Happy Birthday Duke Ellington
Jazz legend Edward Kennedy Ellington was born on April 29, 1899, in Washington, DC. Better known as Duke Ellington, he was considered one of the most influential jazz composers.
Music
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Birth of Henry Mancini
Enrico Nicola “Henry” Mancini was born on April 16, 1924, in the Little Italy neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. Considered the most successful film composer of his time, he scored more than 100 movies, including numerous beloved classics.
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Panama-Pacific Exposition
On February 20, 1915, the Panama-Pacific Exposition opened in San Francisco, California. The expo was a celebration of the city and the Panama Canal.
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Premiere of The Nutcracker Ballet
On December 18, 1892, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker premiered in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Despite initial poor reviews, today it’s a holiday staple for millions.
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First Grand Ole Opry Performance
On November 28, 1925, the Grand Ole Opry was founded as the WSM Barn Dance. The longest-running American radio broadcast, it’s been called the Home of American Music and Country’s Most Famous Stage.
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Happy Birthday Scott Joplin
While Scott Joplin’s exact birthdate is unknown, it’s often considered to be November 24, 1868, as shown on his tombstone. Joplin was dubbed the “King of Ragtime Writers,” known for hits such as “Maple Leaf Rag” and “The Entertainer.”
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Happy Birthday Coleman Hawkins
Jazz musician Coleman Randolph “Hawk” Hawkins was born on November 21, 1904, in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Hawkins is credited with establishing the tenor saxophone as a prominent jazz instrument.
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Happy Birthday, W.C. Handy
Composer and musician William Christopher Handy was born on November 16, 1873, in Florence, Alabama. He called himself the “Father of the Blues” for his role in popularizing the style on a national level.
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Birth of Charles Ives
Composer Charles Edward Ives was born on October 20, 1874, in Danbury, Connecticut. Though his music was largely unknown during his lifetime, he was later regarded as the leading composer of 20th-century art music.
