The centenary of a jazz legend

Jazz lovers and musicians all over the world have been celebrating 100 years since the birth of Duke Ellington on 29 April, 1899. He was one of the most well-known jazz performers and great composers of the twentieth century. BBC News Online offers you a detailed and colourful guide to the centenary of the legendary musician and his band.

The birth of a jazz king
Duke Ellington will not only be remembered as one of the century's greatest musicians, but also as one of the most innovative and colourful.

Take the A Train
The story of how a train of bizarre events involving chance and circumstance led to the composition of one of the band's best-known pieces.

Newport Festival fever
Just one performance at the newly-established Newport Jazz Festival in 1956 changed the band's fortunes and made jazz history.

Which was the greatest band?
The eclectic and creative style of the Ellington band owes much to the variety of musicians in its line-up over the years.

Behind every great man
Billy Strayhorn wrote some of the band's most memorable tunes, but was content to remain in the background and pass on the credit.