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From the Archives, Duke Ellington Edition: Catching Up with Mercer Ellington.

Band leader and composer Mercer Ellington, the son of Duke Ellington. He perpetuated the big band tradition his father made famous as head of the Duke Ellington Band. With the death of his father in 1974, Mercer Ellington took over his father's orchestra. Mercer died in 1996. (REBROADCAST from 5/3/89)

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Other segments from the episode on April 22, 1999

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, April 22, 1999: Interview with Mercer Ellington, Part 1; Interview with Dave Frishberg; Interview with Max Roach; Interview with Dave Brubeck; Interview with Mercer…

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Transcripts are created on a rush deadline, and accuracy and availability may vary. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Please be aware that the authoritative record of Fresh Air interviews and reviews are the audio recordings of each segment.

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27:45

Catching Up with Mercer Ellington

Band leader and composer Mercer Ellington is the son of Duke Ellington, and leads the Duke Ellington Band. As a young man, Mercer Ellington played trombone, French horn and trumpet in his father's ensemble. Two recent Mercer Ellington albums have won wide acclaim: "Digital Duke" and "For Ellington," performed by the Modern Jazz Quartet.

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21:30

Mercer Ellington Continues His Father's Legacy.

Son of Duke Ellington, composer and musician Mercer Ellington is the conductor of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. The Orchestra will join Peter Nero and the Philly Pops for a pair of concerts of Duke Ellington's work, including a symphony, "The Three Black Kings / Les Trois Rois Noirs," finished by Mercer Ellington after his father's death.

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31:36

Mercer Ellington on His Father's Work and Legacy.

Mercer Ellington is a trumpeter, composer, and band leader. He is also the son of jazz legend Duke Ellington. Mercer Ellington is the conductor for the musical based on Duke Ellington's work, "Sophisticated Ladies." Mercer Ellington joins the show to discuss the musical and his father.

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