Front:
Duke
Ellingto
22 USA
NY
YORK
APR
29
1986
10001
Back:
DUKE ELLINGTON
First Day of Issue: April 29, 1986
First Issue Location: New York City
Edward Kennedy Ellington, born April 29, 1899, in
Washington D. C, was known to his childhood friends
as “the Duke." He began studying piano at the age of
seven, and launched his professional career at seventeen.
In 1923, he moved to New York where he led a small
group of musicians who later became the core of his big
band. Duke Ellington's first important engagement came
in 1927, when his raspy jazz ensemble performed at the
Cotton Club in Harlem. As a composer, Ellington was
responsible for numerous works that achieved popular
success . . . and he believed that his orchestra was the
truest expression of his creative vision. Indeed, Duke
Ellington's real importance lay in the wonderful music
he composed. During his lifetime, he created more than
900 compositions rich with lush melodies and complex
rhythms. This stamp was issued in conjunction with the
Duke Ellington Society's annual celebration for the com-
poser and bandleader, and his unforgettable music.
No. 86-20
©1986 The Maximum Card Collection
A Division of Unicover Corporation . Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007
Original painting by Hodges Sioleau.
