Speaking of Music: The Life and Genius of Duke Ellington

Speaking of Music returns for an all-star tribute to the legendary Duke Ellington!

Learn about the life and legacy of Ellington from acclaimed scholar John Edward Hasse. Then, take in the music of the man courtesy of a blockbuster lineup of performers including: James Langton and Dan Levinson's The New York All Star Jazz Orchestra, featuring Ms. Audrey Martells!

Beyond Category: The Life and Genius of Duke Ellington - 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 boyhood in Washington, DC, his break-through at Harlem’s Cotton Club, the way he personalized his compositions for the individual gifts of his players, and his sharp disappointment about being rejected for a Pulitzer Prize. You’ll see video excerpts from such famous pieces as Mood Indigo, Take the “A” Train, and his Sacred Concerts.

During his 33-year tenure at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History, Curator Emeritus John Edward Hasse developed exhibitions on Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Ray Charles. He founded the Smithsonian
Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, now celebrating its 32nd anniversary, and international Jazz Appreciation Month, which is celebrated in all 50 states and 40 other countries.

His books include an acclaimed biography, Beyond Category: The Life and Genius of Duke Ellington, with a Foreword by Wynton Marsalis, and Jazz: The First Century, with Forewords by Quincy Jones and Tony Bennett. As an expert on 20th century music, he is a contributor to The Washington Post and eight encyclopedias and has written 50+ articles on music for The Wall Street Journal.

His media appearances include CNN, CBS, PBS, BBC, NPR, and several documentary movies. He is the recipient of two Grammy Award nominations and two ASCAP awards for excellence in writing on music.

He earned a B.A. Cum Laude from Carleton College, M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Indiana University, a Certificate in Business Administration from The Wharton School, and two Honorary Doctorates. Active in cultural diplomacy for the U.S. State Department, Hasse has lectured on leadership, the arts, and music in 25 countries. His website is: www.johnedwardhasse.com.

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