![]() | THE INTERNATIONAL DEMS BULLETIN DUKE ELLINGTON MUSIC SOCIETY 04/2 August-November 2004 FOUNDER: BENNY AASLAND |
Voort 18b, 2328 Meerle, Belgium
Telephone: +32 3 315 75 83
Email: dems@skynet.be
DEMS Domesticities
A small problem
The future of DEMS
.NEW
FINDSMetropolitan Opera House, 21Jan51
The Auckland Concert of 10Feb70
Harry Rasky Interview
Leonard Feather Interview
Timme Rosenkrantz Interview
NEW BOOKS
Maurice Peress. Dvorak to Duke Ellington.
Claire Gordon. My Unforgettable Jazz Friends.
Duke's Itinerary
Ellington orchestra in Trail, B.C., on 10Apr52.
An addition to Duke's Itinerary with a question-mark.
ON THE ROAD AND ON THE AIR
The Blanton/Webster Era, Part One
October 1939 to December 1940
20oct39 to 2Nov39, Club Caprice, Hotel Coronado, St.
Louis, MO. (daily ads, St. Louis Globe-Democrat,
19oct-2Nov39) Duke Ellington became the first black bandleader to
land a gig at the Hotel Coronado, a choice downtown "location" with
broadcasts. Local 15-minute radio broadcasts were aired twice every
night at 7:30 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. on KXOK. (Radio listings, St.
Louis Globe Democrat, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, St. Louis
Star-Times, 20oct-2Nov39) KXOK was owned by the St. Louis
Star-Times, which previewed of one the programs. "Duke
Ellingtons original compositions, You Gave Me the Gate,
Solid Old Man, and In a Mizz, will be heard on KXOK at
11:15 p.m. during Ellingtons broadcast from Club Caprice of
Hotel Coronado in St. Louis." ("News From Radio Stations," St.
Louis Star-Times, 30oct39, p16)
CBS carried national broadcasts on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
at 11:30 p.m. CST. (Harold Jovien, "Radio Raves," Gary
American, 10Nov39, p5, and other African American newspapers)
Late night radio listings in the St. Louis papers were incomplete,
but list 11:30 p.m. CST broadcasts on 31oct and 2Nov39 on St.
Louis CBS station, KMOX. The one surviving air check from Club
Caprice is dated 2Nov39 from WJR, a CBS station in Detroit.
20oct39, Club 49, St. Louis, MO. (ad, St. Louis
Argus, 20oct39, p12) Ellington recalled hearing Blanton for the
first time "in a hot spot on the second floor of Jesse Johnsons
restaurant." (Music is My Mistress, p164) Club 49,
located "atop the Deluxe cafeteria [owned by Jesse Johnson]" (Ben
Thomas, "Night After Night," St. Louis Argus, 10Jun38, p7),
fits Ellingtons description. "Duke Ellington has been
frequenting Club 49 these nites in town. We wonder if the maestro is
planning to add Jimmie Blanton, bass fiddler with Fate Marables
band, to his aggregation." (J. Von Chapman, "Town Chatter," St.
Louis Argus, 27oct39, p7)
Blanton sent his mother a telegram indicating that he joined Duke
Ellington and His Orchestra on 2Nov39, closing night at the Hotel
Coronado. (Phil Schaap, WKCR radio, New York, 6Jan96)
3Nov39, Blackstone Hotel, Chicago. Suggested in the Igo
Itinerary, no documentation given, no mention in Chicago papers.
(Tribune, Daily News, Evening Herald-Examiner, Defender)
4Nov39, Huff Gym, University of Illinois, Champaign,
IL. Homecoming dance, 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. ("S-A Homecoming Ball is
Tonight," Daily Illinois, 4Nov39, p1)
10Nov39, Forum Rose Room, Wichita, KS. (ad, Wichita
Eagle, 10Nov39, p10)
15Nov39, Roseland Ballroom, Kansas City, MO. ("Duke
Ellington and Band Jive at Roseland Ballroom," Kansas
City Call, city edition, 17Nov39, p8)
16Nov39, Castle Ballroom, St. Louis, MO. Dance in honor
of State Teachers convention. (ad, St. Louis Argus,
10Nov39, p7)
19Nov39, Miramar Ballroom, Gary, IN. 8:30 p.m. to 1:00
a.m. "While jitterbug was the dance craze of the affair, many other
couples could be seen gliding along the floor at a smooth and easy
pace which seemed to enable them to enjoy the music much more." Tunes
included Stompy Jones, Blue and Sentimental, What A Life, Im
in Another World, and Sophisticated Lady; Herb Jeffrey on
Whats New, Stairway to the Stars, Lilacs in the Rain,
Star Dust, If I Knew Then, My Prayer; Ivie Anderson on
Im Checking Out; You Can Count on Me; Aint What You
Do; Jumpin Jive; Oh Babe, Maybe Someday. ("Crowd Packs Miramar to
Hear Duke Ellington," Gary American, 24Nov39, p5)
20Nov39, Savoy Ballroom, Chicago. Federated Hotel
Waiters Union ball. "Local 356 is composed of waiters from the
leading loop hotels. The list of expected celebrities includes Tommy
Dorsey, Gene Krupa, John Kirby and Cab Calloway." ("Duke to Play for
Hotel Waiters Union," Chicago Defender, 18Nov39, p8)
21Nov39, New Deal Tavern, Chicago.
5 a.m. breakfast party for Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington following
waiters ball at Savoy. ("LaRue Will Honor Duke and King Cab,"
Chicago Defender, 18Nov39)
22Nov39, Vocalion recording session, Chicago, Barney
Bigard; Columbia recording session, Duke Ellington and Jimmie
Blanton duets.
22Nov39, Drake Hotel, Chicago. University of Chicago
Intrafraternity Ball. (Chicago Daily Maroon, 8Nov39, p1)
24Nov39, "Young Man with a Band" broadcast, Chicago.
"Young Man With a Band" originated from WBBM in Chicago and was heard
at 9:30 p.m. CST Saturday nights, and was broadcast coast-to-coast
overthe CBS network. Duke Ellingtons life story was portrayed
with musical excerpts.
25 and 26Nov39, Palace Theater, Peoria, IL. Shows at
2:30, 5:00, 7:25, 9:55; with a movie. (Ads in Peoria
Journal-Transcript, 24 and 25Nov39)
30Nov39, Municipal Auditorium, Birmingham, AL.
(Birmingham News, 30Nov39, p1)
3Dec39, Sunset Terrace Indianapolis, IN. (ad,
Indianapolis Recorder, 2Dec39, p12) "Jimmie Blanton really
played the bass fiddle and was featured before the mike on that
unforgettable Sophisticated Lady
it was really unique and
fascinating and spine-chilling
for an encore Jimmie featured his
fiddle on Liza
." Other tunes included: Blue Moon;
Ivie Anderson on Im Satisfied, It Dont Mean A Thing,
Solitude, and St. Louis Blues. (Ye Scribe, "In the
Groove," Indianapolis Recorder, 9Dec39, p12)
9Dec39, Blackstone Hotel, Chicago. Supper dance
sponsored by Julius Hoffman. (Adeline Fitzgerald, "Monday Memos,"
Chicago Herald-American, 11Dec39, p9)
10Dec39, Music Hall, Toppers Ballroom, Cincinnati,
OH. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. (ad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10Dec39,
p5)
15Dec39, William Penn Hotel, Pittsburgh, PA.
(Pittsburgh Courier, 23Dec39, p21)
16Dec39, Cotton Club, Indianapolis, IN. Members of the
orchestra attend, and Jimmie Blanton jams with the house band
including Eugene (Sox) Pope and Jimmie Hinsley. "It was interesting
to hear Johnny [Hodges] tell me how he found Jimmie Blanton in St.
Louis and how when Jimmie plays Body and Soul
he plays
more changes than any horn tooter." (Ye Scribe, "In the Groove,"
Indianapolis Recorder, 23Dec39, p12)
17Dec39, Pantheon Theater, Vincennes, IN. "Continuous
shows" with a movie. (ad, Vincennes Sun-Commercial, 17Dec39,
p2)
20Dec39, Eden Club, Chicago. Nightclub in suburban
Chicago. ("Duke Ellington to the Eden," Chicago
Herald-American, 16Dec39, p10; ad, Chicago
Herald-American, 20Dec39, p10)
25Dec39, Union City High School Gym, Union City, TN.
Christmas night dance,
9 p.m. to 1 a.m. (ad, Union City Messenger, 17Dec39)
26Dec39, New Sikeston Armory, Sikeston, MO. 10 p.m. to
2 a.m. ("Ellington Packs Armory 1200 Dancers Brave Snowstorm
for Music of Famous Orchestra," Sikeston Standard, 29Dec39,
p1)
29Dec39, Blackstone Hotel, Chicago. Debutante ball for
the daughter of meatpacking baron Edwin Cudahy. (Jean [Bach],
"Sara Peace, Sheila Cudahys Parties Are Todays High Spots
for Young Set," Chicago Herald-Examiner, 29Dec39, p9)
31Dec39, "Meet the Band" broadcast, Chicago. WBBM 12:30
to 1 p.m. CST, and broadcast nationally over CBS, featured "a special
arrangement of Ring Dem Bells." (Chicago Defender,
30Dec39)
31Dec39, Marigold Ballroom, Chicago. The Marigold
Gardens, a boxing arena in the North End, was converted to a dance
hall for New Years Eve. (ad, Chicago Herald-Examiner,
30Dec39, p11)
1Jan40, Hines Hospital, Maywood, IL. The band played
for veterans. (Tempo, 8Jan40, p4)
4Jan40, Butler Theater, Butler, PA. Shows at 2:00,
4:15, 7:00, and 9:15; with a movie. (ads, Butler Eagle, 2Jan40
and 3Jan40)
5Jan40, Strand Theater, Cumberland, MD. Shows at 2:19,
4:24, 7:01, and 9:13; with a movie. (ads, Cumberland Evening
Times, 1-5Jan40) Wilhelmina Gray of Pittsburgh filled in for Ivie
Anderson at Butler and Cumberland. ("Sang in Ivys Place,"
Baltimore Afro-American, 20Jan40, p14)
7Jan40, Savoy Ballroom, New York. 3,000 attend
performance of bands of Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and Erskine
Hawkins. ("Scores on Hobby Lobby," New York Amsterdam News,
13Jan40, p21) "Practically every sepia ork leader who wasnt
working turned out to pay homage to the Ellington crew. Saw Don
Redman, Jimmy Mundy, and Count Basie in a group listening with both
ears pinned back." (Nell Dodson, "This is Harlem," New York
Amsterdam News, 13Jan40, p24)
8Jan to 20Jan40, Southland, Boston, MA. (ad, Boston
Post, 8Jan40, p10) "Two revues at 7:30 and 11:30 p.m. Dinner
$1.25 up." ("Where to Dine," Boston Herald, 9Jan40, p11) WBZ
broadcast locally on Tuesdays (9&16Jan) and Fridays
(12&19Jan) at 12:05 a.m. EST, and on Friday (12Jan) at 7:00 p.m.
(radio listings, Boston Herald) These were carried nationally
over WJZ New York/NBC Blue except the 12Jan midnight program. There
was also a 15Jan40 broadcast at 11 p.m. on WJZ/NBC Blue. (NBC radio
logs at the Library of Congress; radio listings, New York
Times) Although Ben Webster is not heard on the air check from
9Jan, it is generally recognized that he joined the band during the
Southland engagement. Boston papers do not indicate when (Boston
Globe, Boston Post, Boston News, Guardian, Chronicle), but two
different New York papers give a clue. "Ben Webster denies plans to
switch from Teddy Wilson to Duke Ellington, but the grapevine has him
making the change at the end of the Golden Gate [ballroom in New
York] run." (Nell Dodson, "This is Harlem," New York Amsterdam
News, 20Jan40, p24) "Teddy Wilson leaves for the road on January
11." (Bill Chase, "All Ears," New York Amsterdam News,
13Jan40)
21Jan40, RKO Boston, Boston, MA. (ad, Boston
Herald, 21Jan40)
22Jan40, City Hall, Portland, ME. 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
"battle of music" with Tony Pastor. (Portland Press Herald,
22Jan40, p12)
2325Jan40, unidentified one-nighters. "Boston, Jan. 22.
- Ben Webster, well known tenor sax man forrmerly with Teddy Wilson,
has joined Duke Ellingtons orchestra, which is playing
one-nighters around New England this week after packing them in at
the Southland here. Bass player Billy Taylor, after four years with
the band, is leaving. He had been playing side-by-side with Jimmie
Blanton, Dukes new bass virtuoso, formerly with Fate Marable,
for several weeks." (Jazz Information; 26Jan40; pp1, 6)
26Jan40, Roseland State Ballroom, Boston, MA. 10 p.m.
to 2 a.m. Dance sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Dining
Car Union, Local 370. (C.V. Granville, "Duke Ellington Attracts
Crowd," The Chronicle, 3Feb40, p8)
27Jan40, Recreation Ballroom, Lawrence, MA. (ad,
Lawrence Evening Tribune, 26Jan40, p20)
28Jan40, Savoy Ballroom, New York. "Record crowd of
4,000" for Duke Ellington and Erskine Hawkins. ("Duke Ellington Wows
Em At Harlems Famous Savoy," Pittsburgh Courier,
3Feb40, p20)
29Jan40, Clifton Theatre, Huntingdon, PA (ad,
Huntingdon Daily News, 29Jan40)
1Feb40, Memorial Union, University of Wisconsin, Madison,
WI. Junior Prom. (1940 Badger yearbook, p214)
2Feb to 8Feb40, State-Lake Theater, Chicago. Shows at
12:28, 3:37, 6:46, 9:48, featuring Danny and Edith, Bill Bailey, and
the Two Zephyrs; with movie. (ads, Chicago Daily News,
2-8Feb40) Tunes included: Boy Meets Horn, Prelude in C Sharp
Minor, Mood Indigo, St. Louis Blues. ("State-Lake, Chi,"
Variety, 7Feb40, p40); Lilacs in the Rain, All the Things
You Are, Prelude in C Sharp Minor, Sunny Side of the Street.
("Vaudeville Reviews," Billboard, 10Feb40).
9Feb to 15Feb40, Regal Theater, Chicago. (ads,
Chicago Herald-American, 9-15Feb40) "The same show presented
at the loop theater
." ("Dukes Band Sensation at Regal,"
Chicago Defender, 10Feb40, p11)
14Feb40, Columbia recording session, Chicago. 1:00 to
4:00 p.m. Vocalion recording session, Barney Bigard, 4:20 to
5:15 p.m.
15Feb40, Vocalion recording sessions, Chicago. Barney
Bigard, 12:15 to 1:30 a.m.; Cootie Williams, 1:30 to 4:00 a.m.
16Feb40, Masonic Temple, Fountain Ballroom, Wayne
University, Detroit, MI. 1,400 students attend. (Joan Calvin, "At
the J-Hop," The Detroit Collegian, 19Feb40, p4)
17Feb40, Michigan Theatre, Muskegon, MI. (ad,
Muskegon Chronicle, 17Feb40)
18Feb to 20Feb40, Keiths Theatre, Grand Rapids,
MI. (ads, Grand Rapids Herald, 17-20Feb40) "Ellington
directs in an unusual style playing a piano which is elevated so he
may play while standing. Many of Ellingtons own hot
compositions are featured, but ever-popular St. Louis
Blues probably brought more applause than any other number."
(Grand Rapids Herald, 19Feb40, p7)
23Feb and 24Feb40, Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor, MI.
Shows at 3:56, 7:10 and 9:25; with a movie. (ads, Ann Arbor
News, 21-24Feb40)
25Feb to 28Feb40, Strand Theatre, Lansing, MI. Stage
shows at 2:25, 4:40, 7:10 and 9:30; with a movie. (ads, State
Journal, 24-28Feb40)
29Feb40, Palace Theater, South Bend, IN.
Caravan, Prelude in C Sharp Minor, The Sergeant Was
Shy, Boy Meets Horn are featured; along with Ivie Anderson
on Jumpin' Jive and On the Sunny Side of the Street,
and Herb Jeffries on All the Things You Are, Lilacs in the
Rain and Its a Blue World. (Virginia Worden,
"Duke Ellington Revue Pleases," South Bend Tribune, 1Mar40,
p4)
1Mar40, Union Ballrooms, Purdue University, West Lafayette,
IN. 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. (Will Zimmerman, "Ellington Plays at
Informal Tonight," Purdue Exponent, 1Mar40, p1)
3Mar to 5Mar40, Temple Theater, Saginaw, MI. Shows at
2:20, 4:40, 7:00, and 9:20 with a movie. (ads, Saginaw News,
1-5Mar40)
6 to 7Mar40, Victor recording session, Chicago.
6:55 p.m. to 12:40 a.m.
8Mar to 14Mar40, Colonial Theater, Detroit, MI. Shows
at 3:30, 7:30, and 11:00 with a movie. (ads, Detroit Free
Press, 7Mar-14Mar40)
15Mar40, Victor recording session, Chicago. 2:30 to 7:30 p.m.
16Mar40, Tune Town, St. Louis, MO. Local broadcasts
from ballroom at 10:30 pm and 11:45 pm over KXOK (ad, St. Louis
Globe-Democrat, 16Mar40, p6C; and radio listing, p3C)
19Mar to 25Mar40, Denver Theatre, Denver, CO Shows at
1:09, 3:38, 6:37, 9:16; with a movie. (ads, Rocky Mountain
News, 19-25Mar40) Tunes include: Cotton Club Stomp, Prelude
in C Sharp Minor, The Sergeant Was Shy, Boy Meets Horn, St.
Louis Blues. (James H. Briggs, "Duke Ellingtons Orchestra
Takes Over Denvers Stage," Rocky Mountain News, 20Mar40,
p4)
29Mar to 31Mar40, Century Ballroom, Tacoma, WA. The
ballroom was decorated with thousands of daffodils for the Annual
Daffodil Ball (29Mar), pictured on page 154 of Music is My
Mistress. ("Ellington Due Here," Tacoma News Tribune,
29Mar40, p11)
1Apr to 14Apr40, Show Box, Seattle, WA. Night club with
dancing and floor shows at 3:00, 8:00, and 11:00 p.m., featuring
Marie Bryant, comedian Dudley Dickerson, Edwards and Pearson, and
Gene King. Local half-hour broadcasts were carried over KIRO at 10:45
p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. (ads and radio listings,
Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 1-14Apr40)
8Apr40, Finnish Hall, Seattle, WA. Benefit for
Musicians Local No. 493, A.F.M. Others playing at this benefit were
Gene Coy, Gay Jones, and Palmer Johnson. (ad, Northwest
Enterprise, 5Apr40, p4)
15Apr40, Forum, Vancouver, BC. 9:30 p.m. to 1
a.m. (ad, Vancouver Sun, 15Apr40, p7) "Upward of 4,000 people
jittered and slithered, swayed their bodies, and clapped their hands
to the rhythmic sounds of Duke Ellingtons band at the Forum
Monday evening." (Stanley Bligh, "Ellington Band Wins Acclaim of
Jitterbugs," Vancouver Sun, 16Apr40, p11)
15Apr40, Cave Supper Club, Vancouver, B.C. Duke
Ellington was a guest at an after hours performance of the Harlem
Trio, starring Marie Bryant and other dancers from the Seattle stage
show. ("Ellington Guest at Cave Tonight," Vancouver Sun,
15Apr40, p9)
16Apr40, side trip to Victoria, British Columbia? According to
Bea Ellis in letter to columnist. (Floyd G. Snelson, "Harlem," New
York Age, 4May40, p4)
17Apr40, Uptown Ballroom, Portland, OR. Live broadcast
10:30 p.m. over KGW. (ad and radio listing, The Oregonian,
17Apr40)
19Apr40, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA ("Bands on
tour Advance Dates, Billboard, 30Mar40, p13)
21 to 22Apr40, Sweets Ballroom, Oakland, CA.
("Bands on Tour Advance Dates," Billboard, 30Mar40,
p13) Daily newspapers only list "tomorrow night." (ads, Oakland
Tribune, Oakland Post-Enquirer, 20Apr40) Sweets had a
policy of separate nights for whites and blacks. A boycott was
attempted to protest higher admission prices for blacks on the second
evening. (Jay Gould, "Globe News and Gossip," California
Eagle, 2May40, p2B)
23Apr40, Club Alabam, Los Angeles, CA. "The band will
not play but will be honored guests
." ("Duke Ellington To Be
Honored," Los Angeles Sentinel, 18Apr40, p1)
24Apr to 30Apr40, Orpheum Theatre, Los Angeles. (Ads in
Los Angeles Evening Herald and Express, Los Angeles
Times, 23-30Apr40) Jack the Bear added to stage show.
Ellington was honored on his birthday (29Apr) with a "guest star
night," with Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Rudy Vallee, and Paul
Whiteman scheduled to appear. ("Star Guests at Orpheum," Los
Angeles Daily News, 29Apr40) "Herb Jeffries has improved his
technique marvellously. Reason: Dukes brilliant young arranger
Billy Strayhorn has put all his fine art to work
." (Bill
Smallwood, "Notes on a Scratchpad," California Eagle, 25Apr40,
p9B)
1May40, Broadway Pier, San Diego, CA. "Dancing starts
8:30." (ad, San Diego Union, 1May40, p8A)
2May40, Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles. Private party.
(Tempo, 15Apr40, p3)
2May40, Lincoln Park Roller Rink, Los Angeles. ("Duke
Ellington Band Will Play Tonight," Los Angeles Sentinel,
2May40, p1) Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles gig ("Bands on Tour
Advance Dates," Billboard, 13Apr40, p23) not mentioned in Los
Angeles papers. (Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles
Evening Herald and Express, Los Angeles Daily News)
3May40, Civic Auditorium, Glendale, CA. ("Bands on Tour
Advance Dates," Billboard, 13Apr40, p23) No mention in
Los Angeles papers. (as 2May40) Unlikely event venue not
listed in Glendale phone book.
4May40, Victor recording session, Hollywood. 1:45 to
5:15 p.m.
4May40, A "Central Avenue date." (Tempo, 15Apr40, p3)
6May40, White City ballroom, Ogden, Utah. 9 p.m. to 1
a.m. Local broadcast at 9:00 p.m. on KLO. (ad, Ogden Standard
Examiner, 6May40, p8; radio listing, p10)
8May40, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO? Per Igo
Itinerary, no source given, not mentioned in University of
Missouri student paper or Columbia daily papers.
9May40, Civic Auditorium, Emporia, KS. To celebrate the
opening of the new "$600,000" Civic Auditorium, Emporia held a
five-day "Fiestaval." (W.L. White, "Emporia Greets Duke," Emporia
Gazette, 10May40, p4)
10May40, Turnpike, Lincoln, NE. (ad, Lincoln
Star, 10May40, p6)
11May40, Skylon Ballroom, Sioux City, IA. (ad, Sioux
City Journal, 11May40, p2)
12May40, Chermot Ballroom, Omaha, NE. Local radio
broadcast over WOW at 11:00 p.m. (ad, Omaha Sunday
World-Herald, p9E; and radio listing, p8B) Local drummer Walter
Herrod substituted for ailing Sonny Greer. (Jimmy Lazine, "Jivin with
Jimmy," Omaha Star, 17May40, p6)
13May40, Oil Capital Club, Tulsa, OK. ("Duke to Play
Oil Capital Nite Club," Pittsburgh Courier, 11May40, p21)
15May40, City Auditorium, Houston, TX. ("The Duke is
Coming to Town," Houston Informer, 27Apr40, p7; "Ellington is
Called Harlems Jazz Aristocrat," Houston Informer,
4May40, p7)
22May40, Arrived in Chicago. (Chicago Defender,
25May40, p13)
25May40, Burlington Memorial Auditorium, Burlington,
IA. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. (ad, Burlington Hawkeye, 25May40,
p3)
27May40, Skollers Swingland Cafe, Chicago. Duke
Ellington and members of his band were honored guests. ("To Honor
Duke," Chicago Defender, 25May40, p13)
28May40, Victor recording session, Chicago. 2:00 to
6:00 p.m.
30May40, LaBelle Resort, Gull Lake, MI. 9:00 p.m. to 1
a.m. (ad, Battle Creek Enquirer and News, 30May40, p4)
31May40, Buckeye Lake Pier Ballroom, Columbus, OH. (ad,
Columbus Dispatch, 31May40, p2B)
1Jun40, WCHS Auditorium, Charleston, WV. "Welcome
B.P.O.E. - 9:30 till 2:00." (ad, Charleston Gazette, 1Jun40,
p7)
2Jun40, Howard Theater, Washington, DC. "Swing
concerts" at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. (Bill Gottlieb, "Swing Sessions,"
Washington Post, 2Jun40, p8)
2Jun40, aboard Robert E. Lee, Cross Keys Nautical Cruise,
Washington, DC. 8:30 until dawn. (ad in Ken Vail, Dukes
Diary, no source given)
4Jun40, Boston, MA, (Igo Itinerary, no source given)
Not found in Boston newspapers. (Boston Post, Boston
Herald)
5Jun40, Old Orchard Pier, Old Orchard Beach, ME.
(ad, Biddeford Daily Journal, 5Jun40, p6)
7Jun to 13Jun40, Apollo Theatre, New York. Continuous
shows with Marie Bryant, Judy Carol, Conway and Parks, Jelli Smith,
and Willie Jackson. (ads, New York Post, 7-13Jun40; New
York Amsterdam News, 8Jun40, p17) "Ben Webster started out with
Stardust and when the crowd yelled, Body and Soul, Ben,
at first, demurred. Insistently, however, they demanded it and
doggone if they didnt get it." (Dan Burley, "Backdoor Stuff,"
New York Amsterdam News, 15Jun40, p13)
10Jun40, "America Dances" broadcast. Recording for
later broadcast on BBC. ("Duke on the Air," Melody Maker,
26Apr41)
12Jun40, "Radio Newsreel" program. Mutual. Not listed
in New York Times radio listings.
13Jun40, Central Park Mall, New York. Ellington served
as guest conductor of the New York Municipal Band. ("Ellington Fronts
Municipal Band," Norfolk Journal and Guide, 15Jun40 p16)
14Jun40, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. (Cornell
Sun, 14Jun40, p12)
15Jun40, Stambaugh Auditorium, Youngstown, OH.
("Interesting News for Colored Folks, Youngstown Vindicator,
10Jun40, p9) Prom sponsored by the Mystic Knight Club.
16Jun40, Side-trip to Chicago, orchestra in Dayton,
Ohio? ("Duke Spends Sunday Visiting City," Chicago Defender,
22Jun40, p11) Ellington left the band and flew to Chicago to make
arrangements for the American Negro Exposition.
17Jun40, Majestic Theater, Johnstown, PA. (ad,
Johnstown Evening Tribune, 17Jun40, p15) Rocky Mount,
N.C. ("Band Bookings," Variety, 22May40, p48) has been listed
for this date, but seems unlikely. Count Basie was in Rocky Mount
17Jun40 for the annual June German Dance, a major African American
social event. ("Basie Sent Bugs in Surprise Mood," Norfolk
Journal and Guide, 29Jun40, p16)
21Jun40, Metropolitan Golden Ballroom, Philadelphia,
PA. Avis Andrews from Cab Calloways orchestra was guest
vocalist. ("Duke Ellington Dance Draws Jazz Lovers," Philadelphia
Tribune, 27Jun40, p14)
22Jun40, Castle Garden, Dornay Park, Allentown, PA. 9
p.m. to 1 a.m. (ad, Allentown Morning Call, 22Jun40)
23Jun40, Savoy Ballroom, New York. (Dan Burley,
"Backdoor Stuff," New York Amsterdam News, 29Jun40)
24Jun40, Rocky Springs Park, Lancaster, PA. 9 p.m. to 2
a.m. (ad, Philadelphia Afro-American, 15Jun40, p14)
27Jun40, Recreation Ballroom, Lawrence, MA. (Igo
Itinerary, source not given) Not found in Boston papers.
(Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Boston Post)
28Jun40, Palisades Amusement Park, Fort Lee, NJ.
Appeared with Ina Ray Huttons orchestra. (ad, New York
Post, 22Jun40, p6)
29Jun40, Casino, Bemus Point, NY. Open-air ballroom on
Lake Chautauqua. (ad, Jamestown Evening Journal, 29Jun40,
p5)
2Jul40, Vanns Warehouse, Abingdon, VA. "Seats
sale at Pearl Roberts Home, and Abingdon Pharmacy, $1.00; at
the door, $1.25. Limited space for white spectators; tickets at
Cowan-Grant, 55c; at the door, 75c." (ad, Bristol News
Bulletin, 1Jul40, p3)
3Jul40, Memorial Auditorium, Chattanooga, TN. Jimmie
Blantons homecoming. Concert from 8:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. and
dance from 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. ("Ellington Here Tonight,"
Chattanooga Times, 3Jul40, p11; ad, Chattanooga Times,
2Jul40, p13)
4Jul40, Macon Auditorium, Macon, GA. Concert and dance.
Creole Rhapsody, Creole Love Call, and Jumpin
Jive performed. ("Ellington Concert Climaxes Home Coming Program
Here," Macon Telegraph and News, 7Jul40, p17)
6Jul40, Armory, Charleston, WV. (ad, West Virginia
Digest, 6Jul40, p6)
8Jul40, Armory, Mount Hope, WV. ("Band Bookings,"
Variety, 12Jun40, p35)
10Jul40, Joyland Casino, Lexington, KY. (ad, Lexington
Herald, 10Jul40, p8)
12Jul40, Bayshore Pavilion, Buckroe Beach, VA. (E.
Billingsworth, "Swinging on the Bandwagon," Norfolk Journal and
Guide, 6Jul40, p17)
15Jul40, Frazier Park, Auburn, AL. ("Bands on Tour
Advance Dates," Billboard, 29Jun40, p14)
16Jul40, Fairgrounds, Columbus, GA. ("Duke Ellington
Orchestra to Play Tuesday Night," Columbus Ledger, 14Jul40,
p22)
17Jul40, City Auditorium, Atlanta, GA. 9 p.m. (ad,
Atlanta Daily World, 17Jul40) "Reserved section for white."
(ad, Atlanta Constitution, 17Aug40, p4) The dance was for
Negroes, but about 1,000 white people attended as spectators."
("Ellington Attracts Record 7,000 Dancers in Atlanta,"
Billboard, 17Aug40, p9)
18Jul40, Carolina Warehouse, Asheville, NC. (ad,
Asheville Citizen Times, 18Jul40, p2) Not 16Jun40 as
suggested for this date (DEMS Bulletin, 86/1)
19Jul40, Riverside Beach Park, Charleston, SC. ("Band
Bookings," Variety, 10Jul40, p36) Not found in daily papers,
African American paper, Lighthouse and Informer, not
available. This gig has also been listed for 19Jun40 (Igo
Itinerary, no source given). The 19Jul date seems more likely.
"The pavilion was the only venue for black Charlestonians to see some
of Americas finest musicians, legends such as Duke
Ellington
." (Herb Frazier, Post and Courier,
12Aug2001, p1)
22Jul40, Victor recording session, New York. 2:15 to
6:15 p.m.
24Jul40, Victor recording session, New York. 10:15 a.m.
to 1:00 p.m.
25Jul40, Worlds Fair, New York. The bands of Duke
Ellington and Charlie Barnet "appeared in a jam session" in "a case
of teacher v. pupil and they both went to town." ("Dukes
Charlie," Chicago Defender, 3Aug40, p11)
26Jul40 to 1Aug40, Eastwood Gardens, Detroit, MI.
Nightly, with matinee on Sunday. (ads, Detroit Free
Press, 26Jul40, p11, and 1Aug40, p11) Local, half-hour radio
broadcasts on WWJ every night except Sunday (28Jul) at 11:30 p.m.
EST. (Radio listings, Detroit Evening Times) The 29Jul and
31Jul broadcasts were carried nationally over NBC Red/WEAF New York.
Tunes included Ko-Ko, Harlem Air Shaft, Rumpus in Richmond,
and Jack the Bear, as well as The Sergeant was Shy and
Im Checking Out. (NBC Logs at Library of Congress; radio
listings, New York Times) "But you just cant play that
[Tootin Through the Roof] forever," mused Duke between dance
sets at Eastwood Gardens. "I felt long ago there was need for
expressing more of the American Negros true feeling. So I wrote
Boola in operatic form. Its orchestrated and ready for
production probably in New York." ("Ellington Composes New
Number," Detroit Evening Times, 30Jul40, p18)
2Aug40, Dayton, Ohio? "Leaving Detroit, the Duke Ellington
Orchestra visits Dayton, Ohio; Virginia Beach; Washington, D.C; and
New York
. ("Duke Was Offered $100,000 by Sweden," Pittsburgh
Courier, 10Aug40, p21) Dayton daily papers had no mention of
Duke. (Dayton Daily News and Journal Herald)
4Aug to 10Aug40, Surf Beach Club, Virginia Beach, VA.
Capacity crowds greeted the first black band to play this ocean front
club. ("At Virginia Beach Surf Club," Norfolk Journal and
Guide, 10Aug40, p16)
11Aug to 14Aug, Washington, D.C., New York? (See 02Aug40)
15Aug40, Kimballs Starlight Ballroom, South
Lynnfield, MA. (ad, Boston Post, 15Aug40, p13)
16Aug and 17Aug40, Canobie Lake Park, Salem, NH. "Next
Friday and Saturday." (Buddy Stewart, "Dance Music," Boston
Post, 10Aug40, p6) Local broadcast, not listed in Boston papers,
17Aug40. The incorrect dating of this Canobie Lake Park broadcast as
19Aug has caused this to be listed as a four-day engagement. (DEMS
Bulletin, 03/2-9)
20Aug40, Roseland State Ballroom, Boston, MA. Dance
sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Dining Car Union,
Local 370. (ad, Boston Post, 20Aug40, p11)
21Aug40, Roseland Ballroom, Claremont, NH. (ad,
Claremont Daily Eagle, 21Aug40)
23Aug and 24Aug40, New Dance Pavilion, Canadian National
Exhibition, Toronto, Ontario 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. to
1:00 a.m. ("Program Today at the C.N.E.," Toronto Evening
Telegram, 23Aug40, p2, and 24Aug40, p2; ad, 23Aug40, p13; "Slow
Music Wartime Fad Says Swing King Ellington," Toronto Evening
Telegram, 24Aug40, p5)
26Aug40, Coliseum, Chicago. 4,000 attended the Miss
Bronze America Contest of the American Negro Exposition. Duke
Ellington and his Orchestra played for the contest and Ellington
crowned contest winner Miriam Ali. ("Beauty Queen to Leave for New
York on Sunday," Chicago Defender, 31Aug40 p2) Following the
coronation ceremonies, Ellington played for dancing at the Tropical
Gardens next door. (Chicago Tribune, 1Sep40, part6, p6)
27Aug40, Municipal Auditorium, St. Louis, MO. The Grand
Ball of the Elks Convention lasted "until daylight." ("Elks
Ball is Colorful; 5,000 Attend," St. Louis Argus, 30Aug40, p3)
31Aug40, Lake Shore Country Club, Glencoe, IL. ("Band
Bookings," Variety, 28Aug40, p40) Private event - unable to
verify through Chicago or Glencoe papers.
2Sep40, Forest Park Highlands, St. Louis, MO.
("Highland to End Season Tonight," with ad, St. Louis
Globe-Democrat, 2Sep40, p4C)
3Sep40, Club Trocadero, Henderson, KY. (ad,
Henderson Morning Gleaner, 3Sep40, p3)
5Sep40, Victor recording session, Chicago. 2:10 to 6:10
p.m.
5Sep40, "In Chicago Tonight" broadcast, Chicago.
WGN/Mutual 7:30 p.m. CDT. (radio listing, Chicago Tribune,
5Sep40)
6Sep40 to 17oct40, Panther Room, Hotel Sherman,
Chicago. "A prize catch for any band because of its nightly
airing
." ("Duke is Due," Chicago Defender, 27Jul40, p10)
There were two local half-hour broadcasts every night, except Monday:
WMAQ at 11:00 p.m. and WENR at 12:30 a.m. CDT. (Radio listings,
Chicago Tribune, Chicago Daily News; "Radio Raves"
column, Kansas City Call, 6Sep40, p12, and other
African-American papers)
21 of these broadcasts (early broadcasts on Saturdays, Sundays, and
Thursdays; and late broadcasts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays) were fed
nationally over NBC Blue/WJZ New York and NBC Red/WEAF New York. (NBC
Logs at Library of Congress; radio listings, New York
Times)
"For the first time in years he switched his opening theme to a new
composition, Sepia Panorama
." ("Duke Ellingtons
Opening Triumphs," Chicago Defender, 14Sept40) Opening night
"took on the aura of a musical event with a capital E." (Joseph
Lawler, "Cafe Table Topics," Chicago Daily News, 11Sep40)
In addition to a new opening theme and closing theme (Warm
Valley), Ellington gave his new music of 1940 plenty of airplay:
Harlem Air Shaft, Conga Brava, Ko-Ko, Rumpus in Richmond,
Bojangles, Concerto for Cootie, Blue Goose, Cottontail, and In
a Mellow Tone. Earlier works The Mystery Song and
Doin the Voom Voom were revived, along with a solo piano
version of Black Beauty. Popular tunes included My Greatest
Mistake, Orchids for Remembrance, Madame Will Drop Her
Shawl. (NBC Logs at Library of Congress)
9Sep40, "Your Music IQ" broadcast, Chicago
WGN/Mutual 8:30 p.m. (radio listing, Chicago Daily News,
9Sep40, p16)
12Sep40, Grand Terrace Cafe, Chicago. "Ellington and
party" for club reopening. ("Chicago Hails Fullers Band,"
Chicago Defender, 21Sep40, p12)
15Sep40, Brass Rail, Chicago. "Brass Rail Runs Amuck
with Gang Of Celebrities," Chicago Defender, 21Sep40, p12)
29Sep40, Squares Boulevard Cafe, Chicago. ("Duke
Ellington Feted at Squares Boulevard Café," Chicago
Defender, 28Sep40, p12)
1oct40, Victor recording session, Chicago. Duke
Ellington and Jimmie Blanton duets. 1:00 to 5:30 p.m.
17oct40, Victor recording session, Chicago. 2:15 to
6:15 p.m.
18oct to 24oct40, Oriental Theater, Chicago. Stage
shows with Marie Bryant, Bill Bailey, and the Jones Brothers,
starting at 12:43, 3:40, 6:37, and 9:34; with a movie. (Ads and
theater listings, Chicago Daily News, 18-24oct40)
25oct40, Danceland, Cedar Rapids, IA. ("Over 1,000
Crowd Danceland to Hear Ellingtons Band," Cedar Rapids
Gazette, 26oct40) Vogels, Hammond, Indiana, has also
been listed for this date (Igo Itinerary, no source given),
but cant be confirmed. (Hammond Times)
26oct40, Miramar Ballroom, Gary IN. The entertainment
press listed the location as the "Miramar." ("Orchestra Routes,"
Billboard, 26Oct40, p12; and "Band Bookings," Variety,
2Oct40, p49) "Club Dunbar" was the social organization sponsoring the
dance. ("Duke Ellington Will be Guest of Club Dunbar Saturday Night,"
Gary American, 25oct40, p2)
28oct40, Victor recording session, Chicago. 11:45 to
3:45 p.m.
28oct40, Parkway Ballroom, Chicago.
"14th Annual Scholarship Dance, Kentucky State Alumni, 10
p.m. to 2 a.m." (ad, Chicago Defender, 19oct40, p14)
28oct40, Grand Terrace Cafe, Chicago. Duke attended as
a guest with Bea Ellis. ("Highlights at Chicago Defender Mayor of
Bronzeville Ball," Chicago Defender, 2Nov40, p11) Ray Nance
was announced as a new band member on this day, and a farewell party
for Cootie Williams was suggested for this week, date and location
unknown. ("Ray Nance Gets Spot in Ellingtons Band, Chicago
Defender, 2Nov40)
29oct and 30oct40, Orpheum Theatre, Madison, WI. Stage
shows at 2:35, 4:50, 7:45, and 9:40; with a movie. (ads, State
Journal, 29oct40, p12, and 30oct40, p14)
31oct40, Columbus Auditorium, Columbus, OH. (ad,
Columbus Dispatch, 30oct40, p5)
1Nov40, Muncie Fieldhouse, Muncie, IN. "Thousands
packed the fieldhouse last night for the opening engagement of the
Young Republicans Carnival of Swing, starring Duke
Ellington and his orchestra. The dance was for colored persons and
white audience." ("Jam Fieldhouse For Opening of Swing Carnival,"
Muncie Morning Star, 2Nov40, p2)
2Nov40, Bluebird recording sessions, Chicago. Johnny
Hodges, 10:20 a.m. to 1:20 p.m; Rex Stewart, 1:30 to 5:25 p.m.
2Nov40, Hammond, Indiana? A radio broadcast was listed for
WJOB, located in Hammond, at 10:30 p.m. (radio listings, Chicago
Herald American, 2Nov40, p20) There was no mention of a gig in
the Hammond Times.
4Nov40, Minneapolis, MN.? "The States ballroom was able to
book the Ellington band for an open date between Minneapolis and
Winnipeg engagements
." ("Duke Ellington Features Own
Compositions," Grand Forks Herald, 3Nov40, p21) Not mentioned
in Minneapolis papers (Minneapolis Star Journal,
Minneapolis Tribune, Minneapolis Spokesman) or at
University of Minnesota.
5Nov40, States Ballroom, East Grand Forks, MN.
Reference to "18-piece dance band" seems incorrect. ("East Side
Briefs," Grand Forks Herald, 6Nov40, p6)
6Nov40, Auditorium, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Ray Nance joins
band. (DEMS Bulletin, 00/1, p11) "Jimmie Blanton
heavily
featured." (Tony Alla, "Dukes Band Slays Em," Winnipeg
Tribune, 7Nov40, p12) Tunes included: The Flaming Sword,
Harlem Speaks, Warm Valley, I Dont Mind, In a Mellow Tone,
Rumpus in Richmond, Boy Meets Horn, and St. Louis Blues.
(George Beattie, "Wizard Wows Dukes Jazz Heps Em
Up as 3,400 Rock in Rhythm," Winnipeg Free Press, 7Nov40,
p1.)
7Nov 40, Crystal Ballroom, Fargo, ND. 9:00 p.m. to 1:00
a.m. (ad, Fargo Forum, 7Nov40, p18) Local broadcast at 9:00
p.m. over KVOX. Recorded by Jack Towers and Dick Burris. (The Duke
at Fargo 1940 Special 60th Anniversary Edition,
Storyville CD STCD 8316/17)
8Nov40, Duluth Armory, Duluth, MN. 9:00 p.m. to 1:00
a.m. (ad, Duluth Herald, 8Nov40, p10)
11Nov40, Bluebird recording session, Chicago. Barney
Bigard, 11:30 to 2:30.
15Nov to 21Nov40, Regal Theatre, Chicago. (ad, Chicago
Defender, 15Nov40, p12; theater listings, Chicago Herald
American, 15-21Nov40) "Ray Nance
is fitting into the picture
nicely. Not only is Nance a fine musician, but his vocalizing is
proving a sensation. Ellington admitted to reporters this week that
he has had reasons to smile over the surprise performance of the
Chicago musician." ("Nance Wins Dukes O.K.," Chicago
Defender, 16Nov40, p13)
25Nov40, Graystone Ballroom, Detroit, MI;
26Nov and 27Nov40, Cleveland, Ohio? "Monday the band plays a
dance engagement at the Graystone Ballroom in Detroit and then sets
sail for Cleveland for three engagements." ("Duke Ellington Ends Stay
Here," Chicago Defender, 23Nov40, p10) Michigan Chronicle
not available for this date. Cleveland dates could not be
confirmed, either. (Cleveland Plain Dealer;
Press; Cleveland Call and Post)
28Nov40 to 4Dec40, Flatbush Theatre, Brooklyn, NY.
(ads, Brooklyn Eagle, 27Nov40-4Dec40) Stage show with Marie
Bryant featured on I Like to Riff, comedians Stump and Stumpy,
and dancer Bill Bailey. Show includes Cotton Tail,
Whispering Grass, Boy Meets Horn; Ivie Anderson on
Five OClock Whistle; Herb Jeffries on Call of the
Canyon and Our Love Affair. ("Flatbush, Bkln,"
Variety, 4Dec40, p53)
5Dec to 11Dec40, Windsor Theatre, New York. (ads,
New York Post, 5-11Dec40) Same stage show as previous week at
the Flatbush.
6Dec40, Brooklyn Apollo, Brooklyn, NY. Midnight benefit
show sponsored by the New York Amsterdam News. (St.
Clair Bourne, "Brooklyn Benefit Show Draws Packed House, Top Notch
Performers Appear," New York Amsterdam News, 14Dec40,
p10)
12Dec40, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY. Concert as
part of the universitys concert and lecture series. (Colgate
Maroon, 13Dec40, p1)
13Dec to 19Dec40, Apollo Theatre, New York. With Cowan
and Cowan, and Jerry Taps, dancers. (ad, New York Amsterdam
News, 14Dec40, p21) 13Dec New York Amsterdam
News benefit show along with Dinah Shore, Glenn Miller, Tony
Pastor, Erskine Hawkins, Ella Fitzgerald, and many others. ("Ladies
and Gents, Our Midnight Show Was Tops," New York Amsterdam
News, 21Dec40, p1)
20Dec to 22Dec40, State Theatre, Hartford, CT. Stage
show with the Peters Sisters and Bill Bailey. ("Duke Ellington
Exponent of Jazz State Headliner," Hartford Courant, 21Dec40,
p12)
24Dec40, Savoy Ballroom, New York. "A record night with
more than four thousand jitterbugs passing in and out during the
affair which lasted until six in the morning. Others sharing musical
honors with Duke were Ella Fitzgerald and Erskine Hawkins." (Isadora
Smith, "Xmas Eve and Nite Jumped in Harlem, Pittsburgh
Courier, 4Jan41, p21)
28Dec40, Victor recording session, Chicago. 1:30 to
5:15 p.m.
28Dec40, Savoy Ballroom, Chicago. Miriam Ali (Miss
Bronze America) and Joe Louis presented Ellington with a trophy for
winning the Chicago Defenders Number 1 band contest.
(David W. Kellum, "Crowd Cheers as Ellington Gets Trophy," Chicago
Defender, 4Jan41, p1)
30Dec40, Liberty Hall, El Paso, TX. As part of the
annual Sun Carnival (with parade and Sun Bowl football game), Duke
Ellington and His Orchestra played for Coronation Ball at 10:00 p.m.
A local broadcast was carried over KROD at 11:00 p.m. (radio listing,
El Paso Herald Post, 30Dec40, p8)
In the following chapter, the band continued their trip west, opening
a six-week engagement at the Casa Mañana in Los Angeles on
3Jan41 with new music.
Compilation © 2004 Kenneth R. Steiner. All rights reserved.
Please feel free to contact me. DEMS will be happy to give you my
email address.