Duke Ellington personal items heading to NYC auction

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FILE - In this April 24, 1969 file photo, Duke Ellington, plays the piano at a news conference in New York. More than 250 items belonging to the pianist, songwriter and bandleader are headed for auction. Guernsey’s says Ellington’s suits, piano and other items will be offered May 18, 2016, at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. (AP Photo/John Duricka, File)

NEW YORK – More than 250 items belonging to pianist, songwriter and bandleader Duke Ellington are headed for auction.

Guernsey’s says Ellington’s suits, piano and other items will be offered May 18 at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem.

They’re consigned by one of his nephews.

Ellington’s iconic white baby grand piano could bring as much as $1 million.

There are tuxedos and dinner jackets with Ellington’s name written inside the jacket pockets, ranging from $3,000 to $6,500.

The Grammy-award winning artist composed thousands of songs during his 50-year career. The auction has two dozen music manuscripts penned in Ellington’s hand. An orchestra arrangement of “Mood Indigo” could fetch up to $20,000.

Ellington also painted. The sale has several of his works. A portrait of his collaborator Billy Strayhorn is estimated at $30,000 to $40,000.

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