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Duke Ellington at the piano, April 21, 1946, 2:05-2:35 a.m.
Recording of Duke Ellington playing solo piano, following a late-night interview with Willis Conover at radio station WWDC.
Duke Ellington Cavalcade, Parts 1 and 3
In Part 1, Willis Conover's Saturday Night Dance Party program begins with Artie Shaw's "Just Kiddin' Around." Conover then discusses the rarity of some of the records he will play during this program, which is dedicated to the music of Duke Ellington, with selections "Animal Crackers," (sound drops briefly) "Bugle Call Rag," Freeze and Melt," and "Black and Tan Fantasy." In Part 3, Conover and Emerson Parker, an Ellington expert, record collector, and broadcaster at station WQQW, introduce selections including "Black Beauty" and "I've Got the World on a String."
Duke Ellington Cavalcade, Parts 2 and 4
In Part 2, Conover introduces Emerson Parker, an Ellington expert, record collector, and broadcaster at station WQQW, who introduces "Take It Easy," "Mood Indigo," "Sweet Mama," and "Hot and Bothered." In Part 4, Conover and Parker introduce "I've Got to Be a Rug Cutter," "Ebony Rhapsody," "Stompy Jones," and "In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree" (the end of the introduction and the tune are in part 5). Gil Lilly is credited as working in the control room.
Duke Ellington Cavalcade, Parts 5 and 7
In Part 5, Emerson Parker's introduction of "In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree" concludes, followed by the tune, along with "Solitude," "Clarinet Lament," "Ring Dem Bells," and "Hodge Podge" (introduction only, tune is in part 6). In Part 7, after station identification, Conover notes that Jerry Rhea will be joining the discussion soon, and reminisces about broadcasting during a stay at Walter Reed Army Medical Center while in military service; Conover also asks listeners to send comments on the program. Parker and Conover introduce "Tootin' Through the Roof," "Pitter Panther Patter," "Warm Valley," and "Do Nothing 'Til You Hear from Me."
Duke Ellington Cavalcade, Parts 6 and 8
In Part 6, "Hodge Podge" is followed by Willis Conover and Emerson Parker introducing, "Braggin' in Brass," "Boy Meets Horn," "Mobile Bay, and "Night Song." In Part 8, "Do Nothing 'Til You Hear from Me" is followed by Cottontail, and Conover and Parker discussing "Take the A-Train," and "Just A-Sittin' and A-Rockin'." Conover talks about seeing Ellington live for the first time just a few months before, at Turner's Arena.
Duke Ellington Cavalcade, Parts 9 and 11
In Part 9, Conover introduces Duke Ellington himself, along with Billy Strayhorn, to Emerson Parker, and interviews Ellington about his personnel, travel plans, and early recordings. In Part 11, the interview continues after selections from Ellington's Black, Brown & Beige Suite.
Duke Ellington Cavalcade, Parts 10 and 12
In Part 10, the interview with Duke Ellington continues, up to the introduction of the Black, Brown & Beige Suite. In Part 12, the interview continues further, including discussion of Mercer Ellington. Conover speaks more about his stay at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, along with fellow broadcaster Mark Austad (later known as Mark Evans). Jerry Rhea also speaks. Conover credits Frank Turner as the photographer for the evening (images are also in this collection), and notes that those in attendance included Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Jerry Rhea with his wife and sister, Oscar Pettiford, and Emerson Parker. The recording closes with "Ring Dem Bells."
Hazel and Harold, April 21, 1946
Recording of a radio comedy, Hazel and Harold, featuring Willis Conover as Harold and Nathalie Sherman as Hazel. The program is reminiscent of the early Ethel and Albert programs he did with Peg Lynch at WTBO in Cumberland, Maryland, before the Second World War.
Hazel and Harold, April 28, 1946
Recording of a radio comedy, Hazel and Harold, featuring Willis Conover as Harold and Nathalie Sherman as Hazel. The program is reminiscent of the early Ethel and Albert programs he did with Peg Lynch at WTBO in Cumberland, Maryland, before the Second World War.
Hazel and Harold, February 10, 1946
Recording of a radio comedy, Hazel and Harold, featuring Willis Conover as Harold and Nathalie Sherman as Hazel. The program is reminiscent of the early Ethel and Albert programs he did with Peg Lynch at WTBO in Cumberland, Maryland, before the Second World War.
Hazel and Harold, January 6, 1946
Recording of a radio comedy, Hazel and Harold, featuring Willis Conover as Harold and Nathalie Sherman as Hazel. The program is reminiscent of the early Ethel and Albert programs he did with Peg Lynch at WTBO in Cumberland, Maryland, before the Second World War.
Hazel and Harold, March 3, 1946
Recording of a radio comedy, Hazel and Harold, featuring Willis Conover as Harold and Nathalie Sherman as Hazel. The program is reminiscent of the early Ethel and Albert programs he did with Peg Lynch at WTBO in Cumberland, Maryland, before the Second World War.
Lionel Hampton at the Howard Theater, May 8, 1946, part 5
Conclusion of the concert by Lionel Hampton and his band, performing at a benefit for the Junior Citizens and Police Corps at the Howard Theater. The recording consists mainly of a drum solo.
Lionel Hampton at the Howard Theater, May 8, 1946, parts 2 and 4
Recording of Lionel Hampton and band, performing at a benefit for the Junior Citizens and Police Corps at the Howard Theater.
Melody Lane, part 1 of 2, August 15, 1946
Recording of the first part of Melody Lane, hosted by Mark Austad.
Nat "King" Cole Trio with Willis Conover
Willis Conover presents Nat "King" Cole and his trio in a special message broadcast to his sister, Elizabeth, on the occasion of her wedding.
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