Mercer Kennedy Ellington (March 11, 1919 – February 8, 1996) was a renowned American musician, composer, and arranger, known for leading his father Duke Ellington's band for 20 years after his father's passing. Born in Washington, D.C., he was the only child of the legendary Duke Ellington and his high school sweetheart, Edna Thompson. Mercer Ellington's early talent emerged when he wrote his first piece to be recorded by his father at the age of eighteen. He furthered his education at prestigious institutions such as New College for the Education of Teachers at Columbia University, New York University, and the Juilliard School.Throughout his career, Mercer Ellington led his own bands and worked with notable musicians like Dizzy Gillespie, Kenny Dorham, and Charles Mingus. He also composed several timeless pieces that became standards in the industry. In addition to his musical endeavors, Ellington delved into radio and Broadway, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of music. His efforts were recognized with the 1988 Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album for "Digital Duke."Following his passing in 1996, his daughter Mercedes Ellington and son Paul continued to preserve the Duke Ellington Orchestra's legacy. Mercer Ellington's significant impact on the music industry continues to be celebrated, and his contributions remain influential to this day.

Rebekah Mercer is the driving force behind the Mercer Family Foundation, a private grant-making foundation in the United States with assets totaling $37 million as of 2013. As the daughter of renowned computer scientist and hedge fund manager Robert Mercer, Rebekah has steered the foundation's conservative investments, channeling approximately $70 million into conservative causes between 2009 and 2014. The foundation has also supported groups critical of climate change activism. With a focus on public policy, higher education, and science, the foundation has generously contributed to organizations and institutions, including The Heritage Foundation, Illinois Policy Institute, Heartland Institute, SUNY Stony Brook, and the Home Depot Foundation, which aims to enhance the homes and lives of U.S. military veterans and their families. Rebekah Mercer's foundation has actively lobbied against the full funding of the Internal Revenue Service and has been associated with funding Donald Trump and other far-right entities in the U.S. and alleged links to members of the UK government. For more detailed information, you can refer to the "Mercer Family Foundation" filings on the Internal Revenue Service website and ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer.