Duke at 100

Today is the centennial of the birth of Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington. It’s a glorious day for those already familiar with this musician of extraordinary energy and genius. It’s a great opportunity for newcomers to get acquainted. Above all, at a time when an America in mourning has compelling reasons to question its culture, it’s exactly the right time to reflect upon, and to celebrate, the best this country can offer.

Ellington was born in Washington, D.C., to a close-knit, loving family that enjoyed a standard of living as near to middle class as the United States of 1899 allowed its black citizens. He came of age as a musician at a time when black musicians were there to entertain and leave through the service door. He got bilked by publishers, shafted by radio stations, stiffed by club owners.

And through it all, during a span of nearly 50 years, he developed and kept together the greatest jazz orchestra ever assembled, he produced a body of composition that is stunning in its breadth and depth. Perhaps most importantly, he responded to those who would keep him down not with anger and bitterness, not by casting himself as an outcast, but with accomplishments. His gracious, articulate demeanor made the racism he confronted seem all the more stupid. The joy of his bounce tunes, the beauty of his ballads, the spirituality of his extended pieces tracing black history made his critics seem all the more petty.

The Duke Ellington Orchestra could roar, screech and howl. The compositions could set feet on fire and sear souls. But never was anything done just to get attention or to offend. To Duke, shock value had no value.

Today we rejoice in this amazing life of wit, charm and power. Tomorrow, this amazing life — and the amazing lives of so many others who entertain by uplifting the human spirit — will still be ours to enjoy. So, sadly, will the entertainment that degrades through gore, insult and crassness. It seems an obvious choice and one that grows inceasingly urgent.