Duke Ellington called his music “American Music” rather than jazz, and liked to describe those who impressed him as “beyond category.” He remains one of the most influential figures in jazz, if not in all American music and is widely considered as one of the twentieth century’s best known African American personalities. As both a composer and a band leader, Ellington’s reputation has increased since his death, with thematic repackagings of his signature music often becoming best-sellers. Posthumous recognition of his work include a special award citation from the Pulitzer Prize Board.
Keeping the Duke’s big band alive has truly become a family affair, however, as his son, Mercer Ellington, led the band until his own death in the mid-1990s, and holding the reigns now is Mercer’s son, Paul Mercer Ellington.
Now the Conductor and Bandleader of one of America’s most famous music institutions, Paul Mercer Ellington continues to lead the band at concerts all around the globe. Born and raised in Denmark, Paul often traveled to other countries with his father. Unknown to Paul, his dad was grooming him for a very serious job. Paul had many different musical interests, but he focused his talents on the piano and began to tour with his father, Mercer K. Ellington. One day, Mercer pulled him aside and said “Son, this is all yours, make sure you keep it going!” It became clear to Paul that he did want to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Paul Ellington attended the Manhattan School of Music and eventually debuted his first composition for Big Band at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, and he received a huge ovation from the crowd. To the delight of crowds everywhere, he’s shown that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
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