Wrapping up our series this week of Duke Ellington Treasury shows: In August of 1945 the United States’ war with Japan ended suddenly, and the war bonds that Ellington promoted every Saturday on “Your Date With the Duke” turned into “Victory Bonds.” His bond pitches placed special emphasis on the many wounded and injured veterans returning–or soon to return–from the war. In this program we’ll hear broadcasts from that month of “Work Song” and “The Blues” from Ellington’s Black, Brown and Beige Suite, “Creole Love Call” with a vocal by Kay Davis, the World War II song “He’s Home for a Little While” (sung by Joya Sherrill), “Frustration” (a vehicle for baritone saxophonist Harry Carney), and a little-heard feature for trombonist Lawrence Brown, “I Miss Your Kiss.” The program ends with the Ellington band’s rousing rendition of the Mary Lou Williams-arranged “Blue Skies.” The Treasury broadcasts would continue (with some interruption) into late 1946, but it’s the wartime shows that best reflect the vital spirit of the times for both band and listeners.

Read More: big bands, Duke Ellington, Treasury shows, World War II

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