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Remembering Mercer Ellington.

We remember 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. When he was a young man, Mercer Ellington had hoped to break into his father's band on the saxophone. But after years of frustration, he could see that he would never crack the legendary Ellington reed section. He finally was accepted as a trombone player and later played french horn and trumpet. With the death of his father in 1974, Mercer Ellington took over his father's orchestra. (REBROADCAST from 5/3/89)

20:32
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Other segments from the episode on February 9, 1996

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, February 9, 1996: Obituary for Mercer Ellington; Interview with Ellen DeGeneres; Interview with Bill Pullman; Review of the film "Broken Arrow."
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08:00

From the Archives: Comedienne, Actress, and Writer Ellen DeGeneres.

Stand up comic Ellen DeGeneres, the star of the sitcom "Ellen." The show airs on Wednesday nights on ABC. Last year DeGeneres co-hosted the 1994 Emmy awards and received a People's Choice Award for Favorite Female in a New Television series. She now has a new book, My Point. . . And I Do Have One (Bantam News). She's now starring in "Mr. Wrong." (REBROADCAST from 9/13/95)

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13:15

From the Archives: Actor Bill Pullman Discusses His Life and Career.

Actor Bill Pullman. He taught drama at the University of Montana, where he rose to department head at age 27. Pullman later made his acting debut in "Ruthless People." In 1995 he was featured in the films, "Casper," "While You Were Sleeping," and "The Last Seduction." He's now starring in "Mr. Wrong." (REBROADCAST from 6/8/95)

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27:45

Catching Up with Mercer Ellington

Band leader and composer Mercer Ellington is the son of Duke Ellington, and leads the Duke Ellington Band. As a young man, Mercer Ellington played trombone, French horn and trumpet in his father's ensemble. Two recent Mercer Ellington albums have won wide acclaim: "Digital Duke" and "For Ellington," performed by the Modern Jazz Quartet.

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21:30

Mercer Ellington Continues His Father's Legacy.

Son of Duke Ellington, composer and musician Mercer Ellington is the conductor of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. The Orchestra will join Peter Nero and the Philly Pops for a pair of concerts of Duke Ellington's work, including a symphony, "The Three Black Kings / Les Trois Rois Noirs," finished by Mercer Ellington after his father's death.

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08:14

Earl Hines: Big Bands And Beyond On A New Box Set

Mosaic Records has released Classic Earl Hines Sessions 1928-1945. a seven-disc showcase for the jazz pianist and bandleader. Hines' right hand played lines in bright, clear octaves -- and his left hand had a mind of its own.

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