13 Facts About Mercer Ellington

Mercer Kennedy Ellington was an American musician, composer, and arranger.

Mercer Ellington's father was Duke Ellington, whose band Mercer led for 20 years after his father's death.

Mercer Ellington attended New College for the Education of Teachers at Columbia University, New York University and the Juilliard School.

In 1939,1959, and 1946 through 1949, Mercer Ellington led his own bands, many of whose members later performed with his father, or achieved a successful career in their own right.

Mercer Ellington wrote the lyrics to Hillis Walters' popular song, "Pass Me By", which was recorded by Lena Horne, Carmen McRae and Peggy Lee.

Mercer Ellington composed for his father from 1940 until 1941, and later worked as road manager for Cootie Williams' orchestra.

Mercer Ellington returned to work for his father playing alto horn in 1950, and then as general manager and copyist from 1955 until 1959.

In 1960, Mercer Ellington became Della Reese's musical director, then later went on take a job as a radio DJ in New York for three years beginning in 1962.

In 1965, Mercer Ellington again returned to his father's orchestra, this time as trumpeter and road manager.

When his father died in 1974, Mercer Ellington took over the orchestra, traveling on tour to Europe in 1975 and 1977.

From 1982 until early 1990s, the Duke Mercer Ellington Orchestra included Barrie Lee Hall, Rocky White, Tommy James, Gregory Charles Royal, JJ Wiggins, Onzy Matthews, and Shelly Carrol among others.

Mercer Ellington died of a heart attack on February 8,1996, at age 76.

Mercer Ellington's daughter Mercedes was born in 1939 to Ruth Batts.