THINKING ABOUT JAZZ - April 26, 2025 - 1pm - Duke Ellington

Presented by John Hasse

1-3pm ~ Free Admission

No one led a life, led a band, or made music like Duke Ellington.  He was one of a kind—beyond category.  Based on his acclaimed biography, Hasse introduces the moving and inspiring story of Duke Ellington, who overcame racial, social, and musical obstacles to become one of the 20th century’s greatest musicians. You’ll learn about his growing up in Washington, DC, how he negotiated the strict color line, and how he found his calling before finishing high school. 

Hasse brings alive Ellington’s breakthrough at Harlem’s Cotton Club, his way of personalizing his compositions for the individual gifts of his players, how he handled racism, and his sharp disappointment about being rejected for a Pulitzer Prize. You’ll hear about his turn to greater spirituality as he got older, prompting him to compose three Sacred Concerts.

Hasse tells about Ellington’s performances in many countries, including for Queens and Emperors. The highest honor came when Ellington was awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, at the White House. Hasse will show photos of the ceremony and the medal, now housed in the National Museum of American History. 

You’ll hear excerpts from his famous recordings such as Mood Indigo and Take the “A” Train and his Sacred Concerts. You’ll learn the inside story of how Hasse helped the Smithsonian acquire Ellington’s vast archive, including 100,000 pages of unpublished music he composed, and 100,000 pages of documents—a story involving family, competition, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the U.S. Congress. The Smithsonian’s Duke Ellington Collection now ranks as a national treasure. Best of all, you’ll see and hear rare film footage of Ellington in all stages of his career.