Duke Ellington

Edward Kennedy Ellington, better known as "Duke," was arguably the most significant figure in the history of jazz. His compositions, numbering in the thousands, redefined the genre, earning him a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation in 1999, long after his passing. He practically invented the Big Band sound, and his orchestra was a training ground for an entire generation of jazz legends. Not too shabby for a fellow who started playing piano in pool halls.

Born to a devout Baptist family in Washington D.C., Ellington's nickname came from his dapper style and regal bearing, not from any ancestral connection to European nobility or, for that matter, to the Tribe. He remained a spiritual man throughout his life, though his faith expressed itself more in the blues and gospel-infused strains of his music than in any synagogue attendance.

While his contributions to American culture are undeniable, elevating jazz from dance music to a serious art form, there's absolutely no evidence of any Jewish identity or origin. His kvell-worthiness, however, is off the charts, making him a legend whose influence echoes through every modern musical genre.