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Duke Ellington

4 Extra Debut. Musical brilliance led 'Duke' Ellington to electrify the 1930s jazz scene. Humphrey Lyttelton joins Ken in tribute. From 2004.

"Duke" Ellington is one of the most significant figures in music history.

He took a simple dance orchestra formula from the 1920s and transformed it into the 1930s 'big band era' world of jazz.

One of his innovations was to get his musicians - instrumentalist and singers - to explore unconventional sounds with their instruments. One such growling effect led to the expression "Jungle Sound" which became a byword for the Ellington sound.

Ken Clark talks to band leader, trumpeter and Ellington aficionado, Humphrey Lyttelton about the importance of Edward Kennedy β€œDuke” Ellington.

Born in 1899, Duke died aged 75 in 1974.

Producer: Paul Evans

First broadcast on ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 in January 2004.

30 minutes

Last on

Wed 22 May 2024 00:30

Broadcasts

  • Tue 21 May 2024 10:30
  • Tue 21 May 2024 16:30
  • Wed 22 May 2024 00:30