Duke Ellington - Symphony In Black (1935) (Short Film)

From Paramount Pictures in 1935, we present Duke Ellington and His Orchestra in "Symphony in Black:  A Rhapsody in Negro Life," which Mr. Ellington composed.

With continuity by Milton Hocky and Fred Rath, this short subject was photographed by William Steiner, Jr. and directed by Fred Waller.

This is a TV syndication print.

Soundie: Duke Ellington And His Orchestra - Flamingo (1942)

Time for a 1942 Soundie as Duke Ellington and His Orchestra play-----and Herb Jeffries sings "Flamingo."

The sultry Janet Collins and Talley Beattey do the dancing.

Directed by Josef Berne.

Here's a rundown of the personnel:

Duke Ellington and his Orchestra:
Wallace Jones, Ray Nance, trumpet
Rex Stewart, cornet
Lawrence Brown, Sam Nanton, Juan Tizol, trombone
Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwick, Ben Webster, Barney Bigard, Harry Carney, reeds
Duke Ellington, piano
Fred Guy, guitar
Junior Raglin, acoustic double bass
Sonny Greer, drums
Herb Jeffries, vocal
The Katherine Dunham Dancers
(Personnel on Camera)

Black And Tan Duke Ellington Usa 1929

Here's a 1929 RKO  Radio Pictures short subject "Black and Tan," with Duke Ellington and His Orchestra and dancer Fredi Washington.

Supervised by Dick Currier, written and directed by Dudley Nichols.

Duke Ellington "Symphony in Black"

From Paramount Pictures in 1935, we present Duke Ellington and His Famous Orchestra in "Symphony In Black (A Rhapsody Of Negro Life)," a well-produced musical short subject.

This film includes the film debut of 20 year-old singer Billie Holiday.

With continuity by Milton Hocky and Fred Rath, this short subject was photographed by William Steiner, Jr. and directed by Fred Waller.

This is a TV syndication print.

Enjoy!

1936 HITS ARCHIVE: Love Is Like A Cigarette - Duke Ellington (Ivie Ander...

Time for music by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra, "Love Is Like A Cigarette."


Ivy Anderson is on the vocal here.


Recorded in New York City on February 28, 1936 and released on Brunswick #7627.

SYMPHONY IN BLACK-Starring Duke Ellington and His Orchesta with Billie Holliday (Paramount-1935)

From 1935, here's a Paramount Pictures musical short, "Symphony In Black," starring Duke Ellington and His Famous Orchestra.


This short includes rising jazz singer Billie Holliday.


This is a TV syndication print.

WAERMELON MAN by Duke Ellington vocal Ivy Anderson

Here's music by Duke Ellington and His Famous Orchestra, in this case, the Duke's own composition, "Watermelon Man," with vocal by Ivy Anderson.


This recording originally made it to market under the Master Record label, then ended up issued on Brunswick #m8200.


Recorded on June 20, 1938.

1934 HITS ARCHIVE: Cocktails For Two - Duke Ellington (instrumental)

Here's "Cocktails For Two" as presented by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra.



You won't hear The Duke resort to Spike Jones-style embellishments here.



This song was featured in the Paramount picture "Murder at the Vanities."



Recorded in Hollywood on April 12, 1934 and released on Victor #24617.