Duke Lives Again on Sunday at the Franklin Historical Museum

Pianists, Tom Stuart & Dennis Ferguson will be bringing alive the music of Duke Ellington on Sunday afternoon at 3 pm at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street, in a free, two-keyboard  concert.

Few names in American music carry the elegance, innovation, and enduring influence of Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington. Born in 1899 in Washington, D.C., Ellington rose to become one of the most important composers and performers of the 20th century. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he wrote thousands of pieces—far beyond jazz standards—crafting sophisticated works that blended blues, swing, classical structure, and bold orchestration.

Ellington wasn’t just a bandleader; he was a musical architect. Leading his orchestra at the famed Cotton Club in Harlem, he helped define the sound of the Jazz Age, elevating jazz into an art form worthy of concert halls. His compositions—like “Take the ‘A’ Train” and “Mood Indigo”—remain staples, admired for their richness, emotion, and innovation.

Today, Ellington’s relevance hasn’t faded—it’s grown. His music bridges genres and generations, influencing film scores, contemporary jazz, and even popular music. His work speaks to themes of identity, resilience, and creativity that still resonate deeply.

Hearing Ellington’s music performed by a pair of pianists offers a fresh and intimate experience. Without the full orchestra, the focus shifts to the intricate interplay of melody, harmony, and rhythm. Two pianists can mirror the call-and-response energy of his band, highlighting the conversational quality embedded in his compositions. It’s both a tribute and a reinvention—bringing listeners closer to the genius of Ellington while revealing new textures within familiar works.

In short, Ellington’s music isn’t just history—it’s alive, vibrant, and waiting to be rediscovered.

A
Musical Presentation in Honor of International Jazz Day

with
Tom Stuart & Dennis Ferguson on 2 keyboards

PLANNED PROGRAM

Satin
Doll

Duke
Ellington

Rockin’
in Rhythm

Edward
Kennedy Ellington, Irving Mills & Harry Carney

Single
Petal of a Rose

Duke
Ellington

Take
the A-Train

Billy
Strayhorn

Prelude
to a Kiss

Duke
Ellington, Irving Gorden & Irving Mills

Blues
of the Vagabond

Duke
Ellington

Do
Nothin’ ‘til You Hear from Me

Duke
Ellington & Bob Russell

Don’t
Get Around Much Anymore

Duke
Ellington & Bob Russel

I
Let a Song Go Out of My Heart

Duke
Ellington, John Redmond & Irving Mills

In
a Sentimental Mood

Duke
Ellington

I’m
Beginning To See the Light

Duke
Ellington, Don George, Johnny Hodges & Harry James

In
November of 2011, UNESCO designated the 30th
of April as International
Jazz Day
to demonstrate the role that jazz plays in uniting people across the
whole planet. It the culmination of Jazz
Appreciation Month.
Our program today honors Edward Kennedy Ellington