Charter inductee of the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame. [1978]
Ellington was celebrated in Stevie Wonder's song "Sir Duke" (from "Songs in the Key of Life" (1976)).
Father of trumpeter/band leader Mercer Ellington, who assumed leadership of the Ellington band at his father's death.
Grandfather of actress/singer/dancer Mercedes Ellington.
He was awarded the Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 6535 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
His image is part the central design on the reverse of the District of Columbia 25¢ commemorative coin issued in 2009, as part of the USA's Statehood Quarters series. He is shown seated next to a piano, and the name "DUKE ELLINGTON" is engraved in the area above the piano keys.
Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. [1971]
Interred at Woodlawn Cemetery, The Bronx, NY (Division 49, at Fir & Knollwood Avenues).
Pictured in silhouette in a poster for the film Black and Tan (1929) on a 42¢ USA commemorative postage stamp celebrating Vintage Black Cinema. [July 16, 2008]
Pictured on a 22¢ US commemorative postage stamp in the Performing Arts series (97th anniversary of his birth). [29 April 1986]
Was a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, a national music fraternity.