Duke Ellington wrote many songs that are still popular today. A jazz song that remains popular over time is called a standard.
Duke's long time friend Billy Strayhorn, also helped as his arranger. An arranger is someone who helps write music for all of the instruments in a band.
Duke continued to play concerts through the 1960's and 1970's.
After Duke passed away in 1974, his son Mercer Ellington took over as band leader of the Duke Ellington Band.
Today Mercer's son Paul Ellington is the band leader of the Duke Ellington Band