1899 Happy birthday Edward Kennedy Ellington, who, taking the surname "Duke," became one of the 20th century's most important musician-composers. His Broadway shows, Beggar's Holiday and Pousse-Cafe, made little mark, but shows that draw on Ellington's music, such as Sophisticated Ladies and Play On!, are only likely to multiply in the century ahead.
SOURCE: Playbill at 12:00AM on April 29, 2015