This monumental sculpture by Robert Graham (1938-2008) was dedicated on July 1, 1997, at the circle…read moredefining the northeast corner of Central Park at 110th Street and Fifth Avenue, and honors American jazz pianist, composer, and orchestra leader Edward "Duke" Kennedy Ellington (1899-1974). In 1979, singer, pianist, and jazz interpreter Bobby Short formed a committee to commission a major permanent sculpture honoring Ellington. The Duke Ellington Memorial Fund selected contemporary artist Robert Graham to create this sculptural tribute. Though the sculpture is representational, it is meant to evoke the intangible qualities of Ellington's lasting musical artistry, and to serve as a bridge between elegant Fifth Avenue, pastoral Central Park, and the Harlem community where "the Duke" achieved much of his fame. When the sculpture was unveiled in 1997, no less than three New York City mayors--Edward I. Koch, David N. Dinkins, and Rudolph W. Giuliani delivered remarks, and musical entertainment featured esteemed performers such as Mr. Short and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. 1997 bronze of the big band leader, composer, and pianist standing next to a concert piano atop a platform. The Duke Ellington Memorial is 30 ft. high.
Mercedes Ellington is the founder, CEO, and Artistic Director of The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts, and she currently presents concerts with Tony Waag and his American Tap Dance Foundation at The Duke Ellington Statue. The legacy of legendary composer and bandleader Duke Ellington at the Duke Ellington Statue! This every year annual, free, outdoor event is presented by The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts in collaboration with the American Tap Dance Foundation. The celebration is always co-hosted by Mercedes Ellington, Duke Ellington's granddaughter and Founder/Artistic Director of The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts, and Tony Waag, Founding Director of the American Tap Dance Foundation. The Duke Ellington Center Big Band, led by Musical Director Eli Yamin, performs classic Ellington tunes and jazz favorites. Tap dancers, vocalists, and more, blending music, dance, and theatrical flair