In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Choral Arrangements of
Duke Ellington

2008 - Grammy Winner - Hall Of Fame

Edward Kennedy 'Duke' Ellington was born on April the 29th 1899 in Washington, D.C. The nickname 'Duke' was given to Ellington by a childhood friend, who noticed his impeccable taste in everything and that he carried himself with a sophisticated air at all times.

Both his parents played the piano and Ellington himself first began lessons at the age of 7. At this time however, his talent for drawing and painting was apparently stronger than that for music. He attended the Armstrong Manual Training School, where he studied commercial art.

During some time in Philadelphia he looked up Harvey Brooks, from who he learnt some piano tricks. This prompted Ellington to start learning again and he also began doing small gigs at local clubs and cafes. Three months before his graduation Ellington dropped out of school, so as to concentrate on a career in music.

Eliington's first band, The Duke Serenaders, later called 'The Washingtonians', was formed in 1917. They played at different dance halls and lodges for $5.00 a night between them. However, finding a more lucrative part of the business in contracting bands out to these places, Ellington assembled a number of bands and was soon supplying 'a band for every occasion'.

In 1918, he married his childhood sweetheart, Edna Thompson and in 1919 his son Mercer was born. Mercer would in the future join the band as a trumpeter and road manager.

1923 saw the band move to New York, where they played at various clubs. It was 1927 that gave the band their big break, when the prestigious Cotton Club offered Ellington and his band the job as house band. They became well known nationally, as the Cotton Club regularly broadcasted via radio.

This new environment proved to be very productive for Ellington to develop his skills as a composer. He wrote music in an array of different styles for theatre acts, as well as continuing to write for the band. The band also broadened out to playing in Broadway musicals, the first being 'Show Girl' in 1929 and then later, in many films, including Murder at the Vanities and A Day at the Races.

In 1931 Ellington left the Cotton Club as a well known celebrity and continued recording for different record companies and touring with his band in the USA and Europe. Even though his sidemen sometimes changed, Ellington adapted to these and his experimenting with his music helped him to find new outlets.

Some newer outlets after 1956 included a satirical suite for the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford and his 'Sacred Concerts'.

Duke Ellington died May 24th 1974, from cancer of both lungs, complicated by pneumonia. After his death his name was remembered through different schools, art centres and scholarships being named in his honour. Even the pop hit 'Sir Duke' by Stevie Wonder was done as a tribute to Ellington.

Although many remember Ellington's earlier works from the 1940s, he continued to be a musical experimenter and he excelled as a composer, pianist and band leader throughout his career. His music and life still continues to affect people today, with a large sculpture memorial being dedicated to him over 20 years after his death.

Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media

Displaying 1-3 of 3 items.

Hywel Davies : A Duke Ellington Choral Suite

A Novello Voices Choral Suite, arranged by Hywel Davies. Contains: Take the A Train, Satin Doll, Lush Life, Things Ain't What They Used to Be and Perdido. The Novello Voices series features fabulous SATB arrangements of popular modern songs from West End shows and the worlds of jazz and pop.

Songlist: Take The 'A' Train, Satin Doll, Lush Life, Things Ain't What They Used to Be, Perdido

Kirby Shaw : In a Mellow Tone

This arrangement of the great Duke Ellington standard is hot! Voices in octaves start the melody over a single bass line and gradually develop into an exciting big-band style shout chorus.Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, Instrumental Pak (parts for Guitar, Bass and Drums) and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:15

Kirby Shaw : It Don't Mean a Thing: The Best of Duke Ellington (Medley)

Pay tribute to the music of Duke Ellington in this hot 7-minute medley. Includes four of his greatest hits: Mood Indigo, Satin Doll, Take the A Train and It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing).Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, Instrumental ePak (parts for Trumpet I & II, Tenor Sax, Trombone, Guitar, Bass and Drums) and ShowTrax CD.

Individual Folios

Displaying 1-25 of 25 items.

Jay Althouse : An Ellington Jazz Trio

Considered one of the founding fathers of jazz music, Duke Ellington was one of the most popular and prolific composers of the 20th century. This varied trio of a cappella charts offers stunning, tight, and tasty harmonies.

Arranger: Jay Althouse | Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington

Jay Althouse : An Ellington Jazz Trio

Arranger: Jay Althouse | Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington

Paris Rutherford : Caravan

A jazz classic in a barn burner Afro-Cuban setting, provides an exciting and energetic closer to a set, or even a full show. Fun and rewarding for your group to perform, there are opportunities for multiple solos, both vocal and instrumental.

Arranger: Paris Rutherford | Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington

Paris Rutherford : Come Sunday

Known primariily as a band leader and jazz artist, Duke Ellington also had deep roots in the Christian faith. His 1943 cantata Black, Brown and Beige featured this rich and deeply moving song most famously performed and recorded by Mahalia Jackson. These accessible settings for mixed and treble choirs by noted jazz educator Paris Rutherford are ideal for both worship and concert performance. Available for SATB, SAB, SSA, IPak (Strings and Rhythm Section) and ShowTrax CD.

Arranger: Paris Rutherford | Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington

Steve Zegree : Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me

From the iconic opening notes of the tune over a walking bass to the full shout scat chorus, your vocal jazz ensemble will dig this medium swing setting of the Duke Ellington classic. A super choice for developing style and skill! Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Combo parts available digitally (tpt 1, tpt 2, tsx, tbn, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 3:00.

Arranger: Steve Zegree | Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington

Darmon Meader : Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me

Darmon Meader (of New York Voices fame) adds his vocal jazz touch to Duke Ellington's classic. The lazy, medium swing tempo is just right, and the full-sounding piano accompaniment supports the voices.

Arranger: Darmon Meader | Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington

Roger Emerson : Don't Get Around Much Anymore

Perfect for introducing younger singers to the music of Duke Ellington, this 1940s classic will be a hit both in rehearsal and performance.Available separately: 3-Part Mixed and 2-Part. VoiceTrax CD also available. Performance Time: Approx. 2:30

Arranger: Roger Emerson | Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington

Mark Brymer : Don't Get Around Much Anymore

Originally made famous by Duke Ellington, this jazz standard has been sung by everyone from Frank Sinatra to Harry Connick, Jr. Enjoy this swinging setting from Mark Brymer. Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm parts available digitally (gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 2:45.

Arranger: Mark Brymer | Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington

Jay Althouse : Don't Get Around Much Anymore

A light, swinging, Jay Althouse arrangement of a Duke Ellington "standard." Features accessible voice leading and some simple scat syllables...but no vocal improvisation. Accessible voice leading. Add the SoundPax parts (horns and rhythm section) for an authentic, small combo sound.

Arranger: Jay Althouse | Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington

Mark Hayes : Don't Get Around Much Anymore

This jazz standard by Duke Ellington and Bob Russell is an American classic. Mark Hayes has captured its flair in a choral that's perfect for concert choirs or smaller ensembles such as jazz and show choirs. The big band instrumentation compliments with class and accentuates the style of the piece.

Arranger: Mark Hayes | Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington

Russell L. Robinson : Duke's Place

Sometimes known as "C Jam Blues," this is the vocal version of Duke Ellingtonis signature theme. The lyrics are as hip as can be: "Saxes do their tricks at Dukeis Place." Perfectly crafted for developing choirs with easy, tight harmonies. Also included are a call and response section and a written-out scat solo. This arrangement has it all.

Arranger: Russell L. Robinson | Composer: Duke Ellington | Lyricist: Bill Katts, Bob Thiele an Performed By: Duke Ellington

Paris Rutherford : I Got It Bad (and That Ain't Good)

Arranger: Paris Rutherford | Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington

Nicholas Hare : I'm Beginning to See the Light

Novello Voices Choral Pops. Fabulous SATB arrangements of popular modern songs from West End shows and the worlds of jazz and pop music.

Arranger: Nicholas Hare | Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington

Kirby Shaw : In a Mellow Tone

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington

Roger Emerson : It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)

A true musical classic now available in the Discovery Jazz Series. Expertly arranged for younger choirs this is the perfect introduction to the music known as Swing.Available separately: 3-Part Mixed, 2-Part and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:30.

Arranger: Roger Emerson | Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington

Mark Brymer : It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)

This hot '30s swing number is high energy from beginning to end. Featured in the Broadway revue Bubbling Brown Sugar, this chart has great dance potential. Available: SATB, SAB, SSA, Instrumental Pak, ShowTrax CD. Peformance Time: Approx. 2:20.

Arranger: Mark Brymer | Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington

Paris Rutherford : It Don't Mean a Thing (If it Ain't Got That Swing)

The great Ellington classic still swings in this setting that includes a written vocal and piano solo.Available separately: SATB, ePak(R) and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 4:25.

Arranger: Paris Rutherford | Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington

Kirby Shaw : It Don't Mean a Thing: The Best of Duke Ellington (Medley)

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington

Ed Lojeski : Mood Indigo

Here's an extra-special arrangement of an exceptional song! Rich jazz-flavored harmonies and classic piano styling combine to create a shimmering musical effect. Available: SATB, SSA. Performance Time: Approx. 4:00.

Arranger: Ed Lojeski | Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington

Harry Simeone : Mood Indigo

Arranger: Harry Simeone | Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington

Kirby Shaw : Satin Doll

This cool, sophisticated jazz classic, set in a medium groove by Kirby Shaw, will have your group sounding like pros in no time at all! Available: SATB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:00.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington

Paris Rutherford : Solitude

Display your vocal jazz technique with this challenging chart that is highlighted by its rich harmonic tapestry. Feature a special soloist as the choir sings a supportive back-up marked by a quiet intensity. Duration: ca. 2:30.

Arranger: Paris Rutherford | Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington

Steve Zegree : Take the 'A' Train

Arranger: Steve Zegree | Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington

Kirby Shaw : Take the 'A' Train

Now available in a Discovery arrangement, this is the perfect way to introduce this standard to younger singers.Available separately: 3-Part Mixed, 2-Part and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:00

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington

Russell Robinson : Take the 'A' Train

Russell Robinson always finds a way to take a song and make it accessible for the younger voice and inexperienced ensemble. He continues with this arrangement of Take the A Train. The singer learns the melody in the opening then is ready to take on the faster movement of the same melody throughout. A great jazz classic for choral groups. Available separately: SATB, SAB, StudioTrax CD.

Arranger: Russell Robinson | Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington