Edward Duke Ellington, the renowned jazz musician, composer, and bandleader, acquired his nickname "Duke" during his youth. The story behind his nickname goes back to his childhood in Washington, D.C.
As a young boy, Ellington had an elegant and refined sense of fashion. He was known for his impeccable attire, which included stylish suits and well-coordinated outfits. His friends in the neighborhood started calling him "Duke" because they felt that he carried himself with the same level of sophistication and dignity as a nobleman or a duke.
The nickname stuck with Ellington throughout his life and became his professional name. He is widely recognized and remembered as Duke Ellington, one of the most influential figures in jazz history.