“During early childhood he was nicknamed “Duke” by a neighbor. He attended Armstrong H.S. in DC from February 1914 until June 1917; won a poster design contest (organized by NAACP), left high-school before graduation and started own sign-painting business. While still in High School , Duke had begun ‘gigging’ at the Washington True Reformers’ Hall, soon afterwards he began ‘subbing’ for pianist Lester Dishman at the ‘Poodle Dog Café’; while working there wrote his first composition “Soda Fountain Rag” --- soon followed by his first tune with lyrics: “What Are You Going To Do When The Bed Breaks Down?” He studied harmony with Henry Grant. He worked as relief pianist at the Abbott House and the Oriental Theater and ‘gigged’ with quite a
few bands.
“He worked New York and Atlantic City with “The Washingtonians” directed by Elmer Snowden. Early in 1924 Duke became the leader of “The Washingtonians”; during the following year he and lyricist Jo Trent wrote the score for the “Chocolate Kiddies” revue. From 1925 to 1927 the band did regular tours through New England as well as New York clubs. Starting 12-4-1927 the orchestra resided at the Cotton Club in NY until February 1931. The residency was not continuous -- the orchestra did regular tours and dates at many New York Theaters, and traveled to California (in August 1930) for local engagements and filming. The orchestra did extensive touring in 1931 (theaters), played residencies in Boston and California before returning to the Paramount, NY in February 1932, later returning to California.
“They arrived in England on June 9, 1933; residency at the London Palladium, they toured Bolton, Liverpool, Glasgow, Blackpool, etc., before playing concerts in Paris. They sailed back to New York August 2, 1933, later that year they did first southern tour, then played residency at the Cotton Club, Culver City. Toured Texas, Louisiana, Canada, etc. (summer 1935), played
residency at Congress Hotel, Chicago (May & June 1936) etc. Residency at the NY Cotton Club (from March 20, 1937) then resumed widespread touring.
“From July 1 until August 10, 1938 Duke was away from the scene whilst undergoing surgery for hernia; during this period wrote the music for the ballet “City Woman”. In March the orchestra toured France, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, and Sweden. By 1940 Billy Strayhorn had joined Duke as staff arranger and collaborator; the orchestra continued touring and residencies, then appeared in “Jump for Joy” revue in Los Angeles from August 1941. In 1943, they did the first of the Carnegie Hall Concerts plus residency at the Hurricane Club, NY (April – Sept.)toured in 1944-5.
“After a brief spell in the hospital (spring 1948), Duke, Ray Nance and vocalist Kay Davis toured variety halls in Great Britain (June - July 1948). During the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, Duke continued to lead (and compose) with undiminished success. In the autumn of 1956 they made a triumphant return to Britain. During the 1960s they also toured throughout Europe, the Far East, the Middle East, India, Japan, South America, Senegal, etc. Early in 1970 they began a wide range of overseas tours, visiting Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.”
The magazine also contains photos and adds details on his compositions, specifics at typical locations, and more. The world knew the Duke! - Woody Backensto
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