Composers born on April 30

Take a focused look at the composers born on April 30. Dive into curated bios, achievements, and cultural milestones verified by our editors.

• 1899 Duke Ellington

  Duke Ellington was an influential American composer, pianist, and jazz orchestra leader. Over a career spanning more than fifty years, Ellington shaped the sound of jazz and American popular music, composing thousands of pieces and earning widespread acclaim for his innovation and artistry. [bio]