Category: Duke Ellington
Sophisticated Lady
Sophisticated Lady Duke Ellington Copenhagen, 1967 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,...
Read MoreMoonlight Fiesta
Moonlight Fiesta Duke Ellington One of Juan Tizol’s lesser-known but rewarding melodies Due to the inclusion of valve trombonist Juan Tizol in his band, Duke Ellington had a regular flow of Latin-inspired pieces in the...
Read MoreRing Dem Bells
Ring Dem Bells Duke Ellington and his Orchestra August 20, 1930 This side was recorded in Hollywood, California on August 20, 1930 by the “Duke Ellington Orchestra” featuring Arthur Whetsel and Freddie Jenkins...
Read MoreJust Squeeze Me
Just Squeeze Me Duke Ellington Orchestra feat. Ray Nance November 2, 1958 THe multi-talented Ray Nance fronts the Ellington Orchestra during a performance in Amsterdam on November 2, 1958. *Ray Willis Nance (December 10, 1913...
Read MoreC Jam Blues
C Jam Blues Duke Ellington Film: “Jam Session,” 1942 “C Jam Blues” is a Duke Ellington composition that the famous bandleader put together in 1942. Naturally it’s in C and uses a blues form.Barney Biggard, here...
Read MoreConcerto for Cootie
Concerto for Cootie Duke Ellington and his Orchestra 1940 recording This recording was made in New York City by the Duke Ellington Orchestra during 1940 with Duke Ellington, piano and leader; Rex Stewart, Cootie Williams, and...
Read MoreCottontail (Shuckin’ and Jivin’)
Cottontail (Shuckin’ and Jivin’) Duke Ellington and his Orchestra featuring Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers 1940’s clip In this 1940’s clip Frankie Manning and his team of Lindy Hoppers performing with Duke...
Read MoreClassic Medley
Classic Medley Duke Ellington and his Orchestra 1941 The Duke Ellington Orchestra plays “Mood Indigo,” “It Don’t Mean A Thing,” and “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” in this 1941...
Read MoreIrving Mills Presents
Irving Mills Presents Jazz In 1931 1931 In this promo film from 1931 New York music publisher, impresario, record mogul, booking agent and sometimes singer/violinist Irving Mills introduces the three main attractions of his...
Read MoreA Few Minutes With Johnny Hodges
A Few Minutes With Johnny Hodges Duke Ellington and his Orchestra 1960’s In this late 1960’s footage alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges jams with Duke Ellington.Largely a self-taught player Johnny Hodges was inspired to...
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Lionel Hampton