Ellington: The Music Lives On Great Performances : Season 11 Episode 9

The complete title of this film is "Ellington-The Music Lives On." This was produced by WNET/Thirteen/Freemantel International, Inc. Director: Jerome Schnur; Executive Producer: Jac Venza; Producers: Bob Bac, Bill W. Chastain, Jr.; Associate Producer: Yvonne Smith; Writer: David Axelrod. It was originally telecast on PBS, February 27, 1984. This wonderful 90 minute film is a tribute to Duke Ellington interpreted by modern performers. Some of the highlights are Ben Harney's "Something to Live For," a couple of songs/scenes from Ellington's opera, "Queenie Pie," with Patti LaBelle and Andre De Shields, a terrific version of "Satin Doll" by Treat Williams, and Carly Simon's "I've Got it Bad and That Ain't Good." There are so many wonderful performances, Tammy Grimes, Kathleen Battle, Esther Marrow, the Boys Choir of Harlem and many more. There is documentary footage and interviews with the Duke's family, friends and fellow artists. This isn't available anywhere that I can find and it would be a blessing if anyone would make it available for purchase.