Duke Ellington

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews new reissues of Duke Ellington recordings between 1950 and 1961: Blues in Orbit, Masterpieces By Ellington, Piano in the Background, and Piano in the Foreground.

To complete our celebration of the centennial of Duke Ellington's birth (April 29th, 1899) a talk with music critic Gary Giddins. He won the National Book Critics Circle award for criticism for his new book "Visions of Jazz: The First Century." (Oxford Press). Giddins has written for The Village Voice for 25 years.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead continues his look at Duke Ellington.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead corrects some common misconceptions about Duke Ellington.

Band leader and composer Mercer Ellington, the son of Duke Ellington. He perpetuated the big band tradition his father made famous as head of the Duke Ellington Band. With the death of his father in 1974, Mercer Ellington took over his father's orchestra. Mercer died in 1996. (REBROADCAST from 5/3/89)

Band leader and composer Mercer Ellington, the son of Duke Ellington. He perpetuated the big band tradition his father made famous as head of the Duke Ellington Band. With the death of his father in 1974, Mercer Ellington took over his father's orchestra. Mercer died in 1996. (REBROADCAST from 5/3/89)

Tony Bennett talks about Ellington, and sings an Ellington composition. (Rebroadcast of 11/25/1998)

Musician Max Roach talks about Duke Ellington. Rebroadcast of 6/25/1987

Dave Brubeck talks about Duke Ellington.

Dave Frishberg plays Ellington's composition: "The Mooch." (Rebroadcast of 9/12/91)