Duke Ellington and His Orchestra
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Biography
An unrivalled legend in the history of jazz, Duke Ellington wrote thousands of popular compositions and helped shape the American swing and big band scene with his elegant flamboyance. Becoming a huge star while leading the house band at New York's iconic Cotton Club during the late 1920s, his performances were broadcast live over the radio to huge audiences but, during the depression era, the extravagance of his 15-piece ensemble seemed out of place. A stunning performance at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1956 re-established the orchestra and led to their biggest-selling record Ellington At Newport (1956), followed by the acclaimed albums Such Sweet Thunder (1957), Ellington Indigos (1958) and Black, Brown and Beige (1958), which featured gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. The orchestra became a force in breaking down racial barriers, opening the door for more Afro-American bands, with Ellington winning 13 Grammy Awards, The Medal of Freedom and the Legion of Honour, before his death in 1974 from lung cancer.
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Albums
Duke Ellington
The Private Collection, Vol. 10: Studio Sessions New York & Chicago 1965, 1966, 1971
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Top Tracks
- Track Popularity
- East St Louis Toodle-O
- Sweet Mama
- Bugle Call Rag
- Digga Digga Do
- Jack The Bear
- My Little Brown Book by John Coltrane
- Reflections In D
- Haupe by Charlie Rouse
- Take The "A" Train by Betty Roché
- Wabash Blues by Johnny Hodges
- You Dirty Dog by Coleman Hawkins
- Limbo Jazz by Coleman Hawkins
- The Ricitic by Coleman Hawkins
- The Jeep Is Jumpin'
- Ray Charles' Place by Coleman Hawkins
- Self Portrait (Of The Bean) by Coleman Hawkins
- In a Sentimental Mood by John Coltrane
- What Am I Here For?
- Beale Street Blues by Johnny Hodges
- Corner Pocket by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra
- Black and Tan Fantasy by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra
- East St. Louis Toodle-Oo by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra
- It Don't Mean a Thing by Louis Armstrong
- Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me by Ray Brown
