US composer and bandleader, d. 1974 (4,9)

I believe the answer is:

duke ellington

(Other definitions for duke ellington that I've seen before include "Jazzman" , "Mood Indigo composer, d. 1974" , "Bandleader and jazz pianist" , "US jazz bandleader" , "US band leader" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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