"Duke" Ellington, an African-American composer, pianist, and leader of a jazz orchestra, was born on April 29, 1899, in Washington, D.C. Ellington was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance and known as one of the greatest jazz composers ever. His career spanned over 50 years; he gave over 20,000 performances throughout the world. Ellington was married to Edna Thompson, and they had a son together. On May 24, 1974, at the age of 75, Ellington died in New York City. His funeral was held at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in West Harlem and attended by over 12,000 people. Ella Fitzgerald spoke for many when she said, "It's a very sad day... A genius has passed."