Duke Ellington

Duke Ellington composed “Sophisticated Lady” in 1932. Ellington based the song on memories of his Washington, D.C. grade school teachers who, in his words, “taught all winter and toured Europe in the summer.” Perhaps it makes enough sense that, after the first 20-some years of his life, Ellington make a habit of living out of suitcases in every corner of Europe.

Personnel:

Duke Ellington, piano
Harry Carney, sax
John Lamb, bass
Rufus Jones, drums

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