Duke Ellington

Duke Ellington

Nacimiento : 1899-04-29, Washington, District of Columbia, USA

Muerte : 1974-05-24

Historia

Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was an American composer, pianist, and leader of a jazz orchestra from 1923 through the rest of his life. Born in Washington, D.C., Ellington was based in New York City from the mid-1920s and gained a national profile through his orchestra's appearances at the Cotton Club in Harlem.

Perfil

Duke Ellington

Películas

Duke Ellington in Isfahan
Self (archive footage)
This short documentary by writer and archivist Ehsan Khoshbakht tells the story of Duke Ellington's concert tour of the Middle East in 1963 and the development of one of the most beautiful jazz standards.
Charlie Parker: Bird Songs
Self (archive footage)
In 1955, on his report, a medical examiner wrote in the box: age, “about 53 years”. Charlie Parker nicknamed Bird just died, at 34. His death will be the ransom of a life that was not denied to the excesses or the consuming flame of genius. His wildest improvisations will open the door to future jazzmen. Between shadow and light this film will pay tribute to one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century.
El Teatro Apollo
Self (archive footage)
Una mirada a la historia del famoso Teatro Apollo en Harlem, Nueva York. El Apollo sirvió como trampolín de lanzamiento de numerosos artistas y leyendas como Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, y muchas más.
The Green Book: Guide to Freedom
Self - Musician (archive footage)
In 1936, Victor H. Green (1892-1960) published The Negro Motorist Green Book, a book that was both a travel guide and a survival manual, to help African-Americans navigate safe those regions of the United States where segregation and Jim Crow laws were disgracefully applied.
The Jazz Ambassadors
Self (archive footage)
The Cold War and Civil Rights collide in this remarkable story of music, diplomacy and race. Beginning in 1955, when America asked its greatest jazz artists to travel the world as cultural ambassadors, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington and their mixed-race band members, faced a painful dilemma: how could they represent a country that still practiced Jim Crow segregation?
Duke Ellington & Sarah Vaughan  Live At The Berlin Philharmonic Hall 1989
Self
Duke Ellington & His Orchestra plus Sarah Vaughan & Her Trio live in Berlin. Featuring: Duke Ellington (piano), Sarah Vaughan (vocals), Harold Ashby (saxophone), Harry Carney (saxophone), Paul Gonsalves (saxophone), Money Johnson, Gus Mancuso, Russell Procope (saxophone), Eddy Pucci (drums), Norris Turney (saxophone), Johnny Veith (piano), Cootie Williams (trumpet)
So Long
Original Music Composer
The life of two characters who follow each other beyond the walls.
The Bankbus
Music
Kåre has a bank on wheels. He lives for the Bank bus and its customers, but soon it is over. A story of human presence in stark contrast to efficiency and profit.
Jazz Evolution
Self - Piano
Jazz Icons: Duke Ellington Live in '58
Self - Piano
Jazz Icons: Duke Ellington features the earliest-known filmed full-length concert by one of the 20th Century's greatest songwriters and bandleaders. Filmed at Amsterdam's famed Concertgebouw, this 80-minute concert features the 16-piece Duke Ellington Orchestra two years after their stunning performance at the 1956 Newport Jazz Festival,which Duke considered his second birth. This epic performance includes legendary players Clark Terry, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney, Paul Gonsalves, Quentin Jackson and Ray Nance performing some of the most beloved American music ever written.
Billie Holiday: The Ultimate Collection
Himself
This remarkable DVD includes rare TV and film performances, an especially rare radio interview with Mike Wallace, an audio-only rehearsal session with pianist Jimmy Rowles, audio interviews with friends and fellow musicians, an interactive timeline and an evocative photo-document gallery featuring hundreds of dates and images, from rare photos to personal letters, plus Lady Day's complete recording history for major record companies. Performance highlights include three from 1956's 'Stars Of Jazz' TV that are seen here for the first time since their original broadcast, Holiday's first appearance on film, Duke Ellington's "Saddest Tale," and the classic "Fine And Mellow" with Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, and other jazz greats.
Duke Ellington: The Big Band Feeling
Self
This 1952 recording includes 2 performances of Duke and his Orchestra, one on Jan. 7, 1952 and one on Aug. 12, 1952. 12 of his signature pieces are featured including Sophisticated Lady, Caravan, The Mooch, VP's Boogie, Solitude, Mood Indigo, The Hawk . Tracklist: 1. Sophisticated Lady 2. Caravan 3. The Mooche 4. VIP's Boogie 5. Solitude 6. Mood Indigo 7. The Hawk Talks 8. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good) 9. Bli-Blip 10. Flamingo 11. Cottontail 12. C Jam Blues (Hot Chocolate)
The Story Of The Blues
Self
The story of The Blues traces the four main traditions of blues music: Form Blues, Blues, Urban Blues and Blues Electric. The blues has evolved and diversified, and filtered into a surprising variety of styles in contemporary music. In the blues the history of music was released. A look at the roots, origins and the subsequent influence of style the film explores the blues significant contribution to the development of jazz, rock and country and western music. Big Bill Broonzy, Robert Johnson, Lonnie Johnson, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Alexander Texas, and many more artists are featured through the film.
Improvisation
Self
Improvisational jazz performance filmed in 1950 by Gjon Mili plus Duke Ellington Trio filmed in July 1966, Count Basie at the Montreux Jazz Festival 1977, Joe Pass 1979, Ella Fitzgerald 1979, and Oscar Peterson at the Montreux Jazz Festival 1977.
Duke Ellington: Live At The Tivoli Gardens
Self
Call him the Duke of Denmark, as this is the second superb Ellington performance recorded in that country to be released in 2003 alone. It's also an appropriate follow-up to The Intimate Duke Ellington; whereas the latter showcases Ellington as a solo pianist and in small group settings, Live at the Tivoli Gardens features the Ellington Orchestra in all its splendor. It includes two approximately 70-minute sets recorded a few days apart in 1971, when the Duke was 72.
The Intimate Duke Ellington
Self
Duke Ellington's fifty year career was full of accomplishments as a highly original pianist, arranger, prolific composer and leader of a timeless orchestra. On occasion he recorded with a small group from his orchestra or as a piano soloist, but Duke was rarely filmed in that capacity... with a few exceptions. On January 23, 1967, Ellington filmed two programs for Danish television. The first has him jamming with an octet taken from his orchestra, including such greats as altoist Johnny Hodges, tenor-saxophonist Paul Gonsalves, baritonist Harry Carney and trumpeter Cat Anderson. Highlights include "The Jeep Is Jumpin'," "Sophisitcated Lady" and "Jam with Sam." The second program puts the focus on Ellington's piano, in solo and trio performances that include "Lotus Blossom," "Mood Indigo," and a definitive version of "Take the 'A' Train." Always a modern and distinctive soloist, Ellington is seen creating brilliant improvisations full of strong melodies, subtle surprises and sly wit.
Piano Blues
Self (archive footage)
Director — and piano player — Clint Eastwood explores his life-long passion for piano blues, using a treasure trove of rare historical footage in addition to interviews and performances by such living legends as Pinetop Perkins and Jay McShann, as well as Dave Brubeck and Marcia Ball.
It's Black Entertainment
Self (archive footage)
A star-studded tribute (from the creators of That's Entertainment) to the contributions of Afro-Americans in film over the last century. Vanessa Williams traces the struggles and triumphs of the superstars of music and film. Among the many artists featured are: Whitney Houston, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis Jr., Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Cab Calloway, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Ella Fitzgerald, and Little Richard, Also included are today's contemporary superstars: Snoop Dogg, Ice T, Quincy Jones, Spike Lee, Russell Simmons, and many, more! 80 minutes plus DVD bonus features.
Duke Ellington & His Orchestra 1929-1943
Self
Joined by the likes of saxophonist Ben Webster and trumpeter Cootie Williams, jazz giant Duke Ellington demonstrates in this collection of performance clips (spanning the years 1929-43) precisely why he's one of the seminal figures in American music. Ellington's musical evolution can be seen in excerpts from feature-length and short films that include Black and Tan, Check and Double Check, Symphony in Black and The Hit Parade of 1937.
The Lou Rawls Show with Duke Ellington
Self
With a unique style that encompassed soul, jazz and pop, Lou Rawls established himself as one of the premier voices of the modern musical age. This outstanding episode of his self-titled variety show is packed with soulful blues tunes and beautiful ballads such as "It Was a Very Good Year." Included is a gospel duet of "Oh, Happy Day" with Freda Payne and a show-stopping performance by Duke Ellington on "Satin Doll" and "Sophisticated Lady."
Paso Decisivo
Music
Una ex bailarina se ve obligada a enfrentarse a la decisión de dejar el escenario por su familia cuando su hija se une a una compañía de ballet.
Black Shadows on the Silver Screen
Self (archive footage)
Ossie Davis narrates a history of "race films," films made before 1950 which catered to a primarily black audience.
On the Road with Duke Ellington
Music
Documentary portrait of the legendary jazz bandleader.
On the Road with Duke Ellington
Self
Documentary portrait of the legendary jazz bandleader.
Change of Mind
Original Music Composer
A white man's brain is transplanted into a black man's skull.
Asalto al Queen Mary
Original Music Composer
Historia de unos modernos piratas que intentan secuestrar y robar el famoso trasatlántico Queen Mary.
The Strolling '20s
Self
Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier travel down memory lane to see what life was like back in the 1920s. Harry Belafonte introduces this musical, written by poet and playwright Langston Hughes, which pays tribute to Harlem in the 1920's. Sidney Poitier provides commentary on the era throughout the program, and George Kirby and Nipsey Russell portray various Harlem characters. Program highlights include: Gloria Lynne singing "Good Ol' Wagon"; Brownie McGhee singing "Let the Deal Go Down"; Diahann Carroll singing "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out"; Sammy Davis, Jr., singing and tap dancing to "Doin' the New Low Down"; Joe Williams singing "Nobody Knows the Way I Feel This Morning"; and Duke Ellington performing "Sophisticated Lady" with a sextet.
Un día volveré
Music
Narra las desventuras románticas de dos norteamericanos que son músicos de jazz y tocan en un club nocturno de París. Ram va a la estación de San Lázaro a esperar al gran trompetista Wild Man Mooer. Allí conoce a dos turistas, Connie y Lillian, y las invita a ir al club donde toca. Por su parte, Wild Man le ha prometido que hará llegar su partitura a un importante empresario.
Anatomía de un asesinato
Original Music Composer
Frederick Manion (Ben Gazzara), un teniente del ejército, asesina fríamente al presunto violador de su mujer Laura (Lee Remick). Tras su detención, se celebra el juicio. Su mujer contrata como abogado defensor a Paul Biegler (James Stewart), un honrado hombre de leyes. Durante el juicio se reflejarán todo tipo de emociones y pasiones, desde los celos a la rabia. Uno de los dramas judiciales más famosos de la historia del cine.
Anatomía de un asesinato
Pie Eye (uncredited)
Frederick Manion (Ben Gazzara), un teniente del ejército, asesina fríamente al presunto violador de su mujer Laura (Lee Remick). Tras su detención, se celebra el juicio. Su mujer contrata como abogado defensor a Paul Biegler (James Stewart), un honrado hombre de leyes. Durante el juicio se reflejarán todo tipo de emociones y pasiones, desde los celos a la rabia. Uno de los dramas judiciales más famosos de la historia del cine.
A Smattering of Spots
Music
A compilation reel of television commercials produced by Story Board Inc.
Daybreak Express
Music
Brioso corto documental sobre el amanecer neoyorquino, visto desde un tren. Con un dinámico montaje, y a ritmo de jazz, se ofrece un asombroso y colorido puzzle de imágenes; cuadros maravillosos, de subyugante belleza, que recuerdan a las imágenes azarosas que se forman caprichosamente en un caleidoscopio.
Jazz Ball
Self (archive footage)
A made-for-TV musical revue, compiled from soundies and film and TV performances by jazz greats from the 1930s to the 1950s.
Date with Duke
Self
Duke Ellington at the piano conducts a group of puppet perfume bottles playing his "Perfume Suite."
The Vampire
Music
After a look at some strange creatures, the narrator and camera take us to the Chaco forest, on the borders of Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil, where a vampire bat lives, desmodus rotondus, attacking wildlife and domesticated creatures, killing small ones by draining all their blood and killing large ones by leaving a parasite in their bloodstream. Four inches long, with a 12-inch wingspread, we see it walk, approach a victim, pull out a patch of fur large enough for it to engage its teeth, then lap six or seven ounces of blood. Its saliva may be an anesthetic keeping its victims from waking. A stub nose and harelip contribute to its efficiency and its hideous look.
Una cabaña en el cielo
Duke Ellington (uncredited)
Joe es un jugador profesional que se debate entre dos amores. En el suburbio en el que reside vive una bella mujer por la que se siente tentado. Mientras, su mujer sufre en silencio una existencia llena de desengaños.
Reveille with Beverly
Duke - Duke Ellington and His Orchestra (uncredited)
Beverly Ross, the switchboard operator at a local radio station, jumps at the chance to be the DJ for an early morning show before the soldiers at a nearby army camp assemble for reveille. Beverly, with her modern music, camp bulletins and chatter, is a hit with the soldiers. Beverly's younger brother and his two buddies are soldiers at the camp. The buddies vie for Beverly's attentions.
Jam Session
Self - Piano
Duke Ellington and Orchestra perform 'C Jam Blues'.
El nacimiento del blues
Self (archive footage)
Jeff crece cerca de Basin Street, en Nueva Orleans, tocando el clarinete en el muelle de estibadores. Forma una banda, La Basin Street Hot-Shots, que incluye a Memphis, un trompetista. Sufren para que su música jazz sea aceptada en los cafés de la ciudad. Betty Lou, una cantante, se une a la banda y consigue conciertos para ésta. Jeff y Memphis se enamoran de Betty Lou.
Hot Chocolate
Self (uncredited)
Whitey's Lindy Hoppers at their best along with Duke Ellington and his Orchestra performing for this "Hot Chocolate" musical short.
The Hit Parade
Duke Ellington
Agent Pete Garland is fired by society singer Monica Barrett after he got her a new radio contract, because she thinks her lawyer friend Teddy Leeds fits in better with her social status. To get even, Pete wants to make an unknown singer into a star. He finds Ruth Allison, drives her hard through rehearsals and makes her a star. But she is worried about her past, something she hasn't told Pete: She's an ex-convict and jumped bail in order to keep her partners in crime out of it. Further she's in love with Pete, but feels that he's still carrying a torch for Monica. When Monica's popularity is decreasing, Pete is able to get Ruth a stint on the program, the result is Monica is fired and Ruth get her job, but Monica takes revenge by revealing Ruth's past. Ruth considers it is best for her to disappear before being arrested, but she has become a star in public opinion. Will she get Pete or will she go to prison again?
Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life
Original Music Composer
A rising nineteen-year-old singer by the name of Billie Holiday made her screen debut in this musical landmark, which features Duke Ellington and his orchestra performing his symphonic jazz piece “A Rhapsody of Negro Life” set to scenes of everyday African American life.
Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life
Self
A rising nineteen-year-old singer by the name of Billie Holiday made her screen debut in this musical landmark, which features Duke Ellington and his orchestra performing his symphonic jazz piece “A Rhapsody of Negro Life” set to scenes of everyday African American life.
No es pecado
Piano Player
La película trata sobre la elección de una cantante entre el amor de dos hombres. Lo que ella desconoce es que uno de ellos es una persona sin escrúpulos.
Many Happy Returns
Piano Player (uncredited)
El propietario de unos grandes almacenes paga a un pretendiente de su entrometida hija para que se la lleve.
El crimen del Vanities
Duke Ellington
Un detective (Victor McLaglen) investiga una serie de asesinatos en el marco de un espectáculo musical que acaba de estrenarse.
A Bundle of Blues
Self
Duke Ellington and his orchestra play two jazz compositions plus 'Stormy Weather' (sung by Ivy Anderson).
Check and Double Check
Orchestra Leader
Amos and Andy trying to make a go of their "open-air" taxi business while they get caught up in a society hassle, involving driving musicians to a fancy party.
Black and Tan
Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington plays hot jazz in a fictional story that finds him down on his luck; he tries in vain to dissuade his friend, dancer Fredi Washington, from working with heart trouble even though it means work for his band. Sure enough, she collapses on stage...