Other Music Quiz: All That Jazz | 10 Questions

Answer: Duke Ellington

Born in 1899 in Washington D.C., Edward Kennedy Ellington, or Duke Ellington as he was known professionally, was introduced to music early since both his parents played piano. He formed his orchestra in 1923 but it wasn't until he appeared at the famed Cotton Club that he became well-known. Ellington often collaborated with other musicians, the best in the business. During the 1950s he began scoring for movies such as "Anatomy of a Murder" and "Paris Blues." In 1969 Ellington received the "Presidential Medal of Freedom."

Answer: Billie Holiday

Although her vocal range was limited compared to other female vocalists of her era, Holiday's ability to deliver a song filled with emotion and subtle phrasing was her vocal hallmark. "Strange Fruit," recorded in 1939, was socially significant in that it was based on a poem written as an early protest to racism.

Answer: Thelonious Monk

Monk was one of the founders of modern jazz. His unique style of percussive playing and dissonant sounds wasn't appreciated by everybody when he first began playing jazz piano with the Coleman Hawkins Quartet. As the years progressed he became more influential due to his unique musical style.

The "Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz" was founded in 1986, four years after his death. It offers public school jazz education for students around the world.

Answer: Dave Brubeck

At the beginning of his career, Brubek couldn't read music but made up for it with his improvisational skills. Favoring unusual time signatures such as 9/8 and 5/4, he formed the Dave Brubek Quartet in 1951. Saxophonist Paul Desmond, a long-time collaborator and member of his quartet, composed the popular instrumental "Take Five." It is featured on the "Time Out" album.

Answer: Charlie Parker

Sadly Charlie Parker only lived to be 35 due to his heroin addiction. He began his musical career by playing horn in a school band. In 1940 he joined Jay McShann's band and recorded his first song. It was around this time that he acquired his nicknames. Traveling and performing overseas, his European debut occurred at the Paris International Jazz Festival in 1949.

He and Dizzy Gillespie, another jazz great, popularized bebop, a jazz style that is played at a fast tempo with emphasis on improvisation.

Answer: Esperanza Spalding

Spalding taught herself to play violin at age 5. The cello was her original instrument of choice until she discovered the bass. She's also a vocalist and plays bass guitar. She dropped out of school at age 16 to focus on music. By age 20 she was hired as a music instructor at Berklee College of Music, one of the youngest to be hired in that position.

Her musical interpretations and genial personality have won over audiences and critics all over the world.

Answer: Kenny G

In 1982 Clive Davis, president of Arista Records, heard Kenny perform and signed him on to the record label as a solo artist. Known for playing in a smooth jazz style, Kenny has collaborated with music giants such as Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion. Several of his albums have gone platinum. In 1994, Kenny won the first of several Grammy Awards.

Answer: Diana Krall

Born in British Columbia, Canada, Krall began playing piano at age 4. Her musical talents were discovered early on. Her first album, "Stepping Out," caught the attention of a record producer who liked her so much he produced her second album. She began a world-wide tour in 2001. With her laid-back style and relaxed demeanor, Diana Krall always appears to be totally 'in the moment' while performing. Krall began composing her own songs resulting in the 2004 album "The Girl in the other Room." She has been the recipient of two Grammy Awards and eight Juno Awards.

Answer: Ella Fitzgerald

Despite her difficult childhood when she often had to fend for herself, Ella had originally wanted to become a dancer but later changed her mind after listening to a favorite female singer. Her debut at the Apollo Theater was well-received and the experience opened doors for her professional career. Ella became known for singing the "Great American Songbook," popular songs from musical theater, Broadway, and film. Over her long career, she collaborated with musical legends such as Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie.

As a testament to her talents, Ella received 14 Grammy Awards. On top of that she was also awarded the "National Medal of Arts" and the "Presidential Medal of Freedom," both bestowed on her by two U.S. Presidents.

Answer: Louis Armstrong

Many successful music greats have experienced difficult childhoods and Louis Armstrong was no different. And like many truly great artists, Louis showed a talent for music at a young age. I firmly believe that difficult childhood experiences afforded those early singers and instrumentalists the deeply-felt emotions needed to connect with audiences. With the opportunity to play cornet and with help from a mentor, Armstrong honed his skills and rose to become not only the first African-American to write an autobiography but the first African-American to receive top billing in a major Hollywood movie, "Pennies From Heaven."