MERCER KENNEDY ELLINGTON (trumpeter, composer, arranger) was born March 11, 1919 in Washington, D.C and passed away February 8, 1996. The son of the legendary Duke Ellington, Ellington wrote the jazz standards, “Things Ain’t What They Used to Be”and “Moon Mist” among others while performing in his father’s orchestra off and on, acting as musical director for Della Reese and having a radio show in New York in the early 60’s. Ellington took over directorship of his father’s orchestra upon his death.