At the dawn of the ‘40s, three propitious events forever altered the path of Duke Ellington’s career.

First, he changed management, signing on with the rather huge (and rather exclusive) William Morris agency. Second, he met and virtually adopted Billy Strayhorn as a co-arranger and songwriter. Third, bandmembers rotated once again, bringing his band to new artistic (and commercial) heights.

Featured tracks include:

Rose of the Rio Grande

Lambeth Walk

Prelude to a Kiss

Just Good Fun

Pussy Willow

Mood Indigo

Sophisticated Lady

You, You Darlin’

Jack the Bear

Ko-ko

Morning Glory

So Far, So Good