Hodges Soileau (American, B. 1943) "Red Cloud" Signed middle right. Original Oil painting on Canvas laid on foam board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 22c Duke Ellington stamp issued April 29, 1986. Edward Kennedy Ellington, born April 29, 1899, in Washington D.C., was known to his childhood friends as "the Duke." He began studying piano at the age of seven, and launched his professional career at seventeen. In 1923, he moved to New York where he led a small group of musicians who later became the core of his big band. Duke Ellington's first important engagement came in 1927, when his raspy jazz ensemble performed at the Cotton Club in Harlem. As a composer, Ellington was responsible for numerous works that achieved popular success ... and he believed that his orchestra was the truest expression of his creative vision. Indeed, Duke Ellington's real importance lay in the wonderful music he composed. During his lifetime, he created more than 900 compositions rich with lush melodies and complex rhythms. Image Size: 9.25 x 12.5 in. Overall Size: 13.5 x 16.75 in. Unframed. (B10170) See More