Duke Ellington: The jazz, the stamp, and the quarter

What do you think of when you think of Duke Ellington?

Some will instantly hear any number of jazz music selections created by this great musician and performer. Other may reflect on the Presidential Medal of Freedom he received in 1969, or the Legion of Honor from France (both are the highest honors that a civilian can receive from the respective countries). Then there are those that will remember that he was part of the second generation of African Americans to be born free of slavery.

Each of these things are powerful memories, with a history and impact for all those that pay attention. In Washington D.C. they have set about trying to capture all those facts, and countless numbers more, by commemorating Duke Ellington, born Edward Kennedy Ellington in 1899 (34 years after the end of slavery), on an American quarter. As each of the 50 states have emblazened an image representing the State on quarters, D. C. has now joined with its own image of its famous and beloved hometown son.

Ellington, named Duke for his appearance and mannerisms in youth that denoted nobility, was born in Washington D.C. and had President Teddy Roosevelt watch him play baseball as a child. His talent at the piano, in jazz, and with his bands allowed him to play for White and Black audiences - which was virtually unheard of in the 1920 and on. Duke was a groundbreaking, amazing man - proof that color cannot bind music even in a segregated nation.

Duke Ellington is the first and only African American to be featured on a official, functional, U.S. coin by himself. Commemorative coins, like those sold since the election of President Obama, are not valid currency. This too is a piece of history worthy of such a great American. It goes well with the fact that in 1986 Ellington was place on a 22 cent U.S. stamp and his special citation of the Pulitzer Prize.

You may not have heard about this anywhere else, but you should have. It's just one more reason that the world was lucky to have had Duke Ellington in it. It's another reason that every African American should always hold their heads high, not just during Black History Month.

Jazz gift idea - The Jazz Ear

It's the holiday season and everyone is searching for the perfect gift for everyone on their list. Considering that I decided to see what might be of interest out there for Jazz music enthusiasts. But I also wanted to see if I could find something that was a bit different than a favorite album or video of a favored artist. So I went to books, which to me often encompass the innovation that is Jazz music.

To that end I have seen nothing but positive reviews for The Jazz Ear by Ben Ratliff. Mr. Ratliff has been reviewing jazz for the New York Times for some 10 or so years now, so yu would expect a respectful and knowledgeable book. But this is different.

Unlike books that interview various artists about their inspirations and motivations, Ratliff sought a different path. To understand the artists via the music that they listen to and to discuss that. In such a manner we get more of the soul of the artists, in a more relaxed manner than traditional interviews might provide.

As I stated the book is held to be an accomplishment worthy of the subject matter and those involved.

The book has been on sale for a while now, and can be found among numerous online retailers. The cost is hardly prohibitive for the hardcopy, even in this economy. And I think this is something that any jazz enthusiast might find enjoyable. Perhaps even taking the time to sit back and listen to the songs that are selected by the musicians interviewed even before reading their thoughts.

Interviewees include Sonny Rollins, Ornette Coleman, Branford Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Wayne Shorter, Joshua Redman, Pat Methany and more.

For an original gift idea I think you could do far worse, and this will likely bring the smile you were hoping for.

Jazz - timeless or old time?

I was reading various bits of information when I ran across news from Rapid City. The point of the article was that a group of Jazz musicians were going to perform on November 9th. But just as important was another thought.

This group has performed for 17,000 middle and high schools. Their purpose is to teach American history through music, Jazz music which is a genre that truly is American-born. But the article also mentions

“A lot of adult fans don’t understand where this music came from.” - Jim Speirs member of Dakota Jazz Collective

It got me thinking. How many people can name 3 Jazz musicians? 5?

Of course there is Miles Davis, whom I am aware many younger readers probably have never heard of. And you should if yu can.



But who else? Could it really be that most are unaware of jazz and all its forms? Like the diffence of Herbie Hancock to John Coltrane. Or are the jazz musicians so far from MTV and music videos that many today have completely missed this unique sound?

Well I figured I’d present a couple of videos and ask you. How do you think the following compare to the modern sounds of today? If this were on MTV, or VH1, or BET would you watch and listen – more importantly listen?

Louis Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald


Dizzy Gillespie


Charlie Parker


John Coltrane


This is only a small sample of the great sounds and songs of these men and women. If this caught your interest you might just want to hear a bit more. I’m sure you will thank me for it.