The appropriate sentiments, three ways:
and a photograph of the label:
But wait! There’s more! The sounds:
In Mark Tucker’s THE DUKE ELLINGTON READER (89), we find these words about the 1932 composition. When Ellington visited England in 1933, he said, “Since I have been in England I have composed a new number entitled Best Wishes, which was played and broadcast on June 14 (1933) for the first time.” Ellington also stated that he had dedicated the song “the title not the lyrics,” to Britain, that the tune would give British listeners “a better insight into the Negro mind.”
That would be enough well-wishing for any post, but no . . . here is more evidence, this time of a visual sort:
an autographed news photograph from Ellington’s visit to England and his broadcast for the British Broadcasting Company, with Cootie Williams, Arthur Whetsol, Juan Tizol, and Tricky Sam Nanton:
a close-up of the Maestro’s signature:
As I write this, the photograph is still up for bids; here is the link,
The seller’s copy, too intriguing to edit:
Up for bidding: Duke Ellington is a legend -the man who raised Jazz from niche entertainment to a worldwide phenomenon, and a real art form. This photograph was taken in the London BBC studios during a broadcast in 1933. Times were hard in the United States, but the Ellington orchestra toured England and Scotland to great fanfare and success; they would follow it up next year with a tour of the European mainland, popularizing jazz (or as Ellington refered to it “American music”) to a much larger worldwide audience. The photograph is autographed by the man himself, signed “Best Wishes, Duke Ellington”. What an opportunity, if you are a fan of Jazz in any of its forms!
Postscript: the bidding ended a few minutes ago, and the photograph sold for $67.00, which to me is not an exorbitant price. I didn’t bid, if you need that detail. Best wishes to all!
May your happiness increase!
JAZZ LIVES 