Duke Ellington was born Edward Kennedy Ellington on April 29, 1899, to James Edward Ellington and Daisy Kennedy Ellington in Washington D.C. The nickname Duke came later when his childhood friend Edgar McEntree noticed his "casual, offhand manner, his easy grace, and his dapper dress" and thought Duke suited him better than Edward. At the age of seven Duke began taking piano lessons from Marietta Clinkscales. However, he missed more lessons than he attended because he didn't think piano suited him. His love for the piano really began at the age of fourteen when he started sneaking into Frank Holiday's Poolroom. From there Duke began listening to, watching, and imitating ragtime pianists. He also became more serious about learning the more technical parts of the piano. Oliver Perry helped him do this by teaching Duke to read sheet music, showing him how to project a professional style, and by showing him how to improve his technique. He also was taught harmony by Henry Lee Grant. Once Duke became better at playing the piano he began playing shows in cafes and clubs in and around Washington D.C. Duke went on to have a very successful career. On May 24, 1974, about a month after turning 75, Duke died of lung cancer and pneumonia. Over 12,000 people attended his funeral, he is buried in the Bronx of New York City.