Far more than just a piano playing bandleader, Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington (1899–1974) was and still remains a powerfully influential figure in the world of music. Whether it was in jazz, popular song, big bands, or modern classical-form compositions, Ellington’s orchestras always led the way, featuring innovative arrangements, talented vocalists and solo performers, and the sheer showmanship of their handsome and charismatic leader. Heard today, the twenty broadcasts featured in this collection of half-hour shows, taken from 1945/46 broadcasts, remains a fascinating glimpse into the musical world of the mid-1940s and a tribute to the truly timeless talents of Duke Ellington and his Orchestra.
