World War II. Ellington led his band from 1923 until his death in 1974. His son Mercer Ellington took over the band until his death from cancer in 1996. "C Jam Blues" is a jazz standard composed in 1942 by Duke Ellington and performed by countless other musicians, such as Dave Grusin and Django Reinhardt. The melody likely originated from Barney Bigard, a clarinetist in Duke's Orchestra, in 1941, but its origin is not perfectly clear.[1]Edward Kennedy -Duke- Ellington (April 29; 1899 May 24; 1974) was an American composer; pianist; and bandleader. Recognized during his life.