Duke Ellington was a prolific jazz composer, pianist, and bandleader who revolutionized the field with his pioneering approach. His journey offers valuable insights into the nature of innovation. Here are five lessons:
- Innovation comes from experience: Duke Ellington learned by doing, not studying. He figured things out independently and was fearless in breaking the rules. He mastered the piano by experimenting with sounds, saying, “I merely took the energy it takes to pout and wrote some blues.”
- Find inspiration in roots: Ellington drew inspiration from his African-American heritage. His iconic “Black and Tan Fantasy” was inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that celebrated black expression. At the same time, he borrowed Latin American rhythms, Middle Eastern scales, and European classical forms, combining them all in ways that broke barriers for jazz of the time.
- Leadership requires vision: Ellington had a clear vision and worked tirelessly to make it a reality. He composed “Black, Brown and Beige,” a three-part suite that explored the African-American experience, challenging the stereotypes of his time. He cultivated his fellow band members to grow, treating them as partners and giving them credit for their contributions.
- Grow through adaptability: Ellington thrived against the backdrop of changing times. As the swing movement emerged, he composed “Take the A Train,” which went on to become one of the defining pieces of the era. He evolved by collaborating extensively with figures like Ella Fitzgerald and Billy Strayhorn, who co-wrote many of his songs.
- Persistence pays off: Ellington faced obstacles throughout his career. He struggled during the Great Depression but never gave up, continuing to build a catalog of over 1700 works spanning five decades, from blues and swing to sacred and symphonic music. He was ultimately honored with countless awards and honors, like the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Pulitzer Prize.
Through his journey, Duke Ellington became much more than a jazz musician. He was an innovator who changed the world. His example offers valuable insights for our time in the ways he created an enduring sound and legacy that will continue to shape the future of jazz for generations to come.
