April 29, 1899, marks the birth of one of the most celebrated people in American music: Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington. During his decades-long career, Ellington penned many songs that have become part of the great American Songbook. Not only did Duke employ such talented musicians like Ben Webster, Cootie Williams and Johnny Hodges, a good number of gifted singers worked with him: Ivie Anderson, Billie Holiday, Mahalia Jackson and Herb Jefferies. Morning Shift celebrates “Duke’s” birthday with the help of Chicago vocalist Greta Pope, the daughter-in- law of celebrated Ellington vocalist Kay Davis. Photo: Flickr/ky_olsen