The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts

The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts presents two comprehensive digital publications:

• Duke Ellington: A Snapshot and Resource Guide

• Mercedes Ellington: A Snapshot and Resource Guide

These eBooks are thoughtfully curated legacy resources — preserving and organizing the artistic achievements, cultural impact, and historical record of two transformative figures in American culture. Designed for scholars, presenters, institutions, media, and cultural partners, they provide clear and consolidated documentation of the Ellington legacy.

Duke Ellington: A Snapshot and Resource Guide

From the Cotton Club to Carnegie Hall — and Beyond

Duke Ellington (1899–1974) was more than a composer — he was a narrator of America. From Harlem’s legendary Cotton Club to Carnegie Hall, he elevated jazz to symphonic scale, giving musical voice to Black history and American identity. He electrified the Newport Jazz Festival, composed the landmark film score for Anatomy of a Murder, and created Sacred Concerts he called his “most important works.” His partnership with Billy Strayhorn helped shape the modern sound of jazz.

The guide includes:

• A historical timeline (1927–1973)

• Major works and landmark recordings

• Film, radio, and television history

• Sacred Concerts and national honors

• Key collaborators and orchestra members

• Archival, discography, and bibliography resources

A gateway into a body of work that continues to influence generations.

[Download Duke Ellington: A Snapshot and Resource Guide →]

Mercedes Ellington: A Snapshot and Resource Guide

Dancer • Choreographer • Producer • Cultural Steward

The Mercedes Ellington Resource Guide documents the distinguished career of an internationally recognized artist whose work spans Broadway, concert dance, television, and global arts leadership. As Founder and Artistic Director of The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts, she has both built her own artistic career and sustained the Ellington legacy for contemporary audiences.

The guide includes:

• Performance and choreography credits

• Broadway and theatrical productions

• Directorial and producing achievements

• Awards and recognitions

• Signature Ellington-centered productions

• Leadership and preservation initiatives

A record of artistic achievement and ongoing cultural stewardship.

[Download Mercedes Ellington: A Snapshot and Resource Guide →]