Duke Ellington at the Cotton Club (1927–1931)

1. “Black and Tan Fantasy” strengthens the band’s identity

   Jul 16, 1927Labels: Duke Ellington, Bubber Miley, Black and

   • Black Tan
   • Ellington bio

2. “Creole Love Call” becomes a Cotton Club showcase

   Dec 1, 1927Labels: Creole Love, Adelaide Hall, Duke Ellington

   • Creole Love Call
   • Adelaide Hall

3. Ellington secures Cotton Club engagement

   Dec 4, 1927Labels: Duke Ellington, Cotton Club, house orchestra

   • Cotton Club
   • Ellington bio

4. Residency begins with the revue “Rhythmania”

   Dec 4, 1927Labels: Rhythmania, Adelaide Hall, Cotton Club

   • Cotton Club
   • Adelaide Hall

5. “The Mooche” adds a new Cotton Club hit

   Oct 1, 1928Labels: The Mooche, Duke Ellington, jungle style

   • The Mooche
   • Cotton Club

6. Radio broadcasts expand Ellington’s national audience

   Sep 1, 1929Labels: Cotton Club, radio broadcasts, Duke Ellington

   • Cotton Club
   • Ellington bio

7. Cotton Club years sharpen Ellington’s arranging style

   Jan 1, 1930Labels: Duke Ellington, arranging style, Cotton Club

   • EBSCO
   • Cotton Club

8. “Mood Indigo” premieres and is recorded

   Oct 17, 1930Labels: Mood Indigo, Duke Ellington, recording

   • Britannica
   • Mood Indigo

9. Ellington records extended work “Creole Rhapsody”

   Jan 20, 1931Labels: Creole Rhapsody, Duke Ellington, extended work

   • Oxford
   • MusicBrainz

10. Ellington’s Cotton Club residency ends

    Jun 30, 1931Labels: Cotton Club, Duke Ellington, house band

    • Cotton Club
    • Ellington bio

11. “It Don’t Mean a Thing” signals the swing direction

    Aug 1, 1931Labels: It Don't, Duke Ellington, swing

    • It Don t
    • Schuller ref

12. Cotton Club era becomes a lasting Harlem Renaissance touchstone

    Dec 31, 1931Labels: Cotton Club, Harlem Renaissance, segregation

    • Cotton Club
    • EBSCO