Duke Ellington: The jazz, the stamp, and the quarter

What do you think of when you think of Duke Ellington?

Some will instantly hear any number of jazz music selections created by this great musician and performer. Other may reflect on the Presidential Medal of Freedom he received in 1969, or the Legion of Honor from France (both are the highest honors that a civilian can receive from the respective countries). Then there are those that will remember that he was part of the second generation of African Americans to be born free of slavery.

Each of these things are powerful memories, with a history and impact for all those that pay attention. In Washington D.C. they have set about trying to capture all those facts, and countless numbers more, by commemorating Duke Ellington, born Edward Kennedy Ellington in 1899 (34 years after the end of slavery), on an American quarter. As each of the 50 states have emblazened an image representing the State on quarters, D. C. has now joined with its own image of its famous and beloved hometown son.

Ellington, named Duke for his appearance and mannerisms in youth that denoted nobility, was born in Washington D.C. and had President Teddy Roosevelt watch him play baseball as a child. His talent at the piano, in jazz, and with his bands allowed him to play for White and Black audiences - which was virtually unheard of in the 1920 and on. Duke was a groundbreaking, amazing man - proof that color cannot bind music even in a segregated nation.

Duke Ellington is the first and only African American to be featured on a official, functional, U.S. coin by himself. Commemorative coins, like those sold since the election of President Obama, are not valid currency. This too is a piece of history worthy of such a great American. It goes well with the fact that in 1986 Ellington was place on a 22 cent U.S. stamp and his special citation of the Pulitzer Prize.

You may not have heard about this anywhere else, but you should have. It's just one more reason that the world was lucky to have had Duke Ellington in it. It's another reason that every African American should always hold their heads high, not just during Black History Month.