Duke Ellington 1969: All-Star White House Tribute

On April 29, 1969, Duke Ellington was honored at the White House on his 70th birthday and awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Richard Nixon. The music that was played in concert that evening by an all-star ensemble is now being released on record for the first time!

The musicians: Louie Bellson, Bill Berry, Dave Brubeck, Paul Desmond, Urbie Green, Jim Hall, Earl Hines, Milt Hinton, J.J. Johnson, Hank Jones, Mary Mayo, Gerry Mulligan, Billy Taylor, Clark Terry, and Joe Williams.

The music: 27 Ellington and Billy Strayhorn classics. Plus a cameo by Ellington, playing a piano improvisation, “Pat," dedicated to Mrs. Nixon.

On Sunday, August 25, 2002, the New York Times Arts & Leisure section publishes a piece by Leonard Garment, former Presidential adviser and one of the driving forces behind the evening. The article pays tribute to both Ellington and Voice of America jazz announcer Willis Conover, who produced and emceed the event.

Produced by Bill Kirchner for release by Blue Note Records.