During the 1920s and early 1930s, the Duke Ellington Orchestra typically had between 10 and 14 members. However, in the mid-1930s, Ellington expanded the band to 18 members, and it remained at this size for most of the rest of its existence.
The Duke Ellington Orchestra included some of the most talented and influential jazz musicians of all time, including saxophonists Johnny Hodges and Ben Webster, trumpeter Rex Stewart, trombonist Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton, and pianist Duke Ellington himself.
The band's repertoire was vast and varied, and it included everything from swing to ballads, from blues to Latin jazz. The Duke Ellington Orchestra was also known for its innovative arrangements and its ability to improvise and create new music on the spot.
The Duke Ellington Orchestra was active for over 50 years, and it toured the world, performing in major concert halls and nightclubs. The band also recorded extensively, and its recordings have been praised by critics and listeners alike.
The Duke Ellington Orchestra was one of the most important and influential big bands in jazz history, and its music continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world.