Ellington, center, playing piano (clockwise from left) Freddie Jenkins, trumpet; Cootie Williams, trumpet; Sonny Greer, drums; Arthur Whetsol, trumpet; Juan Tizol, trombone; Wellman Braud, double bass; Harry Carney, baritone saxophone; Freddy Guy, banjo and guitar; Barney Bigard, clarinet; Ticky Sam canton, trombone; and Johnny Hodges, alto saxophone, 1930s. Edward Kennedy Ellington (April 29, 1899 - May 24, 1974) was an American composer, pianist and bandleader. His career spanned over 50 years, leading his orchestra from 1923 until he died. Born in Washington, D.C., he was based in New York City from the 1920s, and gained a national profile through his orchestra's appearances at the Cotton Club. Often collaborating with others, he originated over a thousand compositions and his extensive oeuvre is the largest recorded personal jazz legacy, with many of his extant works having become standards. Following an appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival in July 1956, he enjoyed a major career revival and, with his orchestra, embarked on world tours. He died from lung cancer and pneumonia in 1974, a month after his 75th birthday. His last words were, "Music is how I live, why I live and how I will be remembered." He was awarded a special Pulitzer Prize in 1999.