Apr 292024
 
Duke Ellington

Duke Ellington

Duke Ellington (born Edward Kennedy Ellington in Washington, DC, 1899; died New York, New York, May 24, 1974) was a jazz pianist, bandleader, and composer. He wrote over 2,000 compositions, including some for musicals, ballet, opera, and movies. He performed over 20,000 times in 65 countries with his jazz big band. One of his most famous pieces is It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing). Children can learn more at: Duke Ellington.

William Randolph Hearst cph 3a49373.jpg

William Randolph Hearst

William Randolph Hearst (born San Francisco, California, 1863; died Beverly Hills, California, August 14, 1951) became a media baron. At one time he owned 25 newspapers, several magazines, and a newsreel company. He is also remembered for building San Simeon, a huge estate in California. It had, among other luxuries, a zoo and an airport.

Zubin Mehta (born Bombay, India, 1936) is a renowned conductor. He received India’s highest award, the Padma Bhusan (Order of the Lotus) in 1967.

Ron Roy (born Hartford, Connecticut, 1940) has written over 60 books for children. He is best known for his A to Z mystery series and his Capital Mystery series. Children can visit his website at: Ron Roy.

Jill Paton Walsh (born London, England, 1937; died Huntington, England, October 18, 2020) wrote books for both children and adults. Her children’s books, numbering around 25, include The Dolphin Crossing and Fireweed.