Duke Ellington Birthplace Site - Washington, D.C

Duke Ellington’s birthplace site is on Ward Place in Washington, D.C.  Edward Kennedy Ellington entered the world on April 29, 1899 here, at his maternal grandparent’s house, which once stood on this site, at 2129 Ida Place.  The jazz great was born to James Edward Ellington and Daisy Kennedy Ellington, both pianists, and through them he fostered a love of music.  Although he only lived here in this home for a short time, he would spend many years in the District of Columbia, living in as many as eight houses here by his mid-teens, and honing his music skills along the way.  He would eventually find his way to New York, and greatness, with his own band in the mid-20’s.  His birthplace is long gone, as is the neighborhood surrounding it.  A post office now occupies the spot on the renamed Ward Place.  Above the entrance is a mural of Ellington and to the right of the door is a plaque honoring his birth.            

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