Today on episode two of the Doneson podcast! We discuss the contributions of Duke Ellington to African-American musical culture. Ellington is known in most circles as the greatest jazz composer of all time. It's because of him that jazz rose to fame and is highlighted as an American original art form. With 14 Grammy awards to his name and the Harlem Renaissance to his credit, Duke Ellington contributed to the cultural pride and new beginnings for African-Americans. However, his womanizing ways and poor health habits were only some of his drawbacks. The biggest and perhaps most controversial of them all, was his lack of respect when it came to crediting his team of writers, composers and band members. Many who worked with him, felt their contributions were swept up and claimed as Ellington's own. Does this counteract his leadership
