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Duke Ellington
He played the piano, New York gave him a prize and Yale University awarded him a doctor of music degree in 1967. He passed away in 1974 -
Count Basie
He moved to Harlem where his career took off. He was in a band called Blue devils in 1928, he recorded over 480 albums -
Louis Armstrong
He was nicknamed "Satchmo" "Pops" and later "Ambassador satch". He had a daring trumpet style and unique vocals. he died in 1971 -
Benny Goodman
Was also known as "The King of Swing". at age 10 he picked up his first instrument and started playing jazz.He then went on playing gigs until 14. he died in 1986 -
Ella Fitzgerald
She was called "The First Lady of Song". In 1936 she made her first recording. she was discriminated against for her color. She over came various difficulties in her early teens. She died in 1986 -
Charlie Parker
Was known for playing the sax. he was called "Yardbird". In 1938 he joined the band of pianist Jay Mcshann -
Max Roach
His final recording was in 2002. He was a drummer. Filled in with Duke Ellingtons orchestra at age 16. He died in 2007 -
Miles Davis
Arrival on the national scene in 1945, six full decades. Shaped the course of modern improvisational music more than half a dozen times. Called the Prince of Darkness died in 1991 -
Billie Holiday
important building block of early American jazz music. was called lady day. recorded about 100 new recordings. -
John Coltrane
after the war he played tenor sax was in the Dizzy Gillespie band.music gave him freedom in 1960 he had his own quarter died in 1967