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One of Duke’s earliest compositions was the “Soda Fountain Rag”, which he played so many different ways, it was thought that it was several compositions (Gammond, 69). In retrospect, Duke Ellington’s formal music career could be split up in ....

Middle of Essay
.... notoriety from their times with Duke (Holmes). Such players as Jimmy Blanton, the “doomed young virtouoso of the stringed bass”, and Ben Webster, adding to the sax section that already housed Jonny Hodges, Harry Carney, and Barney Bigard (Holmes). The trumpet section during this time in Duke’s orchestra comprised such legends as Rex Stewart and Cootie Williams. Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol, and Lawrence Brown comprised the monster trombone section, and Sonny Greer rounded out the orchestra on drums (Holmes). And of course, there the “piano player, as Duke often referred to himself” (Holmes). During this time, Duke wou ....