First African American to be Featured on US Coin

The US Mint has just announced that it will feature jazz musician Duke Ellington on one its state-themed quarters.  Ellington was chosen by the residents of Washington, D.C., who also considered other great musicians such as John Coltrane, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald.  Ellington's music has not only charmed millions on its own, it has been featured in countless dance performances, particularly in the field of tap.  During the height of the jazz era, Ellington's band performed at prestigious venues such as the Cotton Club with top tap dancers, including Honi Coles, Cholly Atkins and the Nicholas Brothers.

There are clips of several dance numbers after the jump.