National Park Service Histories Articles

Duke Ellington's List

“Of all the jazz musicians who link yesterday’s ragtime with today’s dance music, Duke Ellington is the dean. In his 27 years as a pianist and composer, the Duke has played alongside every great brass, reed, and rhythm man of his day. Now he picks those music makers who, ‘on the basis of their over-all contribution, their all-time record, consistently good performance, and love of music,’ constitute 1951’s All-American jazz band.”

Duke Ellington made a list of his favorite eleven musicians; some of the names may surprise you.

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Big Band 1930s-1940s

Duke Ellington's List

• Coronet Magazine, 1951 •