"I think Ellington's greatest work was as an instrumental composer. And that's what we'll remember him as 500 years from now."
-- John Edward Hasse
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In this special tribute, Dr. Taylor toasts the great bandleader, composer and pianist, Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington a centennial birthday tribute. For over 50 years, up until his death in 1974, Ellington and his band were at the heart of American music. Dr. Taylor and his trio are joined by Ellington biographer John Edward Hasse, an accomplished pianist who also serves as musical curator at the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of American History. The Billy Taylor Trio play several Ellington favorites like "It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing," "Caravan," "In a Mellow Tone," among other compositions.
On-demand audio from this show:
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Listen to John Edward Hasse tell how he first got interested in Duke Ellington's music
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Listen to Hasse describe Washington, DC when Ellington was born and raised
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Listen to Hasse talk briefly about the private life of Ellington
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Listen to Hasse explain the term "jungle music," which Ellington's band played at the famous Cotton Club
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Listen to Hasse explain how Ellington composer musical parts for the individual musicians in his band
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Listen to Hasse explain Ellington's musical partnership with composer and pianist Billy Strayhorn
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