- In 1918 he formed his first band called Duke's Serenaders, later the name changed to the Washingtonians. Included in the band was Otto Hardwick (bass and saxophone), Artie Whetsol (trumpet), Elmer Snowden (banjo), and later Sonny Greer (drummer) and Sterling Conaway (banjo).
- In 1922 Duke went to New York to play in Wilber Sweatman's band
- In 1923 the Washingtonians moved to Manhattan and more members joined the group. Including: Fred Guy (banjo), Bubber Miley (trumpet), Sam Nanton (trombone), Harry Carney (baritone saxophone), Rudy Jackson (clarinet), Johnny Hodges (alto saxophone) and Lawrence Brown (trombone).
- From 1927 to 1932 Duke played at the Cotton Club gaining him national fame
- In 1933 and 1939 Duke toured Europe
- In 1966 he was given the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- In 1969 he was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom
- In 1973 he was given the Legion of honor by France
- In 1973 is also when his autobiography "Music is My Mistress" was published