Today in History
April 29
1985: The Challenger Space Shuttle launched from Kennedy Space Center with a crew of seven astronauts.
1899: Library of Congress: Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington, often said to be America's greatest composer, bandleader, and recording artist, was born in Washington, D.C. Nicknamed "Duke" as a youngster, Ellington turned down a visual arts scholarship to focus his life on music. With a background in classical, popular, ragtime, and stride music, Ellington emerged as arguably the greatest single talent in the history of jazz.









