History

No big band has put out more classic arrangements than the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Spearheaded by virtuosic pianist, composer, and arranger Duke Ellington, and with collaborators like Billy Strayhorn, Juan Tizol, and Johnny Hodges, the band produced an enormous volume of work, all played beautifully. Ellington founded the band in 1923, and led it until his death in 1974. Songs like Take the ‘A’ Train, Caravan, Cottontail, Prelude to a Kiss, and and Don’t Get Around Much Anymore remain favorites for big bands today. This list only scratches the surface of the many outstanding arrangements performed by the Duke Ellington Orchestra, many of which have been preserved by Jazz at Lincoln Center and their Essentially Ellington series. Some of the Duke Ellington Orchestra’s most notable members include Harry Carney (baritone sax), Paul Gonsalves (tenor sax), Ben Webster (tenor sax), Rex Stewart (cornet), and Oscar Pettiford (bass).