The Legacy of Duke Ellington: “Black, Brown, and Beige”

About

This Zoom presentation honors the great Duke Ellington (in honor of his birthday), as well as composer/arranger Billy Strayhorn and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Healdsburg Jazz’s Artistic Director and Duke Ellington expert Marcus Shelby will share some of his favorite recordings and stories about Ellington and his band members between 1940-1960. This prolific period included the famous Blanton-Webster band during World War II. Highlights of the period included compositions like “Black, Brown, and Beige,” “Harlem Suite,” “Tattooed Bride,” “Jump for Joy,” several new suites, collaborations with Alvin Ailey, film scores, notable band members, and a revival at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1956 that revitalized his career.

This April Healdsburg Jazz is celebrating one year of producing monthly Zoom presentations that center on the artists, history, and culture of jazz.