Nov 19th, 2008 · Duke Ellington composed some of the most enduring music of the 20th century, producing more than one thousand lasting works. With groundbreaking hits such as "Sophisticated Lady" and "Mood Indigo," Ellington vividly communicated universal ideas, while inventing musical concepts that helped elevate jazz to a sophisticated art form.
Sep 17th, 2008 · A rich, supple baritone, Hibbler brought many of Duke Ellington's most popular ballads to life during an eight-year stint with the orchestra. He went on to a long and successful solo career, becoming the country's first prominent blind performer.
Sep 11th, 2007 · Capturing seven of America's greatest jazz musicians at the height of their powers in Europe, the DVD collection Jazz Icons offers a fresh perspective on the likes of Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, Sarah Vaughan, Charles Mingus and Dave Brubeck.
Aug 26th, 2007 · South African pianist and composer Abdullah Ibrahim grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, but he spent much of his life in exile. With inspiration from Duke Ellington and others, Ibrahim's sound became more deeply rooted in Africa. Today, few living composers can match his melodic inventiveness.
Aug 17th, 2007 · Legendary jazz drummer Max Roach died this week. He was 83. He got his first break filling in when Duke Ellington's drummer fell ill in 1940. He went on to become one of jazz's most important innovators, creating beats that would take the genre from swing to bebop to the avant-garde.
Jul 14th, 2007 · From the 1920s to the 1950s, great songwriters like Irving Berlin, George Gershwin and Duke Ellington wrote standards that any cocktail lounge player today knows by heart. In his new book, novelist and critic Wilfrid Sheed celebrates the music of the great American songbook.
Jul 1st, 2007 · Guitarist Kenny Burrell has recorded with the likes of Billie Holiday, John Coltrane and Duke Ellington. Now on the other side of 75, he discusses his lengthy career, his latest CD and the development of his unique style.
Apr 27th, 2007 · News and Notes remembers Duke Ellington, who would have been 108 on Sunday, with a bit of his music.