For a score of years, while "kings" of jazz and swing have succeeded each other with Balkan rapidity, a "Duke" has exhibited most of the real majesty from beside the throne. So last week the U.S. music world helped the Duke celebrate his 20th year as a band leader. The American Federation of Musicians officially blessed a National Ellington Week in honor of famed Edward Kennedy ("Duke") Ellington, whose flamboyant black band has played superb jazz longer than any other orchestra in the history of U.S. popular music.
It was well deserved. Down-Beat's poll...
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