Edward Kennedy Ellington, Duke Ellington, was one of the giants of Jazz. He was said to have been born at 2129 Ward Place, NW Washington [now 1217 22nd Street, NW] - a house commemorated by a plaque. (He certainly grew up there, but his parents have moved in after his birth - per A H Lawrence). His father occasionally worked as a caterer at the White House, but his main employer was a Dr Middleton F Cuthbert. He aquired his namename of "Duke" as a child - and throughout his life was noted for his elegant style. He played piano - but is renowned for his band leading; arranging and composing.
He gained some early local success in Washington - but moved to New York where his career really took off.
There are a number of biographies available. I very much enjoyed reading A H Lawrence's 'Duke Ellington and his world' (New York: Routledge, 2001). There is also a very full wikipedia article.
