Paul
Mercer Ellington, the new bandleader of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, tells
why the name Duke Ellington is still tops in jazz: "He was very much
ahead of his time as a songwriter. He was an original. He also had a lot of
help from Billy Strayhorn, who was a fabulous writer."
Paul
Mercer Ellington vows to reintroduce the world, especially his generation, to
jazz.
Duke
Ellington created more than 3,000 musical works, including film scores,
musicals, and concert pieces, Today his orchestra continues to play some of
his greatest tunes such as "East St. Louis
Toodle-O", "Mood
Indigo", & "Daybreak Express"
Ellington's
"Take the A Train", "Satin Doll", and "Sophisticated
Lady" are still acclaimed as jazz classics.
