1899: Edward "Duke" Ellington is born. Just before his birth rag-time music had just gotten its start in the music industry.
1901: Louis Armstrong is born. He becomes one of the main contributor to what modern jazz music is today.
1914: Duke Ellington composes his first composition, “Soda Fountain Rag”. This is just the first of his numerous compositions.
1917: Duke forms his first band “The Duke Serenaders”. Not only was he a member of the group but he was the booking manager. This was the start of his leadership in big bands.
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1922: Louis Armstrong joins the Creole Jazz Band led by Joe “King” Oliver in New Orleans.
1927: Duke Ellington takes the offer of playing nightly at Harlem’s Cotton Club. The offer was first presented to King Oliver but Oliver passed and this was a great opportunity for Ellington.
1929: Louis Armstrong records "St. Louis Blues" which receives a grammy award in 2008 for a jazz single.
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