Ellington and Strayhorn: “It Don't Mean a Thing”
Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn were responsible for introducing many classic songs with the Duke Ellington Band and through jazz and popular singers of the time. The 30's and 40's were decades when people went out dancing on a regular basis and radio was king. Duke's songs were powerful and Strayhorn's songs were romantic. Together, with the style of jazz and swing, they were an unstoppable pair. Songs like “It don't mean a thing” and “Satin Doll” , “Lush Life”, “In a sentimental mood”, “In my solitude”, “Take the 'A' Train,” “Caravan” and many more Ellington classics live on today with many of these also Strayhorn compositions.