Lincoln Center Pays Tribute to Jazz Great Duke Ellington and His Legacy
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Duke Ellington's enduring legacy as a musical pioneer was celebrated at a gala and concert with the soul of America as its undercurrent.
Sopranos star Michael Imperioli and producer wife Victoria, 30 Rock actor Alec Baldwin and yoga instructor wife Hilaria, and TV host and author Joy Reid were among guests who watched comedian Dave Chappelle host a night in honor of what would have marked the legendary jazz composer and bandleader's 126th year.
Duke Ellington performing on July 20, 1973 in New York, New York.
Duke Ellington performing on July 20, 1973 in New York, New York.
Santi Visalli/Getty
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis took the audience through a musical tour that included familiar greats like "Mood Indigo" and star turns by guests.
Marsalis, the organization's managing and artistic director, told Newsweek: "His music contains American essences that we need to remember about who we are—800 records, 2,000 songs, 50 years on the road. He left a lot for us to contemplate.
Wynton Marsalis, Nathaniel Williford and Xavier Anderson attend the Jazz at Lincoln Center Gala on April 30, 2025 in New York City.
Wynton Marsalis, Nathaniel Williford and Xavier Anderson attend the Jazz at Lincoln Center Gala on April 30, 2025 in New York City.for Jazz At Lincoln Center
Hilaria Baldwin and Alec Baldwin attend the Jazz at Lincoln Center Gala on April 30, 2025 in New York City.
Hilaria Baldwin and Alec Baldwin attend the Jazz at Lincoln Center Gala on April 30, 2025 in New York City.for Jazz At Lincoln Center
"It's much better [now] than when he was in America. Think about it, he was born in 1899. He would be much happier now than he was in the time he was in."
Chappelle got a laugh with a joke about Donald Trump trying to Make Jazz Great Again but, much like Ellington's music, politics was left to sit mainly below the surface.
Dave Chappelle speaks onstage during the Jazz at Lincoln Center Gala on April 30, 2025 in New York City.
Dave Chappelle speaks onstage during the Jazz at Lincoln Center Gala on April 30, 2025 in New York City.for Jazz At Lincoln Center
Victoria Imperioli and Michael Imperioli attend the Jazz At Lincoln Center Gala on April 30, 2025 in New York City.
Victoria Imperioli and Michael Imperioli attend the Jazz At Lincoln Center Gala on April 30, 2025 in New York City.for Jazz At Lincoln Center
Mercedes Ellington, Duke Ellington's granddaughter, told Newsweek: "We need some music now. He had a lot of music, so it's good that we go through his entire catalogue, as long as it takes for us all as a country to get better."
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