2. Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington elevated jazz with his sophisticated compositions and lush orchestral arrangements. As a visionary bandleader and pianist, he redefined the possibilities of big band music, blending jazz with blues, classical, and even world influences. Ellington’s classics like “Mood Indigo” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” remain timeless. His enduring impact continues to shape jazz orchestration and composition. Learn more about his extraordinary legacy at PBS.
