Moments from Duke Ellington's historic 1929 jazz film

Duke Ellington creating jazz history in 1929

Duke Ellington arranges a soulful blues melody at the upright piano alongside his trumpet player in this rare early sound film recording.

Duke Ellington's 1929 Studio Jam Session

How to save your piano from the repo man in 1929

Movers arrive to repossess Duke's piano, but a clever dancer intervenes with a bottle of liquor to keep the music playing.

Saving the Piano with a Bottle of Gin

Risking everything for the performance of a lifetime

Despite serious health warnings, a devoted dancer insists on taking a nightclub gig while listening to Duke's haunting new composition.

A Dangerous Decision for the Love of Music

After being introduced to the club crowd, dancer Fredi Washington performs a feverish routine before suddenly fainting on the glossy stage floor.

Fredi Washington Collapses Mid-Performance

As Fredi Washington is carried unconscious backstage, the club manager immediately orders the orchestra and chorus line to start up to keep the audience entertained.

The Show Must Go On After Stage Collapse

Her final dying request to Duke Ellington...

From her sickbed, Fredi asks Duke Ellington to play their signature song one last time, leading into a choral jazz spiritual with expressionistic silhouette lighting.

A Dying Dancer's Final Wish to Duke Ellington

When jazz meets the classical funeral march in 1929.

Arthur Whetsol performs a muted trumpet solo alongside Duke Ellington at the piano as towering shadow figures surround the bedside during her final moments.

The Haunting 1929 Jazz Funeral Dirge

[00:31] Duke Ellington's 1929 Studio Jam Session
[03:34] Saving the Piano with a Bottle of Gin
[05:08] A Dangerous Decision for the Love of Music
[11:38] Fredi Washington Collapses Mid-Performance
[12:49] The Show Must Go On After Stage Collapse
[14:20] A Dying Dancer's Final Wish to Duke Ellington
[16:15] The Haunting 1929 Jazz Funeral Dirge

Moments from Duke Ellington's historic 1929 jazz film

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