Happy Birthday Duke Ellington

My love for jazz grew precipitously once I heard it for the first time. I love mostly the communal and spiritual appeal of it. It draws people together. It is community. It is culture. And what I have always gotten from jazz music itself was a wealth of innovative sounds from the extraordinary works that they are.

Original art piece "Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn" by Stephanie Jeannot

I can only imagine the hype it must have been back then, to have flocked to the clubs to see Duke Ellington's sizzling stage performances. He played dexterously and dynamically. It must have felt like world class joy to have been in that swirling atmosphere of sound, clothed in a floor length gown or tux to listen intently and to also move your body like the ripples of a lake to Ellington’s magenta piano caresses and the alliance of elite musicians who bonded with him to create the most amazing live sounds.  

I find joy in swaying my hips around and around to some of the Ellingtonian classics; in my own little oasis or at a live jazz event. If the music is on, I am bopping to it. 

Duke’s string of songs with funky licks and climactic cadences still echoes through my life now. All those intricate patterns that he once played. All the many tempestuous chords and melodic ornamentation that he used to use in the iterations of his work continue to nourish my appetite.

His songs are powerful sounds of revolution. His music carries sounds that blended elements of cultural heritage and pride. Listening to Duke Ellington's songs peppers my day with joy. I might respond with a dance movement or with a simple smile but most of all, I will be met with happy feelings.

Duke Ellington was born on this day on April 29, 1899. Celebrating him and jazz all day. If interested, check out this video of a performance of the Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn tune, “Daydream” on YouTube. Here is the link: https://youtube.com/shorts/jVD4fxnavf0?si=Ugx100pUA2a2Rm9K 

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If you liked the photo above that I drew of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, 

perhaps you might also enjoy the drawings featured in my book of drawn images and cartoonesque words, Jazz Toons. Get it here: https://amzn.to/3OvegmU