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The Duke Ellington Chronicle
or
The Duke – Where and When

Duke Ellington's Working Life and Travels

Last updated 2013-07-13






Skip the introduction

Go to Specific Years:

This webpage is an "evergreen" project intended for Ellington researchers to share information. New information, references and corrections are welcome.

Duke Ellington, born in 1899, began his musical career in his home town, Washington, D.C. In 1923 he and his musician friends took their music to New York where they played in various clubs and theatres and began recording as early as 1923. In late 1927 they became the house band at the Cotton Club, and Ellington's career took off. He and his sidemen, many of them stars in their own right, travelled the world with their music right up until a couple of months before Ellington died in 1974.

Whenever I refer to the late Dr. Klaus Stratemann of Germany's comprehensive Duke Ellington: Day by Day and Film by Film. I am over-awed by the picture it paints of Duke Ellington's travels during the ordinary course of his working life throughout his career.

There is an incredible amount of information about Ellington's working life and travels in over three decades of tri-annual DEMS Bulletins, in Stratemann, and in THE definitive Ellington discography, The New Desor, by Luciano Massagli and Giovanni M. Volonté.

Researcher and record collector Klaus Götting of Paris, France, compiled a directory of Ellington's itinerary from March, 1923 through to the end of his life, titled The Duke – Where and When. Initially for his own use, this document includes direct and indirect contributions from fellow researchers from around the world and from other sources. TDWAW will help you find out what Ellington was doing and where he was on a particular date and guide you to more detailed information in the DEMS Bulletins, Stratemann or New Desor.

M. Götting made TDWAW available on request to members of the Ellington community at least as long ago as 2009. At researcher Herr Carl Hällström's suggestion, M. Götting agreed to let it be used as the basis of this webpage, to serve as a resource for the research community. Entries in this colour are from the August 2011 version of TDWAW, and entries from all other sources are in black.

Individuals who contributed information directly or indirectly to TDWAW include Ken Steiner (USA), Carl A. Hällström (Sweden), the late Sjef Hoefsmit (Belgium), Agustín Pérez Gasco (Spain), Arne Neegaard (Norway), Steven Lasker (USA), Jan Bruér (Sweden), Ken Vail, the late Dr. Klaus Stratemann (Germany), William E. Timner (Canada), Michael Graff (USA), the late Jerry Valburn (USA), Roger Boyes (UK), and of course, all the contributors to DEMS. If you contributed information but your name is not shown, please accept my apology and let me know so I can credit you.

Since this is not a discography, where I've chosen to show what was recorded in a session, I've only listed the titles, without repeating a title if there's more than one take.

Much of itinerary began with research done by individuals such as the late Joe Igo, the late Gordon Ewing and the late Art Pilkington (see DEMS 08/2-6) and a great deal of credit is due to the late Sjef Hoefsmit and the late Benny H. Aasland of The International Duke Ellington Society for their work over the years in gathering and sharing this body of knowledge.

Many events are described quite briefly, but the references should allow you to look them up. While this webpage is based on M. Götting's TDWAW, as a webpage it has the room to add more information, and will include more information about important events in the lives of Ellington and his sidemen, gathered from many sources. An item marked as an update may simply be an added reference or a rewording, or it may include additional information.

Personnel changes are noted, taken from the second volume of New Desor. Exact dates are not usually shown, and where people left and returned, I have not checked to see if their departures were planned to be only a break or if they intended to leave forever. Similarly, some members were in the band only a for short time, and I don't know if they were hired for a short length of time or were intended to be permanent members of the band.

Caution

Since Ellington often changed his plans, a review after an event is more reliable than an advertisement beforehand. Where an event is only supported by advance publicity (previews) or by advertisements, you should consider it to unconfirmed, although an ad on the day of the event is more likely to be reliable than one a week or two ahead of time.




The Duke – Where and When

Duke Ellington's Working Life and Travels



Back to Navigation List

1899–1922

Date of event Ending date
(if different)
City/
Other place
Venue Event/People Primary/
reference
New
Desor
reference
DEMS
reference
Other
references
Contact
person
Date added
/ updated

1899

1899-04-29
Saturday
. Washington, D.C.Grandparents' home
2129 Ward Place N.W.
Birth of Edward Kennedy Ellington.

When he was a child, Ellington's home had two pianos, and both parents played. AHL tells us mother Daisy played well and father James Edward Ellington played by ear, and sang excerpts from operas and operettas. JE would also lead his friends in singing, arranging the music himself, humming individual parts and conducting from the piano.
... AHL p.3
Tucker p.20
djp added 2011-12-28
updated 2012-03-15

1900 – 1905

1900 01 11...Birth of Wilbur de Paris, trombone.djpAdded 2012 10 11
1900 01 22...Birth of Juan Tizol, valve trombonist, composer, copyist, arranger. .djpAdded 2012 10 10
1902 12 13...Birth of Sonny Greer.djpAdded 2012 10 11
1903 04 03...Birth of trumpeter Bubber Miley.djpAdded 2012 10 10
1904 00 001908 00 00Washington, D.C.Garnet Elementary SchoolAWL says Daisy Ellington listed her son's age as 6 so he could start school at age 5.

While this would place him in school in 1904, Vail places Ellington's school entry in 1905 without providing support.

Tucker says Ellington's "first brush with formal music education" was at about 7 years old, but AWL says "about a year later" (after beginning school), his mother put him into piano lessons with Mrs. (Marietta) Clinkscales after he was hit in the head by a baseball bat. This suggests Duke may have started piano lessons as early as age 6, which would be 1905, but Vail, consistent with Tucker, says he started lessons with Mrs. Clinkscales in 1906
...AWL p.3
Tucker p.23
Vail I
djp added 2011-12-28
updated 2012-12-29
1904 02 01...Birth of trombonist Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton.djpAdded 2012 10 10
1904 05 31...Birth of Otto “Toby” Hardwicke.djpAdded 2012 10 11
1904 11 01...Birth of trumpeter Louis Bacon.djpAdded 2012 10 10

1905 – 1909

1905 02 28...Birth of Louis Metcalfe, trumpet.djpAdded 2012 10 11
1905 07 10...Birth of singer Ivie Anderson.djpAdded 2012 10 10
1906 03 03...Birth of clarinetist Barney Bigard.djpAdded 2012 10 10
1906 03 16...Birth of trumpeter Shelton Hemphill.djpAdded 2012 10 11

1907

1907 02 22...Birth of cornetist Rex Stewart.djpAdded 2012 10 10
1907-07-25
Thursday
. Cambridge, Mass. Birth of sax star Johnny Hodges (registered as Cornelius Hodges) Transcribed birth certificate

New Desor
. . Internet Archive:
ne-jazz.org/History
djp added 2011-12-27
1907 08 03...Birth of trombonist Lawrence Brown.djpAdded 2012 10 10
1908 08 11...Birth of alto sax man/clarinetist Russell Procope.djpAdded 2012 10 10
1909 01 13...Birth of Quentin Jackson.djpAdded 2012 10 11
1909 02 26...Birth of Chauncey Haughton.djpAdded 2012 10 11
1909 03 27...Birth of tenor sax man Ben Webster.djpAdded 2012 10 10

1910 – 1914

1910 00 00.Washington, D.C.Howard TheatrePeripheral event
The Howard Theatre opens.
The Howard Theatre website.djpAdded 2012-12-29
1910 02 21...Birth of tenor sax man Al Sears.djpAdded 2012 10 10
1910 04 01...Birth of reed man Harry Carney.djpAdded 2012 10 11
1911 07 10...Birth of trumpeter Cootie Williams.djpAdded 2012 10 10
1913 00 001914 00 00Washington, D.C.Garrison Junior High School
Ellington's Grade 8 English teacher and principal, Miss R.A.Boston, emphasized the importance of proper speech, deportment and pride in oneself. Tucker dates this as the school year 1913-1914.

Vail has Ellington attending Garrison from 1911 to 1913, without citing his sources.

If Ellington started school at age 5, that would be September 1904, and he would have begun eighth grade in September 1911.

Further research is necessary to confirm when he entered junior high school.
  • Tucker p. 25 citing an interview with Ruth Ellington Boatwright, 1983-10-21
  • Vail I
..
djp added 2011-12-28
1913 00 00.Washington, D.C.Poodle Dog CafeDuke takes a summer job as a soda jerk.
  • Tucker p.25
  • MIMM pp.20
  • AHL p.2
  • Vail I
...djp added 2011-12-28
1913 09 001917 02 00Washington, D.C.Samuel H. Armstrong High SchoolEllington's grade 8 teachers encouraged Duke to attend Armstrong, a "vocationally oriented" all black school, so he could major in graphic arts.

Vail has Ellington entering Armstrong in September 1913.

During these years Oliver "Doc" Perry gave him piano lessons, mentored him and occasionally allowed him to sit in his Doc Perry's Society Band, subbing for Doc on occasion.

Vail says Perry taught Ellington to read music, which seems odd since Ellington had had piano lessons.

Perry also introduced Ellington to Hugh Grant, a school music supervisor, who gave Ellington harmony lessons.

Ellington rehearsed after school at True Reformers Hall with other students. By 1916 they included brothers Felix, Brother and Bill Miller, Lloyd Stewart, Ted Nickerson, Sterling Conway and William Escoffey.
  • Tucker p.28
  • AHL pp.7? & 8
  • Vail I
...djp added 2011-12-28
1913 12 10...Birth of trumpeter/singer/violinist Ray Nance.djpAdded 2012 10 10
1914 05 26...Birth of trumpeter Harold “Shorty” Baker.djpAdded 2012 10 10
1914 00 00.Asbury Park, NJPlaza HotelDuke's summer job as a dishwasher led to visiting Philadephia on his way home to hear pianist Harvey Brooks. Brooks taught him some techniques, and this seems to have stimulated Ellington's interest in music.

AHL says he was 15, which places this event in 1914, but Vail says this was the summer of 1913. Tucker says 1913 or 1914.
  • Tucker pp.26-27
  • MIMM p.20
  • AHL p.2
  • Vail I
...djpadded 2011-12-28
1914 07 28.Europe.Peripheral event
Beginning of First World War in Europe.
..Added 2012-08-05

1915

1915 07 02.Washington, D.C..Birth of Ruth Ellington, sister.djpAdded 2012 10 10
1915 08 16...Birth of singer Al Hibbler.djpAdded 2012 10 10
1915 10 11
Monday
1915 10 15Washington, D.C.American League Ball ParkPeripheral event
W.E.B.Du Bois' 3 hour, 5 scene pageant The Star of Ethiopia, with 1,000 local actors and 200 choristers, was staged on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings of this week. The audience filled the grandstand and left field bleachers each night.

The program said "The Story of the Pageant covers 10,000 years and more of the history of the Negro race and its work and suffering..."

The Afro American Ledger's review says
"The one idea that dominates the whole is that the Negro has a past of which he should be proud."

Tucker says it isn't known if Ellington, then 16, attended but he worked at the ball park as a youngster and rehearsals were held at his school.
  • The Afro American Ledger 1915-10-16
  • Tucker pp 7-8
djpAdded 2012-12-30
1915 11 29...Birth of composer/arranger/pianist Billy Strayhorn.djpAdded 2012 10 10

1916

1916 00 00...Peripheral event
Before finishing high school (MIMM, p.32) or in his senior year (Tucker, p.46), Ellington was offered a scholarship to the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NJ, after winning a poster art competition.

Marcus Girvan (http://ellingtonia.com) and Vail date this as 1916.
Vail I djpadded 2012-09-02
1916 05 16-...Birth of trumpeter “Dud” Bascomb.djpAdded 2012 10 10

1917

1917 02 00...Ellington drops out of school in February 1917, earns money painting posters and making music. ...djpadded 2012-09-02
1917 03 16...Birth of Alvin Redrick “Junior” Raglin, bassist.djpAdded 2012 10 11
1917 04 061918 11 11..Peripheral event
The United States declared war on Germany, entering the First World War, which started nearly three years earlier, in 1914

Vail I says Ellington, turning 18 that month, was too young to register for the draft.
.Added 2012-08-05
1917 05 25...Birth of clarinetist/tenor sax man Jimmy Hamilton.djpAdded 2012 10 10
1917 00 00.Washington, D.C..In 1917 Arthur Whetsel and Otto Hardwick joined Ellington, and Ellington was earning a living with music.
  • AHL p.8
  • Tucker p.28
...djp 2011-12-28
updated 2012-03-15

1918

1918 00 00.Washington, D.C.. Ellington moves to 2728 Sherman Ave., gets a telephone and forms a band, The Duke's Serenaders. He advertises
"Irresistable Jass
The Duke's Serenaders
Colored Syncopaters"
in the telephone directory.
Vail I...added 2012-12-29
1918 07 02
Tuesday
...Ellington marries Edna Thompson....djpadded 2012-09-02
1918 10 05...Birth of bassist Jimmie Blanton.djpAdded 2012 10 10
1918 11 11...Peripheral event
The Great War (World War 1) drew to a close in late 1918. Armistices were signed by Bulgaria on 1918 09 29 and by the Ottoman Empire on 1918 10 30. Austria and Hungary signed separate armistaces on 1918 11 03. A ceasefire came into effect when Germany signed an armistice on 1918 11 11. The war officially ended in 1919
.Added 2012-08-05
1918 11 24...Birth of Wild Bill Davis, organ and piano.djpAdded 2012 10 11
1918 12 26...Birth of drummer George “Butch” Ballard.djpAdded 2012 10 10

1919

1919-00-00
.Washington, D.C..Ellington met and became friends with Sonny Greer in 1919....AHL p.2djp added 2012-03-15
1919-00-00
.Washington, D.C..Ellington studies harmony with Henry GrantVail I...djp added 2013-06-03
1919 03 11
Tuesday
...The young Mr. and Mrs. Ellington's only child, Mercer Kennedy Ellington, was born.
  • New Desor, p.1458
  • Vail I
...djpadded 2012-09-02
1919-06-06
Friday
.Washington, D.C.Center Market Colosseum
9th St. & Pennsylvania Ave.
Masonic Victory Reception
-music by Duke Ellington's Serenaders
  • Print ad - Washington Bee, May 31, 1919
  • Tucker p.60
...djp added 2011-12-28

1920

1920 01 01
Thursday
1920 12 31
Friday
.activities not documented.
1920 00 00...Vail has Ellington meeting Sonny Greer this year, and learning Carolina Shout by slowing down a piano roll and playing with it until he had the piece perfected.Vail IdjpAdded 2013-06-03
1920 01 09...Birth of singer Betty Roché.djpAdded 2012 10 11
1920-01-19.United States.Peripheral event
Prohibition became law throughout the United States in January 1920, banning the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages. Repealed in December 1933, prohibition undoubtedly had an impact on the entertainment industry and Ellington's life. The Cotton Club, for example, was owned by gangster Owney Madden and thrived. Ellington's lengthy engagement in that club made him famous nationally.
djp2012-07-30
1920 01 24...Birth of Jimmy Forest, tenor sax.djpAdded 2012 10 11
1920 07 12...Birth of tenor sax star Paul Gonsalves.djpAdded 2012 10 10
1920 12 05...Birth of Kay Davis, vocalist.djpAdded 2012 10 11
1920 12 14...Birth of trumpeter Clark Terry.djpAdded 2012 10 10

1921

1921 00 00.Washington D.C.. Elmer Snowden's undated introduction to Rex Stewart, reprinted in Boy Meets Horn by Rex Stewart, edited by Claire P. Gordon, says:
"I first knew Rex in Washington, D.C. that was back in 1920, and I had just about the most popular band in town, in my band was Otto - Hardwick, Art Whetsel, Eddie Ellington, who became known as "Duke Ellington," later.

"We played all of the Dancce (sic) Halls and worked almost every night.

"One night we were playing Murrays Casino and a band of younger fellows came in to audition to try out for some dates. That was a crazy bunch of kids led by a piano player named Ollie - Blackwell. They called themselves the "Clowns Band" and sat on the Floor or jumped up on the piano while playing. We did not think much of them, but we did notice Bernard Addison the Band-Man, and the kid in whort (sic) pants, who did not blow good, but he sure was loud!!!!

"Well the years passed and the next time I saw Rex, we both were in N.Y. There had been the split up of my original Washingtonians..."
Stewart's autobiography begins:
"...Going back to 1921, when I was one of the seven young members of Ollie Blackwell's clowns, I stayed in music all my life. 1921 was a momentous year for us members of Ollie Blackwell's Ragtime Clowns because we were actually part of a show! ...

"...Washington, DC, in 1921 was the right time and place for me to hear music. I don't think there were many towns with more dance halls than Washington,..." (discusses battles of the bands, then)

"... At any rate my first awareness of this delightful phenomenon was at the Lincoln Colonnades. There were three bands, but the main battle was between Doc Perry and Sam Taylor. The third outfit was only a pick-up group with Duke Ellington on piano, a fellow named Tobin on C-melody sax, Otto Hardwicke on bass violin and Stick-A-Makum on drums. There were others in the band too, but I don't recall their names or faces..."
...djpadded 2013-02-25
1921 03 00.New York, N.Y..
Greer claimed that he, Hardwick, Ellington, Whetsel and Snowden visited New York in March 1921.
Mark Berresford: That's Got 'Em!: The Life and Music of Wilbur C. Sweatman citing Sonny Greer....djpadded 2012-12-08
1921 11 25
Friday
.Washington, D.C.Convention Hall"The 20th Century Jazz Revue"
A capacity audience crowded Convention Hall. Duke Ellington's Wild Cats, Elmer Snowden's Eccentric Serenaders and James P. Johnson, "piano wizard of New York City," were among the performers.

Tucker speculates this was when Ellington met and became friends with the 31 year old Johnson after playing Carolina Shout

Vail relates the same event, calling the venue "Convention Center."
  • Tucker, page 74, citing Chicago Defender 1921-12-03
  • MIMM, p.93
  • Vail I
...djpAdded 2012-02-09
Updated 2012-12-29

1922

1922 06 21
Wednesday
.Catonsville, Md.Greenwood Electric Park
Winters Avenue
A Grand Musical Exhibition and Dance...Two Orchestras
  • Elmer Snowden's Big Jazz Band, Washington, D.C.
  • Ike Dixon's Jazz Demons of Baltimore
Ad, Afro-American 1922-06-16 ...DJP per Hoffman's Ellington fileadded 2013-01-09
1922 08 00.Washington, D.C.Lincoln TheatreDuring an August 1922 appearance in Washington, New York song-writer/publisher Clarence Williams met Ellington. Williams assured Duke he could make it in New York. Tucker, p.80, citing a 1950 Williams interview by Ed Kirkeby...djpAdded 2012-02-09
1922 08 29...Birth of Roffe “Rolf” Ericson.djpAdded 2012 10 11
1922 09 30...Birth of bassist Oscar Pettiford.djpAdded 2012 10 10
1922 12 27
Wednesday
.Washington, D.C.Armstrong High School
The 1922-12-30 edition of the New York Age reported

"On Wednesday evening last, the evening classes of Armstrong High School under the directorship of C. W. Childs. Jr.. and Principal J. P. Taylor held their Yuletide exercises. The program consisted of an exhibition of work of various classes in art and sciences. Dancing in the gymnasium with music by Duke Ellington was an enjoyable feature."
djp comments:
The performance date may have been 1922 12 27 (indicated by the wording and timing of the article) or if Christmas holidays were in effect, perhaps the previous Wednesday. It seems likely Yuletide exercises would occur before Christmas rather than after.
Agustín Perez Gasco, citing the "Washington D.C." column in the "News Of New York State" section,
New York Age, 1922-12-30, p.3
...APG - email 2012-08-23added 2013-01-15
Back to Navigation List

1923

Date of event Ending date
(if different)
City/
Other place
Venue Event/People Primary/
reference
New
Desor
reference
DEMS
reference
Other
references
Contact
person
Date added
/ updated

January 1923

1923 01 01
Monday
1923 01 31
Wednesday
.activities not documented.

February 1923

1923 02 00.New York, N.Y..Vaudevillian band leader Wilbur C. Sweatman, in New York, wanted to hire Washington drummer Sonny Greer. Greer agreed to go if Sweatman would also hire Ellington and Otto Hardwick.

By the end of February, the New York Clipper carried an ad for the group referring to Phonograph Artist Wilbur Sweatman ... Assisted by Flo Dade, and his Acme of Syncopators." Ellington, Hartwick (sic), Greer, Maceo Jefferson (banjo) and Ralph Escudero (bass) were listed as the band members.1
Berresford says Ellington at first was reluctant to join Sweatman's band, but Greer and Otto Hardwick wrote to him every week to persuade him; we also learn that the Washington lads didn't like the job, because in vaudeville, performers did half-week engagements and then moved on. Sweatman insisted the sidemen use makeup to lighten their skin.2

Ellington said "We joined him in New York and played some split weeks in theatres..."3
  • (1) Tucker, pp.80-82, with photo
  • (2) Mark Berresford "That's Got 'Em!: The Life and Music of Wilbur C. Sweatman"
  • 3. MIMM, p.36
  • Vail I
...djpAdded 2012-02-09
Updated 2012-12-08
1923 02 01
Thursday
1923 02 28
Wednesday
.activities not documented.

March 1923

1923 03 01
Thursday
.activity not documented.
1923 03 02
Friday
.activity not documented.
1923 03 03
Saturday
.activity not documented.
1923 03 04
Sunday
.activity not documented.
1923 03 05
Monday
1923 03 11New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatre
132nd St. & 7th Ave.
Harlem
Midnight Frolic Friday
Matinee every day
Continous/Sunday from 2 to 11
Wilbur Sweatman Band
An ad in the Amsterdam News announced
WILBER C. SWEATMAN
ORIGINATOR AND HIS MOST IMITATED RAG-TIME AND JAZZ BAND
assisted by
FLO DADE AND HIS ACME OF SYNCOPATORS
Duke Ellington, Piano; Maceo Jefferson, banjo; Joan Anderson, trombone; Otta Hardwick, saxophone; Ralph Escudero, bass; Sonny Green, drums.

Other acts appearing:
  • Wells & Wells
  • Joyner & Foster
  • Walters & Farrell
  • Story Book Revue' featuring Buster Edwards
  • 'Husbands Three' A Merry Musical Comedy - 17 people
  • Tucker, pp.80-82
  • Vail I
  • Ad, New York Amsterdam News 1923-03-07 - see Steiner08,p.5
....
added 2011

updated 2013-01-09
1923 03 06
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatresee 1923 03 05.....
added 2011
1923 03 07
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatresee 1923 03 05.....
added 2011
1923 03 08
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatresee 1923 03 05.....
added 2011
1923 03 09
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatresee 1923 03 05.....
added 2011
1923 03 10
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatresee 1923 03 05.....
added 2011
1923 03 11
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatresee 1923 03 05.....
added 2011
1923 03 12
Monday
.activity not documented.
1923 03 13
Tuesday
.activity not documented.
1923 03 14
Wednesday
.activity not documented.
1923 03 15
Thursday
.activity not documented.
1923 03 16
Friday
.activity not documented.
1923 03 17
Saturday
.activity not documented.
1923 03 18
Sunday
.activity not documented.
1923 03 19
Monday
.activity not documented.
1923 03 20
Tuesday
.activity not documented.
1923 03 21
Wednesday
.activity not documented.
1923 03 22
Thursday
.activity not documented.
1923 03 23
Friday
.activity not documented.
1923 03 24
Saturday
.activity not documented.
1923 03 25
Sunday
.activity not documented.
1923 03 26
Monday
.activity not documented.
1923 03 27
Tuesday
.activity not documented.
1923 03 28
Wednesday
.activity not documented.
1923 03 29
Thursday
.activity not documented.
1923 03 30
Friday
.activity not documented.
1923 03 31
Saturday
.activity not documented.
1923 03 00...
Vail briefly reports Ellington and his friends remained in New York when Sweatman went on tour, surviving on Greer's pool hustling. Tucker speculates they were playing with Sweatman in late April (see Grand Theater entry at 1923 04 23).
Vail reports Duke striking up a friendship with Willie 'The Lion' Smith,' but when things got too bad, Duke, Sonny and Otto went home to Washington.

This is generally supported by Tucker and MIMM, but the timing is not certain.
Vail I...djp
added 2013-06-06
1923 04 23
Monday
1923 04 28
Saturday
Philadelphia, Penn.Grand Theater
Vaudeville
Berresford speculates that Ellington, Greer and Hardwick were still with Wilbur Sweatman, because the Chicago Defender said Sweatman with his assisting Syncopators appeared at the Grand for this week.
Mark Berresford: That's Got 'Em!: The Life and Music of Wilbur C. Sweatman p.136, citing Chicago Defender 1923-03-31...djpadded 2012-12-08
1923 04 24
Tuesday
.Philadelphia, Penn.Grand TheaterUnconfirmed - see 1923 04 23....djpadded 2012-12-08
1923 04 25
Wednesday
.Philadelphia, Penn.Grand TheaterUnconfirmed - see 1923 04 23....djpadded 2012-12-08
1923 04 26
Thursday
.Philadelphia, Penn.Grand TheaterUnconfirmed - see 1923 04 23....djpadded 2012-12-08
1923 04 27
Friday
.Philadelphia, Penn.Grand TheaterUnconfirmed - see 1923 04 23....djpadded 2012-12-08
1923 04 28
Saturday
.Philadelphia, Penn.Grand TheaterUnconfirmed - see 1923 04 23....djpadded 2012-12-08

June 1923

1923-06-08
Friday
.Baltimore, Md.Wonderland ParkElmer Snowden's Jazz KingsAds, Baltimore Afro-American ..Tucker, p.86Steiner08, p5
added 2011

updated 2013-05-25

July 1923

1923 07 01
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
198 W. 134th St
(Harlem)

(exact dates not known)Club owner Barron Wilkins hired the Snowden band on Ada (Bricktop) Smith's recommendation. They replaced the house band that was paid out for 2 weeks, so they only received tips for those weeks. Tips were lucrative, but hours were long - from 11 pm to 10 or 11 am.
...Tucker p.88.
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 02
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 03
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 04
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 05
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 06
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 07
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 08
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 09
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 10
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 11
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 12
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 13
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 14
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 15
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 16
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 17
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 18
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 19
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 20
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 21
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 22
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 23
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 24
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 25
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923-07-26
Thursday
.Manhattan, New York City, N.Y..Victor recording session (tests)
Elmer Snowden's Novelty Orchestra
Whetsel, Hardwick, Ellington, Snowden and Greer

Titles recorded:
  • Home
In DEMS 96/2, p.7, Steven Lasker says the take was "likely rejected on the spot" and destroyed without a metal part or test pressing being made.

...S.Hoefsmit (06,1-29); djp added 2011
updated 2012-02-09
1923 07 26
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 27
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 28
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 29
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 30
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 07 31
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26

August 1923

1923 08 01
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 08 02
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 08 03
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 08 04
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 08 05
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 08 06
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 08 07
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 08 08
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 08 09
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 08 10
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 08 11
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 08 12
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 08 13
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 08 14
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 08 15
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 08 16
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 08 17
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 08 18
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 08 19
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 08 20
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 08 21
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 08 22
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01
.....
2011; updated 2012-11-26
1923 08 23
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Exclusive Club
see 1923 07 01

August 23 is the end of the Exclusive Club engagement according to Steiner.
Steiner 08, p.5....
2011; updated 2013-01-10
1923 08 24
Friday
.activity not documented.
1923-08-25
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Premier Grand Piano Co.
510 W. 23 St.
WDT broadcast
Bruce Ellington and Serenaders Orchestra broadcast at noon. Ellington was the first act, playing Bebe, Susan and Bananas at 12:00, Where the Sacramenton River Flows, If Winter Comes and Pickles at 12:30, and My Own, Mose, Papa,and Watch Your Step at 12:50. Other performers were Trixie Smith, Thomas Waller, Joe De Lisle, Rosa Henderson (acc. Porter Grainger), Lena Wilson (acc. Fletcher Henderson)
  • WDT radio log, The Evening World, New York, 1923-08-25
  • Steiner 08, p.5
..djpadded 2011

updated 2013-01-09
1923 08 25
.activity not documented.
1923 08 26
Sunday
.activity not documented.
1923 08 27
Monday
.activity not documented.
1923 08 28
Tuesday
.activity not documented.
1923 08 29
Wednesday
.activity not documented.
1923 08 30
Thursday
.activity not documented.
1923 08 31
Friday
.activity not documented.

September 1923

1923 09 00 .New York, N.Y.."In September 1923, Billboard reported (Maceo Pinkard) had placed the (The Washingtonians) with the Victor record company..."
...Tucker p.104
.added 2012-01-09
1923 09 01
Saturday
1923 11 07
Friday
New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club
203 West 49th St.
(Times Square)
Opening night for the Hollywood which includes the premiere of Leonard Harper's "Cleo Revue;"

"Three shows nightly at 9 PM, 11:30 PM and 1:30 AM staged and produced by Mr. Joe Ward. The Washingtonian Black Dot Orchestra, Elmer Snowden, Leader."

"Elmer Snowden's Washingtonian Black Dot orchestra will furnish music during dinner and supper, as well as for dancing."

Ad and plug, The Evening Telegram, 1923-09-01, p.8.05-2,22Vail I.added 2011

updated 2013-01-14
1923 09 02
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 03
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 04
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 05
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 06
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 07
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 08
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 09
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 10
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 11
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 12
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 13
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 14
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 15
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 16
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 17
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 18
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 19
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 20
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.
probably from Loew's State Theatre, 1540 Broadway
In August 1923 WHN began broadcasting bands, and about a month later, The Clipper mentioned the names of some of them, including "the Washingtonians, a colored band from Hollywood café" Tucker says the band played weekly, on Wednesday afternoons...Tucker, pp. 106, 294.. added 2011
updated 2012-08-09
1923 09 20
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 21
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 22
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 23
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 24
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 25
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 26
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 27
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.
probably from Loew's State Theatre, 1540 Broadway
WHN- broadcast scheduled.....2011
1923 09 27
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 28
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 29
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 09 30
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26

October 1923

1923 10 01
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 02
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 03
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 04
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 05
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 06
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 07
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 08
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 09
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 10
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 11
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 12
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood ClubOpening night of "Creole Revue" - two shows nightly. The opening was a week later than planned......added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 13
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Creole Revue" - see 1923 10 12.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 14
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Creole Revue" - see 1923 10 12.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 15
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Creole Revue" - see 1923 10 12.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 16
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Creole Revue" - see 1923 10 12.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 17
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Creole Revue" - see 1923 10 12.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 18
Thursday
.New York, N.Y..
Recording session
Some discographies say Elmer Snowden's Novelty Orchestra (Bubber Miley, John Anderson, Roland Smith, Hardwick, Ellington, Snowden and Greer) recorded Home and M.T. Pocket Blues for Victor in this session.

Bakker shows the recordings were unissued, and Steven Lasker's research of Victor's files showed no entry for it.

Lasker and DEMS take the position it never happened.
..06,1-29
96,2-7
01,1-15
Timner corrections S.Hoefsmit (06,1-29)2011
1923 10 19
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Creole Revue" - see 1923 10 12.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 20
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Creole Revue" - see 1923 10 12.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 21
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.New Star Casino,
East 107th St. & 3rd Ave.
Harlem
Song Writers' Concert and Dance
.
.....2011
1923 10 22
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Creole Revue" - see 1923 10 12.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 23
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Creole Revue" - see 1923 10 12.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 24
Wednesday
...Fred Fisher Company registered the copyright of Blind Man's Buff. Mark Tucker writes "This is the first tangible evidence of Ellington's work with Jo Trent."... Tucker, p.103
djpadded 2012-01-07
1923 10 24
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Creole Revue" - see 1923 10 12.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 25
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Creole Revue" - see 1923 10 12.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 26
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Creole Revue" - see 1923 10 12.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 27
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Creole Revue" - see 1923 10 12.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 28
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Creole Revue" - see 1923 10 12.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 29
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Creole Revue" - see 1923 10 12.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 30
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Creole Revue" - see 1923 10 12.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 10 31
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Creole Revue" - see 1923 10 12.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26

November 1923

1923 11 01
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Creole Revue" - see 1923 10 12.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 11 02
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Creole Revue" - see 1923 10 12.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 11 03
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Creole Revue" - see 1923 10 12.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 11 04
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Creole Revue" - see 1923 10 12.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 11 05
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Creole Revue" - see 1923 10 12.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 11 06
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Creole Revue" - see 1923 10 12.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 11 07
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Creole Revue" - see 1923 10 12.....added 2011
updated 2012-11-26
1923 11 08
Thursday
1924 01 20New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl"
Elmer Snowden Band
.....2011
1923 11 09
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 11 10
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 11 11
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 11 12
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 11 13
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 11 14
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 11 15
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 11 16
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 11 17
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 11 18
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 11 19
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 11 20
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 11 21
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 11 22
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 11 23
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08
Abel Green's column in The Clipper, 1923-11-23, p12, said the Snowden band was the only entertainment until midnight, then Harper's "Dixie Revue" (sic) performed at midnight and 2 am.

Advertisements in The Evening Telegram, however, until Sept. 16 say there were three shows nightly at 9:30, 11:30 and 1:30

Snowden personnel initially appear to be:
  • Snowden, leader, banjo, soprano sax
  • John Anderson, trombone and trumpet
  • Greer, vocals and drums
  • Hardwick, sax and violin
  • Roland Smith, sax and bassoon
  • Ellington, piano, arranger

The Nov.17 edition of The Evening Telegram reported Snowden had added "Otto and Smith, The Saxophone Twins."
.....2011
1923 11 24
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 11 25
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 11 26
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 11 27
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 11 28
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 11 29
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 11 30
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011

December 1923

1923 12 01
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 02
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 03
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 04
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 05
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 06
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 07
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 08
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 09
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 10
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 11
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 12
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 13
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 14...The Clipper
A listing of the band as the Washington Black Sox was changed to The Washingtonians followed by Snowden's name in brackets.
...Tucker p.107
. added 2012-01-07
1923 12 14
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 15
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 16
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 17
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 18
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 19
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 20
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 21
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 22
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 23
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 24
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 25
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 26
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 27
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 28
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 29
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 30
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 31
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1923 12 00 . New York, N.Y. Fisher Publishing House In late December, date uncertain, Ellington became the rehearsal pianist for tin pan alley music publisher Fred Fisher Company.

Billboard Magazine:
"Duke Ellington, the pianist, at Hollywood Inn, has succeeded Roland Irving in the professional department of the Fred Fisher publishing house"
. . . Tucker P.104, Citing Billboard Dec.23, 1923
djp added 2012-01-07



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1924


Date of event Ending date
(if different)
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Desor
reference
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reference
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references
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person
Date added
/ updated

January 1924

1924 00 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
Bubber Miley joins the band
New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-23
1924 01 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
Trombone player Charles Irvis joins.

The January 4 issue of The Clipper reported "Charles Irvis is the new trombonist with the Washingtonians at the Hollywood, New York."
Tucker, p.107. added 2012-01-07
1924 01 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
George Francis, banjo, joins the band
New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-11
1924 01 01
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1924 01 02
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1924 01 03
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1924 01 04
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1924 01 05
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1924 01 06
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1924 01 07
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1924 01 08
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1924 01 09
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1924 01 10
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1924 01 11
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1924 01 12
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1924 01 13
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1924 01 14
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1924 01 15
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1924 01 16
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1924 01 17
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1924 01 18
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1924 01 19
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1924 01 20
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08.....2011
1924 01 211924 04 04New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club
aka
Hollywood Cabaret
"Mississippi Revue"
Elmer Snowden Band
.....2011
1924 01 22
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 01 23
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 01 24
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 01 25
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 01 26
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 01 27
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 01 28
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 01 29
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 01 30
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21
At midnight, a Treasury Department agent ordered and was served scotch, and saw others drinking as well. The club was raided the next month on the basis of his affidavit.
  • Steven Lasker in DEMS 02,2-19, citing "The New York Herald Tribune" 1924-12-09 p.I-2
  • Mark Berresford: That's Got 'Em!: The Life and Music of Wilbur C. Sweatman, p.146
.02,2-19..added 2011

updated 2012-12-07
1924 01 31
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 01 24...Birth of singer Alice Babs.djpAdded 2012 10 10
1924 01 30.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret.....2011

February 1924

1924 02 00 .New York City, N.Y..Sometime in February, Elmer Snowden left the band and initially Sonny Greer, and then Ellington, became its leader. The Feb.24 Popular Music edition of the Clipper included a band photo with text saying the banjo player was now George Francis and Ellington was in charge....Tucker p.109
.added 2012-01-07
1924 02 01
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21
The Washingtonians
...Vail I
Bey C77 photo
JLC photo
DEIP photo
.2011
1924 02 02
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 03
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 04
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 05
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 06
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 07
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 08
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 09
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 10
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 11
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 12
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 13
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 14
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 15
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 16
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 17
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 18
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 19
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 20
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 21
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 22
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 23
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 24
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21
The club was raided by federal agents, who seized alcohol. At the end of the year, the US Court of Appeals ordered the liquor returned on a technicality invalidating the search warrant.
  • Steven Lasker in DEMS 02,2-19, citing "The New York Herald Tribune" 1924-12-09 p.I-2
  • Mark Berresford: That's Got 'Em!: The Life and Music of Wilbur C. Sweatman, p.146
.02,2-19..added 2011

updated 2012-12-07
1924 02 25
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 26
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 27
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 28
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 29
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 02 10.New York, N.Y..Banjo and rhythm guitarist Fred Guy, born 1899 05 23, joined the band ..06,1-29.S.Hoefsmit2011
1924 02 20.New York, N.Y.Cinderella Ballroom,
Broadway & 48th St.
See 1924 03 12.....2011

March 1924

1924 03 01
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 02
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 03
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 04
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 05
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 06
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 07
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 08
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 09
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 10
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 11
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 12
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Cinderella Ballroom,
Broadway & 48th St.

Vail's March 1924 entry says
"The Washingtonians begin doubling at the Cinderella Ballroom before the show at the Hollywood Club."

Götting places the band at the Cinderella on February 20 and March 12, citing Steiner08.

Tucker says
"Performers from both the Hollywood and the Club Alabam traveled to the Cinderella Ballroom... where 'these added attractions have been successful...and have been the means of drawing an element a bit above the usualy dance hall following.' Such appearances may have brought bands additional jobs, thus benefiting the musicians as much as their club sponsors.  When the Washingtonians made their Haverhill, Massachusetts, debut early in 1925, they were identified as coming not from the Hollywood but 'direct from the Cinderella ballroom on Broadway.'"
  • Vail I
  • Tucker, p.106 citing The Clipper 1924-03-13 p.18
  • Götting, citing Steiner08
...djpadded 2011

updated 2013-01-01
1924 03 12
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 13
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 14
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 15
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 16
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 17
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 18
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 19
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 20
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 21
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 22
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 23
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 24
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 25
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 26
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 27
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 28
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 29
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 30
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 03 31
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011

April 1924

1924 04 01
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 04 02
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 04 03
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....2011
1924 04 04
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21
End of engagement
The Hollywood burned down the next day.

When it reopened on May 1, the house band was led by James P. Johnson.

The Washingtonians opened at the Hollywood again on June 10.
Mark Berresford: That's Got 'Em!: The Life and Music of Wilbur C. Sweatman, p.146....2011
1924 04 05
Saturday
1924 04 19
Saturday
.activities not documented.
1924 04 20
Easter Sunday
.Lynn, Mass.Waldorf TheatreFirst visit to New England by The Washingtonians. .....2011
1924 04 21
Easter Monday
.Salem, Mass.Charleshurst BallroomPerformance for the Salem Young Men's Christian Temperance Society as 'Duke Ellington's Broadway Recording Orchestra.'

(Charleshurst owner Charles Shribman had been booking bands into New England in the early 1920s. In 1924 he and other New England ballroom managers formed a performance circuit)
Salem Evening News Apr 18 1924..Tucker, pp.183, 184 & 300. &djp updated 2012-01-04
1924 04 22
Tuesday
.Lawrence, Mass.Truell Hall......2011
1924 04 23
Wednesday
.activity not documented.
1924 04 24
Thursday
.Lowell, Mass.Associate Hall......2011
1924 04 24...Birth of bassist Aaron Bell.djpAdded 2012-10-10
1924 04 25
Friday
.SalemCollege Inn......2011
1924 04 26
Saturday
.Lowell, Mass.Associate Hall......2011
1924 04 27
Sunday
1924 04 30
Wednesday
.activities not documented.

May 1924

1924 05 01
Monday
1924 05 31
Saturday
.activities not documented.
1924 05 21
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood restaurantPeripheral event
The New York Sun reported Federal Judge Augustus N. Hand signed rders against the Picadilly Rendezvous, the Silver Slipper and the "restaurant at 203 West Forty-Ninth" restraining the sale of liquor until "the hearing on the padlock case, which it is expected will come up for trial in June."
New York Sun, 1924-05-21, p.1djpAdded 2012-12-26
1924 05 24
Saturday
7 PM
.New York, N.Y..Peripheral event
In May 1924, Barron Wilkins, owner of the Exclusive Club, was shot to death outside the club.
(New York Age, 1924-05-31,p1)
William "Yellow Charleston" Harris, was found guilty of his murder and was executed in late 1924.
.Added 2012-07-30, updated 2012-12-29

June 1924

1924 06 01
Sunday
1924 06 09
Monday
.activities not documented.
1924 06 10
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club"The Virginia Girls"
Ellington and the Washingtonians return to replace James P. Johnson's band.
.....2011

August 1924

1924 08 --?.New York, N.Y..
Sweatman recording session
Ellington may have been the pianist for this session, in which Sweatman recorded Battleship Kate..02,1-16/3..2011
1924 08 12?
(Wednesday)
.New York, N.Y..
Gennett session (may be the same as the one above?)
..05,1-25..2011

September 1924

1924-09-06
(Sunday)
.New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club
"Creole Follies"
.....2011
1924 09 18?
(Friday)
.New York, N.Y..
Gennett session
..05,2-19..2011
1924-09-20
(Sunday)
.New York, N.Y..
Sweatman session
..89,2-8
86,2-10
..2011

October 1924

1924-10-05
(Monday)
...Bubber Miley recording session.. 06,1-29.S.Hoefsmit2011

November 1924

1924 11 00.New York, N.Y.Possibly at the Emerson Recording LaboratoriesBlu-Disc recording sessions
The Washingtonians
Jo Trent and the D C'Ns
Sunny and the D C'Ns

Miley, Irvis, Hardwick, Ellington, Francis, Greer, Trent

Titles recorded:
  • Choo Choo
  • Rainy Nights
  • Deacon Jazz
  • Oh How I Love My Darling
. DE2402.S.Hoefsmit (06,1-29) 2011, updated 2012-01-07
1924 11 00.New York, N.Y.Possibly at the Emerson Recording LaboratoriesBlu-Disc recording session
Ellington, Alberta Prime, Greer
Titles recorded:
  • It's Gonna Be a Cold, Cold Winter
  • Parlor Social De Luxe


This session, and the identity of Alberta Prime, are discussed on p.16 of DEMS 2000-4.

While New Desor shows this as session 2401, indicating it took place before the other three sides. Since the matrix numbers suggest otherwise, I've listed 2401 after 2402, assuming there were 2 sessions.
.DE240100-4.djpadded 2011

updated 2013-03-10
1924 11 11...Birth of Willie Cook, trumpet.djpAdded 2012 10 11

December 1924

1924 12 02
Wednesday
...Peripheral event
Bubber Miley recording session
..06,1-29.S.Hoefsmit2011
1924 12 15
(Tuesday)
New York, N.Y.Hollywood ClubThe Hollywood run ended when there was a fire in the early morning of December 16."Fire Record," New York Times, 17Dec24,p43.07,1-14..Steiner (DEMS 07,1-14)2011

The Duke – Where and When

Duke Ellington's Working Life and Travels

Back to Navigation List

1925


Date of event Ending date
(if different)
City/
Other place
Venue Event/People Primary Reference New
Desor
reference
DEMS
reference
Other
references
Contact
person
Date added
/ updated

January 1925

1925 01 00.New York, N.Y..Blu-Disc recording session
(New Desor shows this as Nov 1924)
Florence Bristol, vocal, with Hardwick & Ellington
Titles recorded:
  • How Come You Do Me Like You Do?
.DE2403
NDCS 6000
.djpadded 2011

updated 2012-11-29
1925 01 01
Thursday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 02
Friday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 03
Saturday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 04
Sunday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 05
Monday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 06
Tuesday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 07
Wednesday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 08
Thursday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 09
Friday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 10
Saturday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 11
Sunday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 12
Monday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 13
Tuesday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 14
Wednesday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 15
Thursday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 16
Friday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 17
Saturday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 18
Sunday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 19
Monday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 20
Tuesday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 21
Wednesday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 22
Thursday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 23
Friday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 24
Saturday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 25
Sunday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 26
Monday
.Haverhill, Mass.City Hall......2011
1925 01 27
Tuesday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 28
Wednesday
.Haverhill, Mass.City Hall...07,1-14.2011
1925 01 29
Thursday
.Cambridge, Mass.Elk's Ballroom.Boston Post.07,1-14.2011
1925 01 30
Friday
.activity not documented.
1925 01 31
Saturday
.activity not documented.

February 1925

1925 02 01
Sunday
.activity not documented.
1925 02 02.Lynn, Mass.Odd Fellow's Hall...07,1-14.2011
1925 02 03.Portsmouth, N.H.Freeman's HallOn Jan.25, the Portsmouth Herald announced a concert from 8:00 to 8:45pm, followed by a dance
The concert was to include
  • Choo-Choo
  • Ghost of the Blues
  • Non Sense at All
  • What Became of Sally
  • Tea for Two
  • Raggerty Ann
  • St. Louis Blues
  • Sam
  • Everybody Loves my Baby (sung by whole orchestra)
Portsmouth Herald
.07,1-14.Agustín Perez Gasco apr11, djp 2012-07-27 2011, updated 2012-07-27
1925 02 04.Fall River, Mass.Casino...07,1-14.2011
1925 02 05.Taunton, Mass.Roseland...07,1-14.2011
1925 02 06.Haverhill, Mass.City Hall...07,1-14.2011
1925 02 07.Boston, Mass.Music Box...07,1-14.2011
1925 02 08
Sunday
.activity not documented.
1925 02 09
Monday
.activity not documented.
1925 02 10
Tuesday
.activity not documented.
1925 02 11
Wednesday
.activity not documented.
1925 02 12
Thursday
.activity not documented.
1925 02 13
Friday
.activity not documented.
1925 02 14
Saturday
.activity not documented.
1925 02 15
Sunday
.activity not documented.
1925 02 16
Monday
.activity not documented.
1925 02 17
Tuesday
.activity not documented.
1925 02 18
Wednesday
.activity not documented.
1925 02 19.New York, N.Y.Club KentuckyThe Hollywood reopened as Club Kentucky.
"Kentucky Nights" revue
.....2011
1925 02 20
Friday
.activity not documented.
1925 02 21
Saturday
.activity not documented.
1925 02 22
Sunday
.activity not documented.
1925 02 23
Monday
.activity not documented.
1925 02 24
Tuesday
.activity not documented.
1925 02 25.New York, N.Y.Club Kentucky=ex-Hollywood..07,1-14Vail I2011
1925 02 26
Thursday
.activity not documented.
1925 02 27
Friday
.activity not documented.
1925 02 28
Saturday
.activity not documented.

March 1925

1925 03 --.New York, N.Y.Lincoln Theatre
58 W.135th St.
Duke Ellington and The Everglades Orchestra,
appearing in a vaudeville show with 5 other acts. Still working nightly at the Kentucky. This may not have been a continuing engagement - Ellington is named in the ad in the New York Age on March 7, he is not mentioned in the Lincoln ads in the February 21 or 28, nor the March 14, 21 or 28, editions. These do refer to vaudeville, but don't name the acts. Apr 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 23, 28, June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 4, 11, 189, 25, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Sept. 5, 12 19 26, Oct 3, 10, 17, (24 not seen), 31, November 7, 14, 21, 28, December 3, 19 or 26.

Duke Ellington's Washingtons is advertised in the May 16 ad and Duke Ellington's Washingtonians The Famous Club Kentucky Band is advertised in the December 12 edition.
Ads, New York Age
  • 1925-03-07, p.6
  • 1925-05-16, p.6
  • 1925-12-12, p6
..Tucker, p.111Steiner08 & djp2011
updated 2013-02-25
1925 03 18.New York, N.Y.Club Kentucky(all-white revue!).....2011
1925 03 25
.New York, N.Y.Club KentuckyThe September 18, 1928 New York Evening Post has a story about three people being jailed for violating an injunction not to move bar fixtures out of padlocked clubs.

"Andrews, according to the Federal record, was connected with the Club Kentucky, padlocked March 25, 1925..."
New York Evening Post, 1928-09-18...djpadded 2012-12-18
1925 03 01
Sunday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 02
Monday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 03
Tuesday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 04
Wednesday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 05
Thursday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 06
Friday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 07
Saturday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 08
Sunday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 09
Monday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 10
Tuesday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 11
Wednesday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 12
Thursday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 13
Friday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 14
Saturday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 15
Sunday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 16
Monday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 17
Tuesday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 18
Wednesday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 19
Thursday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 20
Friday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 21
Saturday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 22
Sunday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 23
Monday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 24
Tuesday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 25
Wednesday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 26
Thursday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 27
Friday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 28
Saturday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 29
Sunday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 30
Monday
.activity not documented.
1925 03 31
Tuesday
.activity not documented.

April 1925

1925 04 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
Prince Robinson, clarinet and tenor sax, born 1902, joins the band
New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-25
1925 04 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
George Francis, banjo, leaves the band

Fred Guy, banjo and guitar, joins the band
New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-11
1925 04 11?.New York, N.Y.Club Kentucky....newspaper clipA.Neegaard
K.Steiner 3/10
2011
1925 04 21.New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatre,
132nd St. & 7th Ave.
Harlem
"Monster Midnight Show".....2011

May 1925

1925 05 05.New York, N.Y.Barnville Clubfarewell party.....2011
1925 05 13.New York, N.Y.Lincoln Theatre,
58 W.135th St.
"Greatest Entertainment In N.Y."
The band appeared as Duke Ellington's Washington Orchestra.
...Tucker, p.111Steiner08 & djpupdated
2011-12-28
1925 05 14?
(not 8jun25)
.New York, N.Y..“Hotsy Totsy”..05,1-27
04,3-57
01,3-9
..2011
1925 05 00.New York, N.Y..It seems likely that sometime before June 1925 Ellington was one of the Kentucky Club band members appearing briefly in one scene in the background of a silent film called Headlines. Researcher Ken Steiner found this reference in the 13Jun25 issue of the Philadelphia Tribune in the "News of Interest Around New York" column, written by J.A. "Billboard" Jackson, and distributed to African American newspapers through the A.N.P. news service:
"Johnnie Hudgins, the Kentucky club band and four girls from the club Alabam have been filmed in the Rue La Paix scene in a feature film called Headlines being produced by the St. Regis Picture Corp."
The film is held in the Library of Congress and the segment purportedly including the Kentucky Club orchestra was released on the internet on April 29 2013 - see the film clip and related story in "Duke Ellington’s Film Debut" in the LOC blog, posted April 29, 2013 by Erin Allen.
..DEMS 06/1-22.KSadded 2011

updated 2013-05-02

June 1925

1925 06 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
Henry “Bass” Edwards, tuba, born 1898 02 22, joins the band
New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-11

July 1925

1925 07 06
Monday
1925 07 13New York, N.Y.Lincoln Theatre,
58 W.135th St.
Florence Mills biographer Bill Egan:
"In the immediate aftermath of (Mill's) Palace triumph, Florence took a brief break from performing. The Lincoln Theatre in Harlem took the opportunity to engage Vodery's orchestra along with part of the cast from Florence's show for a week. They featured Alma Smith as lead singer and Johnny Nit as lead dancer. An added attraction, reflecting his increasing popularity in Harlem, was Duke Ellington's band, then resident at the Club Kentucky."
Florence Mills, Harlem Jazz Queen by Bill Egan, Studies in Jazz 48, The Scarecrow Press Inc., 2004, citing Variety, 1925-07-08, p.47....added 2011

updated 2013-02-26
1925 07 07
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Lincoln TheatreVariety show - see 1925 07 06.....2011
1925 07 08
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Lincoln TheatreVariety show - see 1925 07 06.....2011
1925 07 09
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Lincoln TheatreVariety show - see 1925 07 06.....2011
1925 07 10
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Lincoln TheatreVariety show - see 1925 07 06.....2011
1925 07 11
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Lincoln TheatreVariety show - see 1925 07 06.....2011
1925 07 12
Sunday
.New York, N.Y.Lincoln TheatreVariety show - see 1925 07 06.....2011
1925 07 13
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Lincoln Theatre

(Doubtful? - the band played the Rivoli Theatre engagement this day)
Variety show - see 1925 07 06.....2011
1925 07 13
Monday
.New York, N.Y.Rivoli Theater
Broadway & 49th St.
Plug in the Brooklyn Daily Star, July 13:

"As an added feature at the Rivoli tonight ,...present the entire group of entertainers from Club Kentucky, ..."Southern Hospitality" is the name of the spectacular cabaret sketch which includes Bart Lewis as master of ceremonies and the Kentucky's famed jazz band, 'The Washingtonians.' There will be the chorus ensemble, Peggie English and Babe Nasworthy all appearing exactly as they do at the Club Kentucky. This Night Club Revue will augment the Paramount picture "Night Life of New York"...

The July 15 Evening Post says "A night club a night " is Hugo Riesenfeld's slogan at the Rivoli this week. ...Mr.Riesenfeld is bringing the entertainers from various nightclubs to provide the proper atmosphere for the feature picture, "Night Life of New York." The Club Kentucky entertainers and the Everglades Revue have already appeared, and more are scheduled...
  • Brooklyn Daily Star, 1925-07-13, p12
  • New York Evening Post, 1925-07-15, p12
...djpadded 2012-11-20
updated 2012-12-18

September 1925

1925 09 01
Tuesday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 02
Wednesday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 03
Thursday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 04
Friday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 05
Saturday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 06
Sunday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 07
Monday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 08
Tuesday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 09
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Club Kentucky.....2011
1925 09 10
Thursday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 11
Friday
.New York, N.Y.East 53rd St StudiosPathé recording session
The Washingtonians
Pike Davis, Irvis, Robinson, Hardwick, Ellington, Guy, Bass Edwards

Titles recorded:
  • I'm Gonna Hang Around My Sugar
  • Trombone Blues
.DE2501. Steven Lasker, Luis Contijoch, djpadded 2011

updated 2012-11-25
1925 09 12
Saturday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 13
Sunday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 14
Monday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 15
Tuesday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 16
Wednesday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 17
Thursday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 18
Friday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 19
Saturday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 20
Sunday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 21
Monday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 22
Tuesday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 23
Wednesday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 24
Thursday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 25...Pathé / Perfect Session
false date, see Sept 25
..09,3-4
09,2-4
.credit Steven Lasker as all 09,2-4entries2011
1925 09 26
Saturday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 27
Sunday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 28
Monday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 29
Tuesday
.activity not documented.
1925 09 30
Wednesday
.activity not documented.

October 1925

1925 10 00.New York, N.Y.Club Cameo
288 West Fifty-Seventh St.
Only one night - Tucker places this in November and says the Washingtonians appeared at the Cameo and were fired the same night.

The The Baltimore Afro-American reported Elmer Snowden's band took over the Club Kentucky gig when Ellington and the Washingtonians "left their former position where they had been playing for three years to accept a preferred engagement at the Cameo Club further up town.

The Sun described the club as "a large dining place frequented by well known Broadway-ites," and The Evening Post described it as "a plush and gilt emporium ,which opened its doors only two or three weeks ago, after Sam Paul, the owner, had spent a thick bankroll making it the most elegant place his imagination could conceive."

....added 2011

updated 2012-12-31
1925 10 01
Thursday
.activity not documented.
1925 10 02
Friday
.activity not documented.
1925 10 03
Saturday
.activity not documented.
1925 10 19
Monday
1925 10 24New York, N.Y.Loew's State Theater
Broadway at 45th
......2011
1925 10 20
Tuesday
.New York, N.Y.Loew's State Theater
Broadway at 45th
see 1925 10 19.....2011
1925 10 21
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y.Loew's State Theater
Broadway at 45th
see 1925 10 19.....2011
1925 10 22
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Loew's State Theater
Broadway at 45th
see 1925 10 19.....2011
1925 10 23
Friday
.New York, N.Y.Loew's State Theater
Broadway at 45th
see 1925 10 19.....2011
1925 10 24
Saturday
.New York, N.Y.Loew's State Theater
Broadway at 45th
see 1925 10 19.....2011

November 1925

1925 11 001925 11 21New York, N.Y.Lido ClubNight Club

Opening date unknown.

The 1925-11-21 Baltimore Afro-American said, "It is reported that Duke Ellington's Washingtonians are no longer engaged at the Lido Club. The reason was not disclosed."
...djpAdded 2012-05-07
1925 11 06...Birth of singer Ozzie Bailey.djpAdded 2012 10 10
1925 11 23.New York, N.Y.Club Kentucky......2011

December 1925

1925 12 03 ...Copyright date of "Jig Walk," an Ellington composition used in the "Chocolate Kiddies" revue...Tucker p.126
.Added 2012-01-07
1925 12 12.New York, N.Y.Lincoln Theatre,
58 W.135th St.
......2011
1925 12 31
Thursday
.New York, N.Y.Club KentuckyPeripheral event
Club Kentucky is one of ten served with an injunction
"The most drastic measure in the history of New York City against New Year's Eve Revelry was promulgated today by United States Attorney Emory R.Buckner when he served notice on ten Broadway supper clubs and cabarets that he had secured temporary injunctions against them.

The injunctions... restrain the clubs and restaurants and their employees from selling or giving away intoxicating liquors until the final hearing of padlock suits which Mr. Buckner has brought against them...

Some 150 Federal prohibition agents will be making the rounds and many have engaged tables...

Notwithstanding these discouragements to the more convivial part of the city's population and visitors, there was every indication that the New Year's Eve celebration here would be both noisy and extensive .Reservations to the limit of their capacity have been taken at practically all the nightclubs, hotel dining rooms and restaurants...Fifteen dollars seems to be the prevailing price,except where tickets are bought from speculators. The speculators, seeking to reap a richer profit than they could make from the sale of theater admissions, were reported buying all the seats they could obtain at the more expensive nightclubs and disposing of them at an advance running as high as 100 percent, and more."

Ken Steiner reports "Prohibition itself is an amazing subject and I can't imagine telling Duke's story without it. Prohibition had the ironic effect of creating the very night club scene that provided Duke employment during his early years.

New York was in the midst of a new wave of Prohibition enforcement. Emory Buckner, a "legal beagle," became District Attorney in May of 1925, shifted the focus to Times Square clubs, and expedited the prosecution of cases through non-jury courts, injunctions, and padlocks.

Club Kentucky beat the rap this time, according to Variety (Jan. 6, 1926) "through lack of evidence." Later that year, Buckner was successful in closing Club Kentucky on March 21 for six months."

New York Sun, 1925-12-31,pp. 1 & 2djpAdded 2012-11-20



Back to Navigation List

1926


-->
Date of event Ending date
(if different)
City/
Other place
Venue Event/People Primary Reference New
Desor
reference
DEMS
reference
Other
references
Contact
person
Date added
/ updated

January 1926

1926 00 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
Joe “Tricky Sam” Nanton, trombone, joins the band
New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-23
1926 01 04.New York, N.Y.Club Kentucky"Intimate Revue".....2011
1926 01 22.New York, N.Y..Bubber Miley Rec.. 06,1-29.S.Hoefsmit2011

February 1926

1926 02 20?.New York, N.Y..“Jig Walk”.. 05,1-26+42
04,3-23
01,3-9
98,2-23
97,2-23
..2011
1926 02 26.New York, N.Y.Club Kentucky"All Star Revue".....2011

March 1926

1926 03 18.New York, N.Y..Pathé recording session..98,1-16.Timner corrections 2011
1926 03 19.New York, N.Y.East 53rd St. StudioPathé recording session.DE260198,1-16
97,2-4
97,1-8
09,3-4
09,2-4
03,3-9
85,2-4
..2011
1926 03 21.New York, N.Y.Club KentuckyClub closed
("padlocked" for serving liquor during prohibition)
..09,3-4
09,2-4
..2011
1926 03 26...Pathé/Perfect Session
false date, see mar26
.....2011
1926 03 30.New York, N.Y.East 37th St. OfficesGennett recording session.DE260299,4-12.Timner corrections
.
2011
1926 00 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
Charles Irvis leaves the band in the spring.
New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-23
1926 00 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
Mack Shaw, tuba, joined the band in the spring of 1926
New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-25

April 1926

1926 (spring)...PERSONNEL CHANGE
Henry “Bass” Edwards leaves the band. New Desor shows him playing the March 30, 1926 session but Mack Shaw is in the June session.
New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-11
1926 04 121926 04 26New York, N.Y.Ciro's
West 56th Street
new "Creole Follies"
revue
.....2011

June 1926

1926 00 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
Reed player Percy Glascoe was in the band during the summer of 1926
New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-12
1926 00 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
Louis Metcalfe, trumpet, joins the band in the fall
New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-23
1926 00 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
Prince Robinson leaves the band in the summer of 1926
New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-25
1926 06 ->.New York, N.Y.The PlantationJoe Nanton joined the band during this engagement..02,2-19
93,1-7
86,3
..2011
1926 06 17.New York, N.Y.The Plantation ClubWGBS-Broadcast 9:30pm.....2011
1926 06 21.New York, N.Y.East 37th Street OfficesGennett recording session.DE2603 06,1-29
03,3-9
02,2-27
02,1-24
Timner corrections S.Hoefsmit re 06,1-292011
1926 06 26.New York, N.Y.Keith's Alhambra Theater
7th Ave. & 126th St.
benefit performance.....2011

July 1926

1926 07 --.New York, N.Y.Kentucky Clubclosed by law...Vail I.2011
1926 07 12.Waltham, Mass.Nuttings-On-The-Charles
(a.k.a Nuttings Dance Hall)
Prospect St. at the Charles River
The Washingtonians were now a 10 piece band. Their 5 week New England booking began here; based in Salem, they stayed in the New Brunswick Hotel...Tucker, pp.186-187.added 2011
updated 2011-12-27
1926 07 13.Salem, Mass.Charleshurst Ballroom.....2011
1926 07 14.Gardner, Mass.Arcadia Ballroom......2011
1926 07 15.Brockton, Mass.Highland Park......2011
1926 07 16.Fall RiverLincoln Park......2011
1926 07 17.Worcester, Mass.Mohegan......2011
1926 07 19.Waltham, Mass.Nuttings-On-The-Charles
(a.k.a Nuttings Dance Hall)
Prospect St. at the Charles River
......2011
1926 07 20.Salem, Mass.Charleshurst Ballroom......2011
1926 07 21.Revere Beach, Mass.Crescent Gardens......2011
1926 07 22.Boston, Mass.Scenic Auditorium
Berkeley St.
......2011
1926 07 23.Lawrence, Mass.Roseland......2011
1926 07 24.Gardner, Mass.Arcadia Ballroom......2011
1926 07 27.Lowell, Mass. Commodore Ballroom......2011
1926 07 28.Lawrence, Mass.RoselandDance

ROSELAND
Tonight
"Duke" Ellington
- AND HIS -
Famous Orchestra (Colored)
Hear these artists - this is the Hottest band in America
Check Dancing -Admission 10˘

The Lowell Sun, 1926-07-28, p.16....djp added 2011
updated 2012-08-05
1926 07 29.CranstonOakland Beach......2011
1926 07 31.Salem, Mass.Charleshurst Ballroom......2011

August 1926

1926 08 01
Sunday
..activities not documented.
1926 08 02
Monday
.Waltham, Mass.Nuttings-On-The-Charles
(a.k.a Nuttings Dance Hall)
Prospect St. at the Charles River
......2011
1926 08 03
Tuesday
.Salem, Mass.Charleshurst Ballroom......2011
1926 08 04
Wednesday
.Marshfield, Mass.Fieldston Ballroom
(Aka Fieldston Ballroom On The Atlantic
......2011
1926 08 05
Thursday
.Woonsocket, R.I.Miami Ballroom......2011
1926 08 06
Friday
.SomersetWilbur's......2011
1926 08 07
Saturday
.WorcesterMohegan......2011
1926 08 08
Sunday
..activities not documented.
1926 08 09
Monday
..activities not documented.
1926 08 10
Tuesday
.Salem, Mass.Charleshurst Ballroom......2011
1926 08 11
Wednesday
..activities not documented.
1926 08 12
Thursday
.Ocean PierOrchard Beach...
MIMM74 photo.2011
1926 08 13
Friday<
.Dedham, Mass.Moseley-On-The-Charles

Caution - This ballroom still exists - do not access its website, it has a virus as at 2012-08-05
......2011
1926 08 14
Saturday
.Gardner, Mass.Arcadia Ballroom......2011
1926 08 15
Sunday
.LeominsterRialto Thea......2011
1926 08 16
Monday
..activities not documented.
1926 08 17
Tuesday
..activities not documented.
1926 08 18
Wednesday
..activities not documented.
1926 08 19
Thursday
..activities not documented.
1926 08 20
Friday
..activities not documented.
1926 08 21
Saturday
..activities not documented.
1926 08 22
Sunday
..activities not documented.
1926 08 23
Monday
..activities not documented.
1926 08 24
Tuesday
..activities not documented.
1926 08 25
Wednesday
..activities not documented.
1926 08 26
Thursday
..activities not documented.
1926 08 27
Friday
..activities not documented.
1926 08 28
Saturday
..activities not documented.
1926 08 29
Sunday
..activities not documented.
1926 08 30..activities not documented.
1926 08 30
Monday
1926 09 04Pittsburgh, Penn.Olympic Theater"On the Stage
Duke Ellington's
9 - Washingtonians - 9"

"The Show-Off opened yesterday at the Olympic theater for a week's engagement. For a new trend in screen productions, The Show-Off is an apt illustration, with Ford Sterling as the central character...One of the finest musical organizations to come to Pittsburgh is at the Olympic this week. Duke Ellington's Washingtonians proved a hit. A corking comnedy, Wife Tamers, featuring Lionel Barrymore and Pathe News were also on the program. An extra film attraction this week of the first annual baby pageant was shown. Harry Hochie and the Olympic Symphonic orchestra pleased with new and entertaining numbers."
  • Pittsburgh Press
    • Movie reviews, 1926-08-31,p.25
    • Ads:
      1926-08-31 p.26
      1925-09-02 p.11
  • Steiner - Mad Throng Dances Madly in Cellar Club, p.30 citing Pittsburgh Press 1926-08-31,p.25
...djpadded 2011

updated 2013-06-14
1926 08 31
Tuesday
.Pittsburgh, Penn.Olympic TheaterStage show - see 1926 08 30.....2011

September 1926

1926 09 01
Wednesday
.Pittsburgh, Penn.Olympic TheaterStage show - see 1926 08 30.....2011
1926 09 02
Thursday
.Pittsburgh, Penn.Olympic TheaterStage show - see 1926 08 30.....2011
1926 09 03
Friday
.Pittsburgh, Penn.Olympic TheaterStage show - see 1926 08 30.....2011
1926 09 04
Saturday
.Pittsburgh, Penn.Olympic TheaterStage show - see 1926 08 30.....2011
1926 09 05
Sunday
..activities not documented.
1926 09 061926 09 11Pittsburgh, Penn.Schenley Theater"Added attraction - Duke Ellington's Washingtonians, Nine Artists in Elaborate Musical Act - Late Feature of the Boreadway Success, 'Plantation'".
  • Steiner - Mad Throng, p.30 citing Pittsburgh Press 1926-05-11,p.4
  • ....2011
    1926 09 06
    Monday
    .Pittsburgh, Penn.Schenley TheaterStage show - see 1926 09 06.....2011
    1926 09 07
    Tuesday
    .Pittsburgh, Penn.Schenley TheaterStage show - see 1926 09 06.....2011
    1926 09 08
    Wednesday
    .Pittsburgh, Penn.Schenley TheaterStage show - see 1926 09 06.....2011
    1926 09 09
    Thursday
    .Pittsburgh, Penn.Schenley TheaterStage show - see 1926 09 06.....2011
    1926 09 10
    Friday
    .Pittsburgh, Penn.Schenley TheaterStage show - see 1926 09 06.....2011
    1926 09 11
    Saturday
    .Pittsburgh, Penn.Schenley TheaterStage show - see 1926 09 06.....2011
    1926 09 12
    Sunday
    ..activities not documented

    Steiner, in Mad Throng tells us Ellington's manager at the time, Harrison Smith, had booked a week at North Kensington and Homestead, Penn., and another week at Grafton and Wheeling, W.Va. However according to Nanton, in an interview by Inez Cavenaugh, they were booked into Huntingdon, W.Va. and thinking that was too South, they returned to the Kentucky Club.
    .
    1926 09 13
    Monday
    ..activities not documented.
    1926 09 14
    Tuesday
    ..activities not documented.
    1926 09 15
    Wednesday
    ..activities not documented.
    1926 09 16
    Thursday
    ..activities not documented.
    1926 09 17
    Friday
    ..activities not documented.
    1926 09 18
    Saturday
    ..activities not documented.
    1926 09 19
    Sunday
    ..activities not documented.
    1926 09 20
    Monday
    ..activities not documented.
    1926 09 21
    Tuesday
    ..activities not documented.
    1926 09 22
    Wednesday
    ..activities not documented.
    1926 09 23
    Thursday
    ..activities not documented.
    1926 09 24
    Friday
    ..activities not documented.
    1926 09 25
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Kentucky Club...04,3-57Vail.2011
    1926 09 26
    Sunday
    ..activities not documented.
    1926 09 27
    Monday
    ..activities not documented.
    1926 09 28
    Tuesday
    ..activities not documented.
    1926 09 29
    Wednesday
    ..activities not documented.
    1926 09 30
    Thursday
    ..activities not documented.

    October 1926

    1926 10 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
    Edgar M. (“The Lamb”) Sampson, alto sax and violin, joins the band
    New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-25
    1926 10 02.New York, N.Y..Columbia recording session (rejected)..80,1-5..2011
    1926 10 14.New York, N.Y.East 37th Street OfficesGennett recording session.DE260403,3-9
    04,3-57
    00,4-16+17
    91,5-6
    ..2011

    November 1926

    1926 11 08->.New York, N.Y.Kentucky ClubNEW show opens.....2011
    1926 11 29.New York, N.Y.Brunswick Studio..DE260509,2-4
    04,3-57
    ..2011

    December 1926

    1926 12 01.New York, N.Y.Okeh-Columbia StudiosRecording Session (rejected)..04,1-8Timner corrections .2011
    1926 12 29.New York, N.Y.Brunswick Studio..DE2606 06,1-29
    02,1-9+18
    01,3-10
    99,3-2185,2-4
    .S.Hoefsmit (06,1-29)2011



    Back to Navigation List

    1927


    Date of event Ending date
    (if different)
    City/
    Other place
    Venue Event/People Primary Reference New
    Desor
    reference
    DEMS
    reference
    Other
    references
    Contact
    person
    Date added
    / updated

    January 1927

    1927 01 10.New York, N.Y.44th Street StudioDE2701..Timner corrections .2011
    1927 01 21.New York, N.Y.Okeh-Columbia Studios...04,1-8Timner corrections .2011
    1927 01 29->.New York, N.Y.Lincoln Theatre,
    58 W.135th St.
    ......2011

    February 1927

    1927 02 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
    Edgar Sampson leaves the band
    New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-25
    1927 02 03.New York, N.Y.Brunswick StudioDE2702...S.Hoefsmit (06,1-29)2011
    1927 02 14->.New York, N.Y.Kentucky Club"Chocolate Babies".....2011
    1927 02 28.New York, N.Y.Brunswick Studio..DE270385,2-4..2011

    March 1927

    1927 03 --.New York, N.Y.See 8mar28..DE280382,5-4..2011
    1927 03 14.New York, N.Y.Brunswick Studio..DE2704...2011
    1927 03 mid.New York, N.Y.Kentucky ClubDuke's engagement ends.....2011
    1927 03 22.New York, N.Y.1819 BroadwayRecording Session.DE270509,3-4
    09,2-4
    04,3-49
    04,1-8
    03,2-17
    ..2011

    April 1927

    1927 04 021927 04 09New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatre,
    132nd St. & 7th Ave.
    Harlem ??
    ......2011
    1927 04 07.New York, N.Y.Brunswick Studio..DE2706...2011
    1927 04 101927 04 16Newark, N.J.Orpheum ??......2011
    1927 04 30.New York, N.Y.Brunswick Studio..` DE2707...2011

    May 1927

    1927 05 19->.Chicago, Ill.Billie Cain's...03,1-5
    02,2-19
    ..2011

    June 1927

    1927 06 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
    Clarinetist, tenor sax man Rudy Jackson joins the band
    New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-23
    1927 06 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
    Bassist Wellman Braud, born 1891 01 25, joins the band
    New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-11
    1927 06 16...PERSONNEL CHANGE
    Saxophonist Harry Carney joins the band on alto sax but later morphed to baritone sax. He had played with the band earlier in the year, and had to get permission from his mother to join.

    Harry doubled on clarinet, soprano sax, bass clarinet and, in one recording, either alto clarinet or bassett horn. Harry often drove Duke by car on road trips, and he remained in Ellington's band for nearly 47 years, until 1974, the year they both died.
    djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-10-11
    1927 06 20
    Monday
    .Waltham, Mass.Nuttings-On-The-Charles
    (a.k.a Nuttings Dance Hall)
    Prospect St. at the Charles River
    One-nighter
    On this first night of the 1927 summer New England tour, the band had a "battle" with Mal Hallett's band.

    This was the first time Carney played in the band after officially becoming a member on the 16th.

    Ellington brought his family (Edna and Mercer) on this tour, and stayed in the New Brunswick Hotel in Salem.
    ..04,3-10Tucker p.203, citing Boston Post.added 2011

    updated 2012-12-31
    1927 06 21
    Tuesday
    .FoxboroLakeview BallroomOne-nighter
    .....2011
    1927 06 22
    Wednesday
    .Salem, Mass.Charleshurst BallroomOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.203, citing Salem Evening News.added 2011

    updated 2012-12-31
    1927 06 23
    Thursday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 06 24
    Friday
    1927 06 25
    Saturday
    RevereCrescent GardensOne-nighter
    .....2011
    1927 06 25
    Saturday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 06 26.LynnOlympia TheatreOne-nighter
    Some sources suggest Carney joined on the 26th but it is more likely to have been the 16th since he recalled playing the Nutting-on-Charles date on the 20th.
    ..04,3-10
    04,1-31
    Tucker p.203, citing Lynn Daily Evening Item.added 2011

    updated 2012-12-31
    1927 06 27.Waltham, Mass.Nuttings-On-The-Charles
    (a.k.a Nuttings Dance Hall)
    Prospect St. at the Charles River
    One-nighter
    ...Tucker p.203, citing Boston Post.added 2011

    updated 2013 01 01
    1927 06 28
    Tuesday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 06 29
    Wednesday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 06 30
    Thursday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 06 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
    Mack Shaw leaves the band
    New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-25

    July 1927

    1927 07 01
    Friday
    .Providence, R.I.Crescent ParkOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.203, citing Providence Journal.added 2011

    updated 2013 01 01
    1927 07 02
    Saturday
    .SomersetWilbur'sOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.203, citing Fall River Herald News.added 2011

    updated 2013 01 01
    1927 07 03
    Sunday
    .Salem, Mass.Charleshurst BallroomOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.204, citing Boston Evening Transcript.added 2011

    updated 2013 01 01
    1927 07 04
    Monday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 07 05
    Tuesday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 07 06
    Wednesday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 07 07
    Thursday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 07 08
    Friday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 07 09
    Saturday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 07 10
    Sunday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 07 11
    Monday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 07 12
    Tuesday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 07 13
    Wednesday
    .Marshfield or Gardner, Mass.FieldstonOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.203, citing Brockton Post Herald and Fitchburg Sentinel.added 2011

    updated 2013 01 01
    1927 07 14
    Thursday
    .Old OrchardOrchard PierOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.204, citing Portland Press Herald.added 2011

    updated 2013 01 01
    1927 07 15
    Friday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 07 16
    Saturday
    .Revere Beach, Mass.Crescent GardensOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.204, citing Boston Post.added 2011

    updated 2013 01 01
    1927 07 17
    Sunday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 07 18
    Monday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 07 19
    Tuesday
    .Salem, Mass.Charleshurst BallroomOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.204, citing Boston Post.added 2011

    updated 2013 01 01
    1927 07 20
    Wednesday
    .Providence, R.I.Crescent ParkOne-nighter
    .....2011
    1927 07 21
    Thursday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 07 22
    Friday
    .Taunton, Mass.American LegionOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.204, citing Taunton Daily Gazette.2011
    1927 07 23
    Saturday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 07 24
    Sunday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 07 25
    Monday
    .Old Orchard, Me. Old Orchard PierOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.204, citing Portland Press Herald.added 2011

    updated 2013-01-01
    1927 07 26
    Tuesday
    .Salem, Mass.Charleshurst BallroomOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.204, citing Salem Evening News.added 2011

    updated 2013 01 01
    1927 07 27
    Wednesday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 07 28
    Thursday
    .Woonsocket, R.I.New JoylandOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.204, citing Taunton Daily Gazette.added 2011

    updated 2013 01 01
    1927 07 29
    Friday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 07 30
    Saturday
    .NashuaBlackbird BallroomOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.204, citing Manchester Union.i2011
    1927 07 31
    Sunday
    .activity not documented.

    August 1927

    1927 08 --.New York, N.Y.Kentucky ClubPeripheral event
    The Club Kentucky closes, and will reopen later as "Monterey"
    ..2011
    1927 08 01
    Monday
    .Buzzard's BayBournehurstOne-nighter
    .....2011
    1927 08 02
    Tuesday
    .Salem, Mass.Charleshurst BallroomOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.204, citing Salem Evening News.added 2011

    updated 2013 01 01
    1927 08 02.Salem, Mass.Charleshurst BallroomOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.204, citing Salem Evening News.added 2011

    updated 2013 01 01
    1927 08 03
    Wednesday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 08 04
    Thursday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 08 05
    Friday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 08 06
    Saturday
    .Brockton, Mass.Highland ParkOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.204, citing Brockton Post Herald.added 2011

    updated 2013-01-01
    1927 08 07
    Sunday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 08 08
    Monday
    .Waltham, Mass.Nuttings-On-The-Charles
    (a.k.a Nuttings Dance Hall)
    Prospect St. at the Charles River
    One-nighter
    .....added 2011

    updated 2013-01-01
    1927 08 09
    Tuesday
    1927 08 11Salem, Mass.Charleshurst BallroomOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.204, citing Salem Evening News.added 2011

    updated 2013-01-01
    1927 08 10
    Wednesday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 08 11
    Thursday
    .Salem, Mass.Charleshurst BallroomOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.204, citing Salem Evening News.added 2011

    updated 2013-01-01
    1927 08 12
    Friday
    .Lawrence, Mass.RoselandOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.204, citing Lawrence Evening Tribune.added 2011

    updated 2013-01-01
    1927 08 13
    Saturday
    .RevereCrescent GardensOne-nighter
    .....2011
    1927 08 14
    Sunday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 08 15
    Monday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 08 16
    Tuesday
    .Salisbury Beach, N.H.Ocean EchoOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.204, citing Lawrence Evening Tribune.added 2011

    updated 2013-01-01
    1927 08 17
    Wednesday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 08 18
    Thursday
    .Fitchburg, Mass.Whalom ParkOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.204, citing Fitchburg Sentinel.added 2011

    updated 2013-01-01
    1927 08 19
    Friday
    .Salem, Mass.Charleshurst BallroomOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.204, citing Salem Evening News.added 2011

    updated 2013-01-01
    1927 08 20
    Saturday
    .Brockton, Mass.Highland ParkOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.204, citing Brockton Post Herald.added 2011

    updated 2013-01-01
    1927 08 20
    Saturday
    ...Birth of singer Joya Sherrill.djpAdded 2012 10 10
    1927 08 21
    Sunday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 08 22
    Monday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 08 23
    Tuesday
    .Lowell, Mass.Commodore BallroomOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.204, citing Lowell Sun.added 2011

    updated 2013-01-01
    1927 08 24
    Wednesday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 08 25
    Thursday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 08 26
    Friday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 08 27
    Saturday
    .RevereCrescent GardensOne-nighter
    .....2011
    1927 08 28
    Sunday
    .activities not documented.
    1927 08 29
    Monday
    .activities not documented.
    1927 08 30
    Tuesday
    .Salem, Mass.Charleshurst BallroomOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.204, citing Salem Evening News.added 2011

    updated 2013-01-01
    1927 08 31
    Wednesday
    .Manchester, N.H.Arcadia BallroomOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.204, citing Manchester Union.added 2011

    updated 2013 01 01

    September 1927

    1927 09 01
    Thursday
    .Fitchburg, Mass.Whalom ParkDance
    "Tomorrow Night
    Duke Ellington
    The hottest band that ever played at Whalom Park.
    Last appearance here.
    Ad Fitchburg Sentinel, 1927-08-31..Tucker p.204, citing Fitchburg Sentineldjp added 2011
    updated 2012-08-05
    1927 09 02
    Friday
    .activities not documented.
    1927 09 03
    Saturday
    .Old OrchardOrchard PierOne-nighter
    ...Tucker p.204, citing Portland Press Herald.added 2011

    updated 2013-01-01
    1927 09 04
    Sunday
    .Gardner, Mass.Arcadia BallroomDance
    "M-A-M-M-O-T-H
    MIDNIGHT DANCE
    ARCADIA
    GARDNER
    SUNDAY, SEPT. 4
    - AT MIDNIGHT -
    12.05 to 4 A.M.
    Farewell Appearance
    Duke Ellington
    And His Washingtonians
    'The hottest band on Broadway'
    Columbia and Brunswick Recording Artists
    Admission 75˘
    BUS SERVICE FROM FITCHBURG
    Before and After Dance 50˘ Round Trip
    G.
    Ad, The Fitchburg Sentinal, Sat. Sept. 3, 1927, p.2..Tucker p.204, citing Fitchburg Sentinaldjp added 2011
    updated 2012-08-05
    1927 09 05
    Monday
    .Fitchburg, Mass.Whalom Park
    One nighter
    (Götting has this on 1927 09 07)
    ...Tucker p.204, citing Fitchburg Sentinal.
    added 2013-01-01
    1927 09 06
    Tuesday
    .activities not documented.
    1927 09 07
    Wednesday
    .FitchburgWhalom Park
    One nighter
    (Tucker has this on 1927 09 05)
    ...Götting, p.6, citing Steiner08.added 2011

    updated 2013-01-01
    1927 09 00 ->.New York, N.Y.Ciro's
    West 56th St.
    Three week club residency - exact dates unknown.

    Tucker says the band played at Club Ciro's for 3 weeks. Vail's June 20 1927 entry says after the (summer) tour ended Sept.5, the band went to the 3 week Ciro's engagement.
    ...Tucker p.207
    Vail I
    .added 2011

    updated 2012-12-31
    1927 09 16.New York, N.Y..Peripheral event
    Ellington and William Donaldson's ”Gold Digger” was published by Denton & Haskins in 1927. Written as early as 1922 or 1923, it had been rejected by music publishers until 1927 because it was a "radical departure from the usual conventional hot tune type." Ellington never recorded it, but on Sept 16, it was recorded by Johnny Ringer and His Rosemont Ballroom Orchestra. Tucker suggests "As Ellington's fame grew as a recording artist his stock rose as a composer. One direct result was the publication in 1927 of "Gold Digger...""
    ..00,2-5
    00,1-9
    99,5-10
    99,4-15
    Tucker, p.200.added 2011

    updated 2012-12-31

    October 1927

    1927 10 01
    Saturday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 10 02
    Sunday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 10 03
    Monday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 10 04
    Tuesday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 10 05
    Wednesday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 10 06
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.44th Street Studio..DE270808,3-23
    03,2-16
    94,2-2
    91,1-4
    83,1-3
    82,5-4
    .(credit Jan Bruer for all 03,2-16 entries)2011
    1927 10 07
    Friday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 10 08
    Saturday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 10 09
    Sunday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 10 10
    Monday
    1927 10 16New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatre,
    132nd St. & 7th Ave.
    Harlem
    Clarence Robinson's “Jazzmania” revue, starring Edith Wilson.
    Duke Ellington's famous Washingtonians and the Royal Balalakai Orchestra

    ... "Ellington's band will render regular musical accompaniment to the revue from the pit, while the Balalakai Orchestra will present the special musical accompaniment to the famous act of Rodrigo and Lila.

    John Vigal, Clarence Robinson, Slim Henderson, Lena Wilson and Buck and Bubbles will also appear in the cast of "Jazzmania.""
    Ad and plug "Edith Wilson At The Lafayette Next Week," New York Age, 1927-10-08..Vaildjpadded 2011

    updated 2013-02-25
    1927 10 11
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatre“Jazzmania” - see 1927 10 10.....2011
    1927 10 12
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatre“Jazzmania” - see 1927 10 10.....2011
    1927 10 13
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatre“Jazzmania” - see 1927 10 10.....2011
    1927 10 14
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatre“Jazzmania” - see 1927 10 10.....2011
    1927 10 15
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatre“Jazzmania” - see 1927 10 10.....2011
    1927 10 16
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatre“Jazzmania” - see 1927 10 10.....2011
    1927 10 17
    Monday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 10 18
    Tuesday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 10 19
    Wednesday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 10 20
    Thursday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 10 21
    Friday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 10 22
    Saturday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 10 23
    Sunday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 10 24
    Monday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 10 25
    Tuesday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 10 26.New York, N.Y.RCA Camden Studio #1.DE270909,3-4
    09,2-4
    08,3-23
    08,1-21
    04,3-34
    03,2-16
    95,2-7
    94,3-5
    83,1-3
    82,5-4
    ..2011
    1927 10 27
    Thursday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 10 28
    Friday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 10 29
    Saturday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 10 30
    Sunday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 10 31
    Monday
    .activity not documented.

    November 1927

    1927 11 01
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y..Peripheral event
    Harlem jazz queen Florence Mills passed away in hospital at 4 am

    She has been described as 'Mills was probably the first black female international superstar, was lionized by crowned heads in Europe and described by English show business impresario C.B. Cochran as "one of the greatest artists that ever walked on to a stage." Although her career and shows changed the nature of black entertainment, and thereby the wider American popular culture, she was largely forgotten in later years.'
    Florence Mills, Harlem Jazz Queen by Bill Egan, Studies in Jazz 48, The Scarecrow Press Inc., 2004djpAdded 2013-02-26
    1927 11 01
    Tuesday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 11 02
    Wednesday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 11 03
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Okeh-Columbia Studios
    11 Union Square
    OKeh recording session
    Duke Ellington and His Orchestra
    Jabbo Smith, Metcalfe, Nanton, Jackson, Hardwick, Carney, Ellington, Guy, Braud, Greer, Adelaide Hall

    Titles recorded:
    • What Can A Poor Fellow Do?
    • Black and Tan Fantasy
    • Chicago Stomp Down


    Jabbo's solo in Black and Tan Fantasy is treasured by many listeners. Many years later Smith recalled "The night before I recorded with Duke, somebody stole my horn. I had to go to a music store to get a replacement, andd the mouthpiece was way too big. I had a hell of a time hitting that opening high C in my solo, but I made the session."1
    1Roger Boyes, Blue Light No. 15/4 p.11 quoting from citing Whitney Balliett's New Yorker column (date not given)DE2710.djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-11-24,
    2013-07-04
    1927 11 04
    Friday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 11 05
    Saturday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 11 06
    Sunday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 11 07
    Monday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 11 08
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Brunswick StudioVocalion recording session
    The Ellington Trio (Ellington and unidentified violinist, bassist and drummer

    with singers Marguerite Lee and Walter Richardson

    Titles recorded:
    • You Will Always Live In Our Memory
    • Gone But Not Forgotten
    • She's Gone to Join the Songbirds in Heaven

    I am told these songs were recorded in memory of Florence Mills, who died Nov 1.

    Marguerite Lee eventually became Arther Whetsel's second wife.
    .DE2711corr Timnerdjpadded 2011

    updated 2012-11-24
    1927 11 09
    Wednesday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 11 10
    Thursday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 11 11
    Friday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 11 12
    Saturday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 11 13
    Sunday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 11 14
    Monday
    1927 11 20New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatre,
    132nd St. & 7th Ave.
    Harlem
    ....Vail
    “Dance Mania“
    Vail I 9 photo
    .2011
    1927 11 15
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette TheatreDance Mania revue - see 1927 11 14.....2011
    1927 11 16
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette TheatreDance Mania revue - see 1927 11 14.....2011
    1927 11 17
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette TheatreDance Mania revue - see 1927 11 14.....2011
    1927 11 18
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette TheatreDance Mania revue - see 1927 11 14.....2011
    1927 11 19
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette TheatreDance Mania revue - see 1927 11 14.....2011
    1927 11 20
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette TheatreDance Mania revue - see 1927 11 14.....2011
    1927 11 21
    Monday
    1927 12 02Philadelphia, Penn.Standard Theater
    South St.
    Vaudeville show (Dance Mania according to Vail)
    This 3-week engagement ended prematurely because Ellington was wanted by the Cotton Club for its new show on December 4.

    Legend has it that Cotton Club owner Owney Madden, had Philadelphia mobster Boo Boo Huff send gangster Yankee Schwarz to see the theatre manager with the message "Be big, or be dead."
    • Music is My Mistress, pp 75-76

    • John Franchesina: Duke Ellington's Music for the Theatre. p.16
    ..Vail
    “Dance Mania"
    .added 2011

    updated 2013-05-24
    1927 11 22
    Tuesday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Standard TheaterVaudeville show -see 1927 11 21..Vail
    “Dance Mania"
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-11-19
    1927 11 23
    Wednesday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Standard Theater
    South St.
    Vaudeville show -see 1927 11 21..Vail
    “Dance Mania"
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-11-19
    1927 11 24
    Thursday
    8 pm to 3 am
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Academy of Music
    Broad & Locust Streets
    The Student's Official Football Classic Reception
    Introducing the Howard and Lincoln teams, cheering squads and stars and presenting the greatest orchestral combination on broadway today Fletcher Henderson's Nationally Celebrated Orchestra of the City of N.Y....staged and promoted under the direct supervision of the Student's Official Reception Committee.
    Separate ad below:

    THRU AN UNEXPECTED NEGOTIATION OF OUR GRADUATE MANAGER DUKE ELLINGTON'S Great Jazzmania Orchestra (Another of Broadway's Demands) Will Be Presented THANKSGIVING NIGHT in the ACADEMY of MUSIC
    Together With
    FLETCHER HENDERSON'S
    Great Broadway Orchestra

    EXPENSE CEASES TO BE AN ITEM IN MAKING THIS THE GREATEST CLASSIC RECEPTION EVER.
    Ken Steiner's research indicates the 'dance/reception' was held in the concert hall, with a dance floor installed above the seating. He also found Horace Henderson's band played here instead of Fletcher's.
    Ad, Baltimore Afro-American, 19-11-27 p.7..LYM message, Steiner, 2013-04-22.added 2011

    updated 2013-02-24, 2013-04-22
    1927 11 24
    Thursday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Standard Theater
    South St.
    Vaudeville show -see 1927 11 21..Vail
    “Dance Mania"
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-11-19
    1927 11 25
    Friday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Standard Theater
    South St.
    Vaudeville show -see 1927 11 21..Vail
    “Dance Mania"
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-11-19
    1927 11 26
    Saturday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Standard Theater
    South St.
    Vaudeville show -see 1927 11 21..Vail
    “Dance Mania"
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-11-19
    1927 11 27
    Sunday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Standard Theater
    South St.
    Vaudeville show -see 1927 11 21..Vail
    “Dance Mania"
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-11-19
    1927 11 28
    Monday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Standard Theater
    South St.
    Vaudeville show -see 1927 11 21..Vail
    “Dance Mania"
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-11-19
    1927 11 29
    Tuesday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Standard Theater
    South St.
    Vaudeville show -see 1927 11 21..Vail
    “Dance Mania"
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-11-19
    1927 11 30
    Wednesday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Standard Theater
    South St.
    Vaudeville show -see 1927 11 21..Vail
    “Dance Mania"
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-11-19

    December 1927

    1927 12 01
    Thursday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Standard Theater
    South St.
    Vaudeville show -see 1927 11 21..Vail
    “Dance Mania"
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-11-19
    1927 12 02
    Friday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Standard Theater
    South St.
    Vaudeville show -see 1927 11 21..Vail
    “Dance Mania"
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-11-19
    1927 12 03
    Saturday
    .activity not documented.
    1927 12 041931 02 03New York, N.Y.Cotton Club
    644 Lenox Ave at West 142nd St.
    Opening of “1st Cotton Club Revue“
    First night of Ellington's first Cotton Club residency, which ran December 4, 1927 to May 2, 1929; May 5 to June 24, 1929; June 30, 1929 to June 13, 1930; and September 14, 1930 to February 3, 1931

    John Franchesina, in Duke Ellington's Music for the Theatre, p. 16, writes that Ellington and the band arrived, excited though exhausted, at the club only minutes before the show was to open.

    Ellington was broadcast locally on NBC's New York stations WHN and WPAP until February 1929.


    Webmaster's note regarding presentation of the Cotton Club and other extended engagements:

    I am trying to list each date of multiday events separately, referenced back to the first entry for the engagement. This will allow the viewer to see the all-day activity when Ellington performed at two or more places in one day.

    I don't yet know if the band had a regular night off during its Cotton Club engagements. Hasse's Beyond Category quotes Barney Bigard as saying they worked seven nights a week with hardly a night off.

    Researcher Ken Steiner writes 'Ads for the Cotton Club usually said something like "two separate shows nightly." I've never seen a "closed Tuesdays" for example. This means our favorite band worked for months on end without a day off at the Cotton Club, often doubling at theatres, recording and making special appearances and outside gigs!'

    This webpage may show nights off from the Cotton Club as performance nights in error. Until we learn which nights, if any, the band had off, I don't see an alternative.

    Broadcasts
    Sonny Greer said the Cotton Club broadcasts were every night, at 6 pm.
    ..Steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-11-19
    1927 12 05
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....updated 2012-09-22
    1927 12 06
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 07
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 08
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 09
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 10
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 11
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 12
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 13
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 14
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 15
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 16
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 17
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 18
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 19.New York, N.Y.Liederkranz HallVictor recording session
    Duke Ellington and His Orchestra
    Miley, Metcalfe, Nanton, Jackson, Hardwick, Carney, Ellington, Guy, Braud, Greer


    Titles recorded:
    • Harlem River Quiver
    • East St. Louis Toodle=O
    • Blue Bubbles
    .DE2712.djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-11-23
    1927 12 19
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 20
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 21
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 22
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 23
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 24
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 25
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 26
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 27
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 28
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 29.New York, N.Y.Brunswick StudioVocalion recording session
    Duke Ellington and His Cotton Club Orchestra
    Miley, Metcalfe, Nanton, Jackson, Hardwick, Carney, Ellington, Guy, Braud, Greer

    Titles recorded:
    • Red Hot Band
    • Doin' the Frog
    .DE271308,1-21
    03,2-16
    02,3-8
    .djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-11-23
    1927 12 29
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 30
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 31
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1927 12 31...PERSONNEL CHANGE
    Rudy Jackson leaves the band
    New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-23



    Back to Navigation List

    1928


    Date of event Ending date
    (if different)
    City/
    Other place
    Venue Event/People Primary Reference New
    Desor
    reference
    DEMS
    reference
    Other
    references
    Contact
    person
    Date added
    / updated

    January 1928

    1928 01 01...PERSONNEL CHANGE
    Barney Bigard, clarinet & tenor sax, joins the band
    New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-10
    1928 01 01
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 02
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 03
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 04
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 05
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 06
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 07
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 08
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 09.New York, N.Y.1819 BroadwayOKeh recording session
    .DE280108,1-21
    04,1-8
    03,2-16+17
    02,3-8
    02,2-17
    01,3-6
    88,5-8
    ..2011
    1928 01 09
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 10
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 11
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 12
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 13
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 14
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 15
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 16
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 17
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 18
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 19.New York, N.Y.Okeh-Columbia StudiosOKeh recording session.DE280209,2-4
    06,2-52
    04,1-8
    03,2-16+17
    ..2011
    1928 01 19
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 20
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 21
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 22
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 23...Birth of drummer Dave Black.djpAdded 2012 10 11
    1928 01 23
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 24
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 25
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 26
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 27
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 28
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 29
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 30
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 01 31
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22

    February 1928

    1928 02 01
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 02
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 03
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 04
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 05
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 06
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 07
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 08
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 09
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 10
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 11
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 12
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 13
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 14
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 15
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 16
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 17
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 18
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 19
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 20
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 21
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 22
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Manhattan Casino
    155th St. and Eighth Ave.

    Matinee dance
    The Metro Club will give their matinee soiree ... Dancing music will be furnished by two orchestras, Duke Ellington and his Little Ellingtonians and the Original Cotton Club Orchestra.
    The New York Age, 1928-01-28, p.10...djpadded 2012-09-23
    1928 02 22
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 23
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 24
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 25
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 26
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 27
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 28
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 02 29
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22

    March 1928

    1928 03 --.New York, N.Y..Various sessions..93,1-4
    91,1-4
    88,5-2
    86,4-3
    82,5-4
    82,1-1
    81,5-2
    81,4-1
    ..2011
    1928 03 --.New York, N.Y.Pathé Studio..DE280311,2-18
    09,3-4
    09,2-4
    05,3-31
    03,3-9
    03,2-16
    97,2-4
    97,1-8
    82,5-4
    ..2011
    1928 03 01
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 02
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 03
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 04
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 05
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 06
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 07
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 08
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Pathé studioCameo/Pathé recording session
    The Whoopee Makers / The Washingtonians
    Miley, Metcalfe, Nanton, Bigard, Hardwick, Carney, Ellington, Guy, Braud, Greer

    Titles recorded:
    • East St. Louis Toodle-O
    • Jubilee Stomp
    • Take It Easy
    .DE 280397/2-5.djpadded 2012-11-18
    1928 03 08
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
    Arther Whetsel, trumpet, born 1905, joins the band, sometime between the March 8 and 21 recording sessions.
    New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-25
    1928 03 09
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 10
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 11
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 12
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 13
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 14
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 15
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 16
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 17
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 18
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 19
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 20
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 21
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Brunswick StudioBrunswick recording session
    The Washingtonians
    Whetsel, Metcalfe, Nanton, Bigard, Hardwick, Carney, Ellington, Guy, Braud, Greer

    Titles recorded:
    • Take It Easy
    • Jubilee Stomp
    • Black Beauty
    .DE2804 05,3-31
    03,2-16

    98,4-7
    Timner corrections djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-11-18
    1928 03 21...Peripheral event
    Variety, 1928 03 21, p.69 gave the Monday night Cotton Club broadcast the first of its favourable reviews of Ellington's music.
    Stratemann,p.1djpAdded 2012-09-08
    1928 03 21
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 22
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 23
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 24
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 25
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 26
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.44th St. Studios..DE2805 06,1-29
    04,3-34
    03,2-16+17
    00,3-13
    .S.Hoefsmit (06,1-29)2011
    1928 03 26
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 27
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 28
    Wednesday
    ...False Date, See Mar28.Pathé recording session09,3-4
    9,2-4
    ..2011
    1928 00 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
    Otto Hardwicke leaves the band in the spring of 1928, sometime between the March 28 and June 25 recording session
    New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-12
    1928 03 28
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 29
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 30
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22
    1928 03 31
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“1st Cotton Club Revue“-see 1927 12 04.....2012-09-22

    April 1928

    1928 04 01
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club2nd Cotton Club revue
    Opening of Dan Healy’s spring revue “Cotton Club Show Boat”
    ”Dance Music by Duke Ellington And His Famous Victor Recording Artists.”
    Ad reproduced in Stratemann, p.685...Vail.2012-09-22
    1928 04 02
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 03
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 04
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 05
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 06
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 07
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 08
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 09
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 10
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 11
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 12
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 13
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 14
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 15
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 16
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 17
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 18
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 19
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 20
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 21
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 22
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 23
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 24
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 25...Birth of Rick Henderson, alto sax.djpAdded 2012 10 11
    1928 04 25
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 26
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 27
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 28
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 29
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 04 30
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22

    May 1928

    1928 05 01
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 02
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 03
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 04
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 05
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 06
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 07
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 08
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 09
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 10
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 11
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 12
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 13
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 14
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 15
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 16
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 17
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 18
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 19
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 20
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 21
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 22
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 23.Brunswick,MeBowdoin CollegeDance "Ivy Ball"
    "Each Ivy Ball had live music often performed by the most popular bands of the time. Duke Ellington came in 1928 and 1932."

    "In 1928, students invited dates to the "Ivy Ball" for a night of dancing and a live performance by Duke Ellington."
    From Tears to Beers: A History of Ivies Weekend
    The final revelation: Setting the record straight on Ivies Weekend
    ..Vail..added 2011

    updated 2012-11-18
    1928 05 23
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 24
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 25
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 26
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 27
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 28
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 29
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 30
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 05 31
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubRevue - "Cotton Club Show Boat"
    see 1928 04 01
    .....2012-09-22
    1928 00 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
    Johnny Hodges joins the band in the spring of 1928
    New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-23

    June 1928

    1928 06 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
    Louis Metcalfe, trumpet, leaves the band
    New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-23
    1928 06 25.New York, N.Y.Brunswick Studio..DE280606,1-29+34
    05,3-49
    04,2-10
    01,3-24
    00,3-13
    98,1-16
    97,1-10
    93,2-5
    90,2-6
    90,1-3
    NDCS 1058
    S.Hoefsmit (06,1-29)2011

    July 1928

    1928 07 10.New York, N.Y.Okeh-Columbia StudiosDE2807..08,1-34 08,1-34
    06,2-52
    04,1-8
    ..2011

    October 1928

    1928 10 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
    Trumpeter Freddie (“Posey”) Jenkins, born 1906, ____, joins the band in October 1928.
    New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-23
    1928 10 01.New York, N.Y.Okeh-Columbia StudiosDE2808..89,2-8
    89,1-9
    88,1-1
    84,1-3
    06,2-52
    06,1-29
    04,3,44
    04,1-8
    03,3-15
    01,3-7
    01,2-24
    93,1-5
    90,2-7
    .S.Hoefsmit (06,1-29)2011
    1928 10 02.New York, N.Y.Brunswick Studio..DE280903,3-9
    02,2-27
    02,1-24
    98,1-16
    97,1-10
    ..2011
    1928 10 07.New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Hot Chocolate” revue opened....Vail.2011
    1928 10 07
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 10 08
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 10 09
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 10 10
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 10 11
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 10 12
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 10 13
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 10 14
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 10 15
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 10 16
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 10 17.New York, N.Y.Brunswick Studio..DE281098,4-14
    .
    Timner corrections .2011
    1928 10 17
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 10 18
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 10 19.New York, N.Y.Pathé Studio..DE281197,2-5
    97,1-8
    ..2011
    1928 10 19
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 10 20...False Date..98,1-16
    97,1-10
    90,2-6
    90,1-3
    ..2011
    1928 10 20
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 10 21
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 10 22
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 10 23
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 10 24
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 10 25
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 10 26
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 10 27
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 10 28
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 10 29
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 10 30.New York, N.Y.44th Street Studios..DE281209,3-4
    09,2-4
    02,3-17
    01,1-28
    00,3-25
    00,2-19
    93,3-2
    93,2-5
    91,4-5
    87,3-4
    87,3-5
    85,2-4
    82,2-7
    ..2011
    1928 10 30
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 10 31
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011

    November 1928

    1928 11 01
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 02
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 03
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 04
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 05
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 06
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 07
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 08
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 09
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 10.New York, N.Y.44th St. Studios.Victor recording session .DE2813
    09,3-4
    09,2-4
    02,1-18
    93,3-2
    93,2-5
    91,1-4
    89,2-8
    89,1-9
    88,5-8
    87,3-5
    85,2-4
    82,2-7
    ..2011
    1928 11 10
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 11
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 12
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 13
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 14
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 15.New York, N.Y.44th St. Studios...DE281409,3-4
    09,2-4
    03,2-17
    02,3-17
    ..2011
    1928 11 15
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 16
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 17
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 18
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 19
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 20.New York, N.Y.Okeh-Columbia StudiosOKeh recording session.DE2815 06,2-52
    04,1-8
    88,2-4
    88,1-3
    Timner corrections .2011
    1928 11 20
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 21
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 22.New York, N.Y.Okeh-Columbia StudiosOKeh recording session.DE281606,2-52
    06,1-29
    04,1-8
    88,2-4
    88,1-3
    82,4-5
    Timner corrections S.Hoefsmit (06,1-29)2011
    1928 11 22
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 23
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 24
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 25
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 26
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 27
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 28
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 29
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 11 30.New York, N.Y.Pathé Studio..DE281797,2-5
    ,1-8
    ..2011
    1928 11 30
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011

    December 1928

    1928 12 01
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 02
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 03
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 04
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 05
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 06
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 07
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 08
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 09
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 10
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 11
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 12a.New York, N.Y.Pathé Studio..DE281897,2-5
    97,1-8
    ..2011
    1928 12 12b.New York, N.Y.Savoy BallroomBattle of Jazz between the bands of
    • Duke Ellington
    • Ike Dixon
    • Lockwood Lewis
    • Charlie Johnson
    • Arthur Gibbs
    • Lloyd Scott

    "...six of New York's leading jazz bands competed in a "battle of jazz," as some 2,000 dance lovers crowded the dance floor or looked on. Outside more than 2,000 were turned away because of the lack of space...

    "Never before in the memory of Harlem dance lovers were six such personalities gathered under one roof as Duke Ellington with his soul-stirring army of blue blowers...";

    "...These six popular bands almost raised the roof with their melodies. The building shook with applause, the throngs went wild with enthusiasm as each music master in his turn sent forth his melodies. The 'battle of jazz' ended without any decision rendered ...as the giddy mob of dancers,consumed the melodies of each aggregation, seemingly unconscious as to who was playing as long as the music continued. And when it stopped,a great cheer shook the house to its framework...".
    "5,000 Try To Hear "Battle of Jazz At The Savoy Ballroom"
    New York Age, 1928-12-22, p.6
    ..Vail.added 2011

    updated 2012-09-14
    1928 12 12
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 13
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 14
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 15
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 16
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 17
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 18
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 19
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 20
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 21
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 22
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 23
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 24
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 25
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 26
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 27
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 28
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 29
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 30
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 31
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1928 10 07.....2011
    1928 12 20.New York, N.Y.Liederkranz HallRecording session
    Warren Bills and His Blue Serenaders recorded St.Louis Blues and Gems from Blackbirds of 1928.

    This orchestra of 25 musicians included Whetsel, Miley, Jenkins, Nanton, Bigard, Hodges, Carney, Ellington, Guy, Braud, Greer, an unknown female vocalist plus the 10 voice Hal Johnson choir, and Matty Malneck, violinist and conductor.

    Blackbirds of 1928 was a 518-performance Broadway production that opened in May 1928. Adelaide Hall was one of its stars.
    .DE281911,1-29
    10,3-22
    08,3-15
    06,1-29
    05,3-44
    97,2-7

    Stratemann, p.1
    Timner corrections
    S.Hoefsmit (06,1-29) added 2011
    updated 2012-08-10



    Back to Navigation List

    1929


    Date of event Ending date
    (if different)
    City/
    Other place
    Venue Event/People Primary Reference New
    Desor
    reference
    DEMS
    reference
    Other
    references
    Contact
    person
    Date added
    / updated

    January 1929

    1929 01 01
    Tuesday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 01 02
    Wednesday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 01 03
    Thursday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 01 04
    Friday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 01 05
    Saturday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 01 06
    Sunday
    1929 04 28New York, N.Y.Club Harlem,
    African Room
    388 Lenox Ave.
    Sunday matinee
    Ads in The Inter-State Tattler indicate "Duke Ellington and His Band" played Sunday afternoon matinees at Club Harlem throughout the first four months of 1929, while working nightly at the Cotton Club. Unfortunately, microfilm collections of the Tattler contain many gaps. The first issue with an ad for Ellington at Club Harlem was in the 4Jan29 issue, and ads ran through 24Mar29. From 31Mar - 14Apr the venue switched to the Lenox Ave. Club, and the last ad was 28Apr in a return to Club Harlem.
    ..08,3-10.steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 01 07
    Monday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 01 08
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Brunswick StudioBrunswick recording session
    The Jungle Band
    • Whetsel
    • Miley
    • Jenkins
    • Nanton
    • Bigard
    • Hodges
    • Carney
    • Ellington
    • Guy
    • Braud
    • Greer


    Titles recorded:
    • Doin' The Voom Voom
    • Tiger Rag - Parts 1 & 2

    New DesorDE2901
    05,3-59
    04,3-44
    03,3-9
    98,2-16
    Timner corrections djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 01 09
    Wednesday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 01 10
    Thursday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 01 11
    Friday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 01 12
    Saturday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 01 13
    Sunday
    3:30 PM
    .New York, N.Y.Club Harlem
    African Room
    Sunday matinéesee 1929-01-06 entry.08,3-10.steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 01 14
    Monday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 01 15
    Tuesday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 01 16
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.44th Street StudioRCA-Victor recording session
    Duke Ellington and His Cotton Club Orchestra
    • Whetsel
    • Miley
    • Jenkins
    • Nanton
    • Bigard
    • Hodges
    • Carney
    • Ellington
    • Guy
    • Braud
    • Greer


    Titles recorded:
    • Flaming Youth
    • Saturday Night Function
    • High Life
    • Doin' The Voom Voom
    New DesorDE2902
    Corr.sheet 6000
    06,1-29
    00,3-25
    98,2-16
    97,2-7
    82,5-4
    Timner
    .S.Hoefsmit (06,1-29)added 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 01 17
    Thursday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 01 18
    Friday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 01 19
    Saturday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 01 20
    Sunday
    3:30 PM
    .New YorkClub Harlem
    African Room
    Sunday matinéesee 1929-01-06 entry.08,3-10.steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 01 21
    Monday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 01 22
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y..Peripheral event
    The Age reported that Ellington's band
    "is an excellent combination of men, play in a unique manner and deserve all the credit and praise they get. If you one tune in on their broadcasting night, you will surely re-dial them on the next opportunity.

    Oftimes the orchestra and the revue are taken for an hour or so to different functions to 'strut their stuff.' On these occasions, when necessary, an outside orchestra is hired to play and hold the crowd until Duke gets back on the job.

    Usually Duke gives the subbing to Willie Lynch, a drummer, a member of Local 802. Lynch would hire the men and be leader on the job. Recently Lynch was called to get some musicians to sub for Duke. The hired musicians went to the club.

    Seargeant-at-Arms Minton, on his routine, dropped in to he club, saw the strange men and requested their cards, which were not forthcoming, and discovered as leader of the group a musician who had not deposited his transfer card - which omission caused him to be ineligible to work in this jurisdiction. Minton remained on the premises until Duke's return. It is alleged that Duke told Minton that he had placed the job in Lynch's hands and did not expect to find other than musicians in good standing in Local 802.

    Charges were filed against Lynch for hiring non-union musicians.

    Lynch, on Tuesday before the Trial Board, pleaded guilty, but claimed that having a job himself he could not go on Duke's jub, told Duke this, and was told by Duke to do the best he could, and so he hired Steve Wright, thinking him O.K. Lynch was told by the Board to be more careful in future as to whom he hired, and was reprimanded and not fined.

    Steve Wright also pleaded guilty for not depositing his card and was fined $10, the minimum penalty, on his explanation..."
    New York Age, 1929-01-26. p.7.djpAdded 2013-04-28
    1929 01 22
    Tuesday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 01 23
    Wednesday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 01 24
    Thursday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 01 25
    Friday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 01 26
    Saturday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 01 27
    Sunday
    3:30 PM
    .New YorkClub Harlem
    African Room
    Sunday matinéesee 1929-01-06 entry.08,3-10.steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 01 28
    Monday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 01 29
    Tuesday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 01 30
    Wednesday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 01 31
    Thursday
    . New York, N.Y. Roseland
    Fifty-first and Broadway

    "In celebration of its tenth anniverary the management of Roseland ...has arranged the special events for next week...the Cotton Club Revue and Duke Ellington and his Orchestra will be the outstanding offering Thursday night;..."
    New York Sun, 1929 01 26...djpadded 2012-09-10

    February 1929

    1929 02 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
    Bubber Miley leaves the band
    New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-23
    1929 02 02
    Saturday
    1929 06 30
    Sunday
    New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubFeb 1929 to June 1930:
    Ellington gained national exposure when he joined WABC and the Columbia (CBS) network, with broadcasts relayed “Coast-to-Coast.”
    ..09,1-18
    8,3-11
    .Ken Steiner2011
    1929 02 03
    Sunday
    3:30 PM
    .New YorkClub Harlem
    African Room
    Sunday matinéesee 1929-01-06 entry.08,3-10.steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 02 10
    Sunday
    3:30 PM
    .New YorkClub Harlem
    African Room
    Sunday matinéesee 1929-01-06 entry.08,3-10.steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 02 17
    Sunday
    3:30 PM
    .New YorkClub Harlem
    African Room
    Sunday matinéesee 1929-01-06 entry. 08,3-10.steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 02 18
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.46th Street StudioRCA-Victor recording session
    DUKE ELLINGTON'S ORCHESTRA
    • Whetsel
    • Jenkins
    • Nanton
    • Bigard
    • Hodges
    • Carney
    • Ellington
    • Guy
    • Braud
    • Greer


    Titles recorded:
    • Japanese Dream
    • Harlemania
    New DesorDE290300,1-25
    98,2-16
    Timner corrections .2011
    1929 02 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
    Charles Melvin “Cootie” Williams, trumpet, born in 1911 07 04, joins the band sometime between the February 18 and March 1 recording sessions
    New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-25
    1929 02 23
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Renaissance CasinoAnnual entertainment and ball of the Central Republican Club
    The ball (featured) the entire revue from the Cotton Club, including Duke Ellington's orchestra, parts of the revue from Connie's Inn and cast from Small's Paradise, and several vaudeville actors. The event included dancing to the music of the Vernon Andrades orchestra.
    New York Age, 1929-03-02 p.2....added 2012-09-14
    1929 02 24
    Sunday
    3:30 PM
    .New YorkClub Harlem
    African Room
    Sunday matinéesee 1929-01-06 entry. 08,3-10.steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09

    March 1929

    1929 03 01
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Brunswick StudioBrunswick recording session
    THE JUNGLE BAND
    • Whetsel
    • Williams
    • Jenkins
    • Nanton
    • Bigard
    • Hodges
    • Carney;
    • Ellington
    • Guy
    • Braud
    • Greer


    Titles recorded:
    • Rent Party Blues
    • Paducah
    • Harlem Flat Blues
    New DesorDE290403,3-9
    03,2-15
    98,2-10/16
    97,1-11
    92,2-4
    90,4-5
    .djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 03 03
    Sunday
    3:30 PM
    .New YorkClub Harlem
    African Room
    Sunday matinéesee 1929-01-06 entry.08,3-10.steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 03 04
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Pathé StudioCameo recording session
    The Washingtonians
    -and-
    Ozie Ware With The Whoopee Makers
    • Williams
    • Bigard
    • Hodges
    • Ellington
    • Guy
    • Braud
    • Ware


    Titles recorded:
    • Saratoga Swing
    • Who Said "It's Tight Like That"?
    • He Just Don't Appeal To Me
    New DesorDE290697/2-5.djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 03 07
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Liederkranz HallRCA-Victor recording session
    Duke Ellington and His Cotton Club Orchestra
    • Whetsel
    • Williams
    • Jenkins
    • Nanton
    • Bigard,
    • Hodges,
    • Carney;
    • Ellington,
    • Guy,
    • Braud,
    • Greer

    Titles recorded:
    • The Dicty Glide
    • Hot Feet
    • Sloppy Joe
    • Stevedore Stomp
    New DesorDE2905 05,1-23+28
    04,3-24
    34
    44
    04,1-22+31
    02,2-28
    02,1-25
    02,1-16 + 18
    99,4-9
    98,2-16
    82,5-6
    Timner corrections djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 03 10
    Sunday
    3:30 PM
    .New YorkClub Harlem
    African Room
    Sunday matinéesee 1929-01-06 entry.08,3-10.steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 03 17
    Sunday
    3:30 PM
    .New YorkClub Harlem
    African Room
    Sunday matinéesee 1929-01-06 entry.08,3-10.steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 03 24
    Sunday
    3:30 PM
    .New YorkClub Harlem
    African Room
    Sunday matinéesee 1929-01-06 entry.08,3-10.steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 03 31
    Sunday
    3:30 PM
    .New YorkLenox Ave ClubSunday matinéesee 1929-01-06 entry.08,3-10.steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 03 31
    Sunday
    12:15 AM and 2:15 AM
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    Cotton Club's spring revue
    2 shows nightly
    Stratemann
    p.2
    ..Stratemann 686
    Vail
    .added 2011

    updated 2012-09-09

    April 1929

    1929 04 01
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Rockland Palace.... Vail.2011
    1929 04 01
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 02
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 03
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 04
    Thursday
    ...Birth of Buster Cooper, trombone.djpAdded 2012 10 11
    1929 04 04
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.1819 BroadwayColumbia recording session
    JOE TURNER AND HIS MEMPHIS MEN
    • Whetsel
    • Williams
    • Jenkins
    • Nanton
    • Bigard
    • Hodges
    • Carney
    • Ellington
    • Guy
    • Braud
    • Greer


    Titles recorded:
    • I Must Have That Man
    • Freeze And Melt
    • Mississippi Moan
    New DesorDE290709,3-4
    09,2-4
    04,1-8
    02,3-17
    98,2-15
    .djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 04
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 05
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 06
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 07
    Sunday
    3:30 PM
    .New YorkLenox Ave ClubSunday matinéesee 1929-01-06 entry.08,3-10.steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 07
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 08
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 09
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 10
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 11
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 12
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Liederkranz HallRCA-Victor recording session
    Duke Ellington and His Cotton Club Orchestra
    • Whetsel
    • Williams
    • Jenkins
    • Nanton
    • Bigard
    • Hodges
    • Carney
    • Ellington
    • Guy
    • Braud
    • Greer
    • Harmonica Charlie


    Titles recorded:
    • A Nite At The Cotton Club - Part 1 (Cotton Club Stomp, Misty Mornin')
    • A Nite At The Cotton Club - Part 2 (Goin' To Town, Harmonica Interlude, Freeze and Melt)


    Irving Mills introduces each selection.
    New DesorDE290807,3-23
    04,1-22
    02,1-18
    98,4-7
    98,2-15/19
    91,5-5
    91,4-5
    89,3-8
    83,4-1
    Vail
    Timner corrections
    .added 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 12
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 13
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 14
    Sunday
    3:30 PM
    .New YorkLenox Ave ClubSunday matinéesee 1929-01-06 entry.08,3-10.steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 14
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 15
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 16
    Tuesday
    1929 04 17
    Wednesday
    New YorkF. F. Proctor's New 58th Street Theatre
    58th St. & 3rd Ave.

    Theatre show
    Duke Ellington and His Cotton Club Entertainers
    Collegiate Revue, Youth-Beauty-Talent
    Continuous shows Noon to 11 PM daily

    The ad in the Star the next day confirmed the 17th was the last day.
    The Daily Star, Queens Borough, 1929-04-16, p.4...djpadded 2012-09-10
    1929 04 16
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 17
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 18
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 19
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 20
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 21
    Sunday
    3:30 PM
    .New YorkLenox Ave Club
    Sunday matinée
    see 1929-01-06 entry

    This appears to conflict with the Palace Theatre gig below.
    .08,3-10.steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 21
    Sunday
    1929 04 27
    Saturday
    New York, N.Y.Palace Theatre30 minute matinéeStratemann
    p.2, citing reviews in Variety 1929-04-24,p.38 and Billboard 1929-05-04,p.15
    ...djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-10
    1929 04 21
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 22
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 23
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 24
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 25
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 26
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 27
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 28
    Sunday
    3:30 PM
    .New YorkClub Harlem
    African Room
    Sunday matinéesee 1929-01-06 entry.08,3-10.steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 28
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 29
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 04 30
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09

    May 1929

    1929 05 01
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 05 02
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Spring Birds”
    see 1929 03 31
    ....
    Vail
    .added 2011
    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 05 03
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Liederkranz HallRCA-Victor recording session
    Duke Ellington and His Cotton Club Orchestra
    • Whetsel
    • Williams
    • Jenkins
    • Nanton
    • Bigard
    • Hodges
    • Carney
    • Ellington
    • Guy
    • Braud
    • Greer


    Titles recorded:
    • Cotton Club Stomp
    • Misty Mornin'
    • Arabian Lover
    • Saratoga Swing
    New DesorDE2909 07,3-23+24
    07,1-15
    98,2-15
    83,4-1
    .djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 05 03
    Friday
    1929 05 04
    Saturday
    Princeton, N.J.Princeton University...Vail..2011
    1929 05 04
    Saturday
    1929 05 04
    Saturday
    Princeton, N.J.Princeton Universitysee 1929 05 03.....2011
    1929 05 05
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club......2011
    1929 05 05
    Sunday
    8:30p.m.
    .Flushing, N.Y.St. Michael's Parish Hall
    Kwin's Scandals
    "A galaxy of radio and Broadway stars are slated to appear ... on Friday night, when the curtain is drawn on the 1926 edition of Kwin's Scandals, the annual offering of the Vincent Quinn Association of Whitestone. Among those who will entertain are ...Duke Ellington and his Cotton Club orchestra... A Victor recording orchestra will play for dancing after the entertainment."
    The Daily Star, Queens, 1929-04-30, p.6...djpadded 2012-09-10
    1929 05 06
    Monday
    1929 05 11?
    Saturday
    New York, N.Y.E.F.Albee Theater"Duke Ellington and his Cotton Club Orchestra is the headline vaudeville attraction at the E.F.Albee Theatre, Brooklyn, this week, replacing Jackie Coogan, who has been compelled to postpone his engagement to a later date due to an attack of laryngitis..."

    (Coogan's booking was from Monday to Saturday, but one wonders if he recovered quickly and may have resumed his schedule.)
    • New York Evening Post, 1929-05-06, p.18
    • Theatrical Notes, New York Times, 1929-05-06
    • Ad for Coogan, New York Times, 1929-05-05, p.119
    ...1. djp, 2. steineradded 2012-08-20
    1929 05 08
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Savoy Ballroom'"The War of Jazz," the Music Battle of the Century, if you please, was held at the Savoy Ballroom on Lenox avenue on Wednesday May 8.

    Mr. Buchanan, manager of the palatial fashionable resort, assembled the six best orchestras obtainable ... The armies comprised the Missourians, Johnson's Happy Pals of Virginia, Ike Dixon of Baltimore, Duke Ellington, Fess Williams and Charlie Johnson...Arriving at the Savoy somewhat late, we missed hearing and seeing Duke Ellington and Charlie Johnson. The audience was wildly responsive to Ike Dixon's Baltimoreans...
    '
    New York Age, 1929-05-18.Vail.djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-10
    1929 05 28
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.1819 BroadwayColumbia recording session
    Columbia recording session
    Duke Ellington And His Memphis Men
    -and-
    Sonny Greer And His Memphis Men
    • Whetsel
    • Jenkins
    • Nanton
    • Bigard
    • Hodges
    • Carney
    • Ellington
    • Guy
    • Braud
    • Greer


    Titles recorded:
    • That Rhythm Man
    • Beggar's Blues
    • Saturday Night Function
    New DesorDE291009,3-4
    09,2-4
    04,1-8
    02,3-17
    02,2-27
    02,1-25
    98,2-15
    83,1-4
    ..added 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 06 03
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Ziegfeld TheatreEllington's men were available for "Show Girl" rehearsals during the day....Stratemann, p.3
    Vail
    .2011added 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 06 25
    Tuesday
    1929 06 29Boston, Mass.Colonial Theatre"Show Girl" tryouts - five nights and two matinées played to nearly full houses

    The top ticket price was $5.
    Stratemann
    p.3
    ..Vaildjpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-10
    1929 06 26
    Wednesday
    .Boston, Mass.Colonial Theatre"Show Girl" tryouts - see 1926-06-25...Vail.2011added 2011

    updated 2012-09-10
    1929 06 27
    Thursday
    .Boston, Mass.Colonial Theatre"Show Girl" tryouts...Vail.2011added 2011

    updated 2012-09-10
    1929 06 28
    Friday
    .Boston, Mass.Colonial Theatre"Show Girl" tryouts - see 1929-06-29...Vail.2011added 2011

    updated 2012-09-10
    1929 06 29
    Saturday
    .Boston, Mass.Colonial Theatre"Show Girl"...Vail.2011added 2011

    updated 2012-09-10

    July 1929

    1929 07 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
    Juan Tizol, valve trombonist,composer and copyist, born 1900 01 22, joins the band
    New Desor vol.2djpAdded 2012-10-25
    1929 07 01
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubWABC broadcast....C.Hällström oct092011
    1929 07 02
    Tuesday
    1929 10 05New York, N.Y.Ziegfeld Theatre“Show Girl” (111 performances )..02,3-17
    83,2-2
    ..2011
    1929 07 03
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubWABC broadcast....C.Hällström oct092011
    1929 07 04
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubWABC broadcast....C.Hällström oct092011
    1929 07 08
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubWABC broadcast....C.Hällström oct092011
    1929 07 10
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubWABC broadcast....C.Hällström oct092011
    1929 07 11
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubWABC broadcast....C.Hällström oct092011
    1929 07 15
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubWABC broadcast....C.Hällström oct092011
    1929 07 17
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubWABC broadcast....C.Hällström oct092011
    1929 07 18
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubWABC broadcast....C.Hällström oct092011
    1929 07 22
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubWABC broadcast....C.Hällström oct092011
    1929 07 24
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubWABC broadcast....C.Hällström oct092011
    1929 07 25
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubWABC broadcast....C.Hällström oct092011
    1929 07 29
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Brunswick studioBrunswick recording session
    THE JUNGLE BAND
    • Whetsel
    • Williams
    • Jenkins
    • Nanton
    • Tizol
    • Bigard
    • Hodges
    • Carney
    • Ellington
    • Guy
    • Braud
    • Greer


    Titles recorded:
    • Black And Blue
    • Jungle Jamboree
    New DesorDE2911..djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 07 29
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubWABC broadcast....C.Hällström oct092011
    1929 07 31.New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubWABC broadcast....C.Hällström oct092011
    1929 07 29.New York, N.Y.Brunswick Studio..DE291103,3-9
    02,2-27
    02,1-18+24
    98,2-16
    97,1-11
    90,4-5
    90,2-7
    82,5-5
    ..2011

    August 1929

    1929 08 02
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.11 Union SquareOkeh recording session
    THE HARLEM FOOTWARMERS
    • Whetsel
    • Nanton
    • Bigard
    • Ellington
    • Guy
    • Braud
    • Greer


    Titles recorded:
    • Jungle Jamboree
    • Six Or Seven Times
    • Snake Hip Dance
    New DesorDE291206,2-52
    04,1-8
    98,2-16
    ..added 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 08 12
    Monday
    1929 08 16
    Friday
    New York, N.Y.Gramercy StudiosRKO film recording session
    Ellington's first film, "Black And Tan"
    Ellington, Arthur Whetsel and Fredi Washington are in the cast.
    Duke Ellington and His Cotton Club Orchestra
    • Whetsel
    • Williams
    • Jenkins
    • Nanton
    • Bigard
    • Hodges
    • Carney
    • Ellington
    • Guy
    • Braud
    • Greer
    • Hall Johnson Choir


    Titles recorded:
    • Black and Tan Fantasy
    • The Duke Steps Out
    • Black Beauty
    • Cotton Club Stomp
    • Flaming Youth

    Production records are missing so the production dates are unknown.

    Stratemann discusses various dates from February to late July 1929 suggested by different sources. Steven Lasker found reports in Film Daily on August 4 saying the film was "scheduled for production," and on August 18 saying it was completed. Dr. Stratemann concluded "At the present stage of research, and with the original files for Black And Tan" apparently lost, the statement appears justified that the film was produced circa August 12 to August 16, 1929"
    .DE291309,3-4
    09,2-4
    98,2-15
    82,5-5
    Stratemann
    pp.5 - 23
    Stratemann 16 photos
    Bey C121 photo
    Vail I p.22+photos
    Timner corrections
    djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09

    September 1929

    1929 09 04
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Brunswick Studio...97,1-10
    94,2-7
    94,1-6
    ..2011
    1929 09 10
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Pathé studio
    114 East 32nd St.
    Cameo recording session
    THE WASHINGTONIANS
    • Whetsel
    • Williams
    • Jenkins
    • Nanton
    • Tizol
    • Bigard
    • Hodges
    • Carney
    • Ellington
    • Guy
    • Braud
    • Greer


    Titles recorded:
    • Doin' The Voom Voom
    • Flaming Youth
    • Saturday Night Function
    New DesorDE291409,3-4
    09,2-4
    98,2-15
    .djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 09 13
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Brunswick StudioBrunswick recording session
    BILL ROBINSON ACCOMPANIED BY IRVING MILLS AND HIS HOTSY TOTSY GANG
    -and-
    THE JUNGLE BAND

    Bojangles' tracks may not have been from an Ellington session but the bulk of evidence suggests they were
    • Whetsel
    • Williams
    • Jenkins
    • Nanton
    • Tizol
    • Bigard
    • Hodges
    • Carney
    • Ellington
    • Guy
    • Braud
    • Greer
    • Bill "Bojangles" Robinson

    Titles recorded:
    • Ain't Misbehavin'
    • Doin' The New Low Down
    • Jolly Wog
    • Jazz Convulsions
    • Slow Motion
    M. GirvanDE291509,3-24
    03,3-9
    03,2-28
    02,2-26
    02,1-24
    98,2-15
    97,1-10
    .djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 09 16
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.46th Street StudioRCA-Victor recording session
    DUKE ELLINGTON'S ORCHESTRA
    • Whetsel
    • Williams
    • Nanton
    • Tizol
    • Bigard
    • Hodges
    • Carney
    • Ellington
    • Guy
    • Teddy Bunn
    • Braud
    • Greer


    Titles recorded:
    • Mississippi Dry
    • The Duke Steps Out
    • Haunted Nights
    • Swanee Shuffles
    New DesorDE291602,1-24
    98,2-15
    91,4-5
    83,2-2
    Timner corrections .added 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 09 21
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.New Star CasinoCharity event
    John F. Ringer's Orchestra was "apparently hired" for the occasion. Five other bands were supposed to stake a "battle of music" but only Charlie Johnson's, Louis Metcalfe's and Chick Webb's came.

    Duke Ellington appeared without his orchestra, was met with vociferous applause at his introduction and played one number with the orchestra.

    Louis Armstrong also appeared without his orchestra and played "a couple of numbers with the orchestra."
    New York Age, 1929-10-05, p.7...Stratemann, p.25djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-05
    1929 09 25
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y. Brunswick studioBrunswick recording session
    THE SIX JOLLY JESTERS
    • Williams(t,v); Nanton
    • Hodges
    • Ellington
    • Guy
    • Braud
    • Greer
    Title recorded:
    • Six Or Seven Times
    New DesorDE2917..djpadded 2012-09-09
    1929 09 29
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries revue
    aka "It's The BlackBerries”
    Two shows nightly, 12:15 AM and 2 AM

    A Dan Healy production
    Lyrics and music by Jimmy McHugh & Dorothy Fields
    Stratemann
    pp.24-25, 688-689
    ...djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    ..New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries revue - see 1929 09 29....djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09

    October 1929

    1929 10 05
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Ziegfeld TheatreStage Show (last)..02,3-17..2011
    1929 10 18
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Ridgewood Grove Arena
    Ridgewood
    Queens

    "The entertainment committee of the Middle Village Tammany Club reports that Duke Ellington's orchestra, famous radio and night club performers, has been hired for the entertainment and dance to be held October 18 in Ridgewood Grove."
    The Daily Star, Queens Borough 1929-08-08...djpadded 2012-09-10
    1929 10 25
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Brunswick Studio..DE291711,1-14
    09,3-4
    09,2-4
    03,3-9
    98,2-15
    98,1-16
    82,5-5
    ..2011
    1929 10 29
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Brunswick StudioBrunswick recording session
    THE SIX JOLLY JESTERS
    • Williams
    • Jenkin
    • Nanton
    • Hodges
    • Ellington
    • Guy
    • Bunn
    • Braud
    • Greer
    • Howard "Blinky" Randolph



    Titles recorded:
    • Goin' Nuts
    • Oklahoma Stomp
    New DesorDE291811,2-6
    09,3-4
    08,2-6
    06,1-34
    05,3-59
    02,2-28
    02,1-5+24
    98,2-15
    .djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09

    November 1929

    1929 11 01
    Friday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 11 02
    Saturday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 11 03
    Sunday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 11 04
    Monday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 11 05
    Tuesday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 11 06
    Wednesday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 11 07
    Thursday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 11 08
    Friday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 11 09
    Saturday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 11 10
    Sunday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 11 11
    Monday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 11 12
    Tuesday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 11 13
    Wednesday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 11 14
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Liederkranz HallRCA-Victor recording session
    Duke Ellington and His Cotton Club Orchestra
    • Whetsel
    • Williams
    • Jenkins
    • Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol(tb); Bigard
    • Hodges
    • Carney
    • Ellington
    • Guy
    • Braud
    • Greer


    Titles recorded:
    • The Breakfast Dance
    • Jazz Lips
    • March of the Hoodlums
    New DesorDE291998,2-15
    91,4-5
    82,5-5
    Timner corrections djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 11 15
    Friday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 11 16
    Saturday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 11 17
    Sunday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 11 18
    Monday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 11 19
    Tuesday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 11 20
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y..Okeh recording session
    THE HARLEM FOOTWARMERS
    • Jenkins
    • Nanton
    • Bigard
    • Hodges
    • Carney
    • Ellington
    • Guy
    • Greer


    Titles recorded:
    • The Lazy Duke
    • Blues Of The Vagabond
    • Syncopated Shuffle
    New DesorDE292006,2-52
    04,1-8
    98,2-15
    Timnerdjpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 11 21
    Thursday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 11 22
    Friday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Shadowland BallroomCollege Union breakfast dance, Thanksgiving morningAd, Baltimore Afro-American, 1929-11-22, p.8..Stratemann, p.25djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 11 23
    Saturday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 11 24
    Sunday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 11 25
    Monday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 11 26
    Tuesday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 11 27
    Wednesday
    .activity not documented.
    1930 11 28
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y..
    Possible end of Cotton Club run. Stratemann p.45 says it was reported that Ellington went on the road again around Thanksgiving, the last Thursday of November, and was replaced by Cab Calloway's orchestra. According to Klaus Götting's note, Carl Hällström's October 2005 itinerary shows the last day is Oct.28
    Stratemann, p.45...djpadded 2012-11-17
    1929 11 29
    Friday
    .activity not documented.
    1929 11 30
    Saturday
    .activity not documented.

    December 1929

    1929 12 08
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Forrest TheatreNAACP benefit concert...Stratemann, p.25.2011
    1929 12 10
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Brunswick StudioBrunswick recording session
    THE JUNGLE BAND
    • Whetsel
    • Williams
    • Jenkins
    • Nanton
    • Tizol
    • Bigard
    • Hodges
    • Carney
    • Ellington
    • Guy
    • Braud
    • Greer


    Titles recorded:
    • Sweet Mama
    • Wall Street Wail
    • Cincinnati Daddy
    New DesorDE292105,3-59
    98,2-15
    97,1-11
    90,4-5
    .djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 12 15
    Sunday evening
    .New York, N.Y.Casino Theatre
    39th St. & Broadway
    "One of the largest theatrical benefit programs of the season has been arranged..."

    Benefit performance to raise funds to allow the Florence Mills Theatrical Association to purchase its headquarters building.

    New York Age, 1929-12-14, p6..Stratemann, p.25djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 12 18
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Brunswick Studio..no Desor Entry03,3-9..2011
    1929 12 18
    Wednesday
    .Baltimore, Md.Richmond Market ArmoryCharity ball...Stratemann, p.25, citing Baltimore Afro-American 1929-12-14.added 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 12 22
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Ziegfeld TheatreBenefit for New York American Christmas & Relief Fund...Stratemann, p.25, citing New York Times, 1929-12-29.2011
    1929 12 25
    Wednesday
    .Washington, D.C.Masonic TemplePresumably a dance
    “Duke Ellington and his celebrated ‘Jungle Band’ attracted a crowd of more than twelve hundred to the Masonic Temple Auditorium on Christmas Day, when from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. they entranced the admiring throng with their musical rhythm and syncopating strains.”
    Review, Baltimore Afro-American, 1930 01 04, p2.DEMS12/1-20.SteinerAdded 2012-08-10
    1929 12 28
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Academy TheatreAfternoon show (Fox theatre circuit)...Stratemann, p.25, citing Billboard 1930-01-04,p.16djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-09
    1929 12 31
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club
    NEW YEAR'S EVE PROGRAM TO COME FROM TIMES SQUARE, NEW YORK.

    Gala broadcasts, in fitting observance of the New Year, are planned by the Columbia Broadcasting System for Dec.31 and Jan.1. Musical programs in which eight different orchestras will play a number of selections on New Year's Eve; broadcasting of a New Year's Eve program from Times Square,...Columbia's special New Year's Eve party will open at 10 p.m. Galveston time Tuesday and continue for two hours. Bits of dance music and entertainment are planned from the following New York City night clubs and hotels: The Paramount Hotel, Yoeng's Restaurant,the Ambassador and the Roosevelt, the Silver Slipper, the Commodore, the Club Plaza and the Cotton Club, in the order named. The orchestras at each of these places will present fifteen minutes of entertainment, beginning at 10 p.m..."
    • "Columbia to have Gala Broadcasts", Galveston Daily News 1929-12-29
    • "Dance the New Year In With These Leading Orchestras" Decatur Herald, 1929-12-31, p4
    ...djpadded 2013-01-30



    Back to Navigation List

    1930


    Date of event Ending date
    (if different)
    City/
    Other place
    Venue Event/People Primary Reference New
    Desor
    reference
    DEMS
    reference
    Other
    references
    Contact
    person
    Date added
    / updated

    January 1930

    1930 01 01
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 02
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 03
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 04
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 05
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 06.New York, N.Y.Audubon TheatreStage showStratemann
    p.25, citing Billboard 1930-01-18 p.17
    ....2011
    1930 01 06
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 07
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 08
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 09
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 10
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 11
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 12
    Sunday
    1930 01 17
    Friday
    New York, N.Y.Crotona Theatre...Vail.2011
    1930 01 12
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 13
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Crotona Theatre...Vail.2011
    1930 01 13
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 14
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Crotona Theatre...Vail.2011
    1930 01 14
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 15
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Crotona Theatre...Vail.2011
    1930 01 15
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 16
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Crotona TheatreStage show which included a singer and a dancer from the Cotton Club revueStratemann
    p.25, citing Billboard 1930-01-25 p19
    ....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1930 01 16
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 17
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Crotona Theatre...Vail.2011
    1930 01 17
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 18
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 191930 01 24New York, N.Y.Metropolitan TheaterTheatre engagement, Duke Ellington & Cotton Club Orch.Ad, Brooklyn Daily Eagle,1930-01-24..Vaildjp2011
    added 2011
    updated 2012-09-03
    1930 01 19
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 201930 01 29New York, N.Y.(Rec Date Corr ?)...03,1-13
    02,2-21
    02,1-18
    98,2-15
    89,2-8
    80,4-6
    Timner corrections .2011
    1930 01 20
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 21
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 22
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 23
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 24
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 25
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 26
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 27
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 28
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 29
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 30
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 31
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 01 29.New York, N.Y.Plaza recording session114 East 32nd Street.DE300109,3-4
    09,2-4
    ..2011

    February 1930

    1930 02 01
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 02
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 03
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 04
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 05
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 06
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 07
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 08
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 09
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 10
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 11
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 12
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 13
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 14
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 15
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 16
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 17
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 18
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 19
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 20
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 21.New York, N.Y.Brunswick Studio..DE300203,3-9&
    02,1-18& 98,2-15
    84,1-2
    82,5-5
    ..2011
    1930 02 21
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 22
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 23
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 24
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 25
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 26
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 27
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 02 28
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011

    March 1930

    1930 03 00.New York, N.Y..Durium recording session

    Appearing as Harlem Hot Chocolates, sometime this month Ellington's band recorded Sing You Sinners and St. James' Infirmary for Durium's cardboard "Hit of the Week" series of records sold at newstands.
    .DE300300,3-25
    00,2-19
    98,2-15
    88,1-1
    .djp added 2011
    updated 2012-01-29
    1930 03 01
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBlackberries - see 1929 09 29.....2011
    1930 03 02
    Sunday
    1930 06 00New York, N.Y.Cotton Club“Blackberries of 1930” revue
    Opening night, "after theatre"
    two distinct shows nightly, 12:15 and 2:00 am

    Ellington played other engagements during this show's run.
    Playbill announcing the opening - Stratemann
    p.27
    Programme - Stratemann
    p.691
    ...djp added 2011
    updated 2012-08-19
    1930 03 03
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 04
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 05
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 06
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 07
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 08
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 09
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 10
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 11
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 12
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Savoy BallroomSavoy's 4th Anniversary party ...Vail
    Stratemann
    p.26 citing NYA 1930-03-15
    djp added 2011
    updated 2012-01-29
    1930 03 12
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 13
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 14
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 15
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 16
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 17
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 18
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 19
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 20
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 21
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 22
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Rockland PalaceHarlem Revels Solidarity Ball...Vail
    Stratemann
    p.26 citing AN 12.3.30
    djp added 2011
    updated 2012-01-29
    1930 03 22
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 23
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 24
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 25
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 26
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 27
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 28
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 29
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011
    1930 03 30
    Sunday
    1930 04 13
    Sunday
    New York, N.Y.Fulton Theatre
    46th St., west of Broadway
    Stage show (described in DEMS 02/3 DEMS 17/1

    "Maurice Chevalier in person
    2 Weeks Only
    ...An informal, intimate entertainment in which he will sing his songs in French and in English
    --Accompanied by--
    Duke Ellington & His Cotton Club Orchestra
    Eves. inc. Sundays at 9. Mats. Wed.& Sat. 2 (illegible)"
    Stratemann reports Ellington's group played the 50 minutes and then moved to the pit, to accompany Chevalier for the second half.
    Ad, New York Evening Post 1930-04-04.02,3-17
    89,2-8
    MIMM p.132 photo
    Stratemann
    p.26
    Hasse p.127 photo
    Vail I p.32 photo
    djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-08-19
    1930 03 30
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubsee 1930 03 01.....2011

    April 1930

    1930 04 01
    Tuesday
    ongoing New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing) ..... 2011
    1930 04 02
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 03.New York, N.Y.1819 BroadwayColumbia recording session
    "Mills Ten Blackberries"
    Whetsel, Williams, Jenkins, Nanton, Tizol, Bigard, Hodges, Carney, Ellington, Guy, Braud, Greer


    Titles recorded:
    • The Mooche
    • Ragamuffin Romeo
    • East St. Louis Toodle-O
    .DE300504,1-8
    02,1-18
    99,1-13
    82,1-6
    81,5-2
    Timner corrections .added 2011

    updated 2012-09-20
    1930 04 03
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 04
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 05
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 06
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 07
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 08
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 09
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 10
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 11
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.44th Street StudioRCA-Victor recording session
    Duke Ellington and His Cotton Club Orchestra
    Whetsel, Williams, Nanton, Tizol, Bigard, Hodges, Carney, Ellington, Guy, Braud, Greer, and Frank Marvin(vocal)


    Titles recorded:
    • Double Check Stomp
    • My Gal Is Good For Nothing But Love
    • I Was Made To Love You
    .DE300699,1-13The Dooji Collection.added 2011

    updated 2012-09-20
    1930 04 11
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 12
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 13
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 14
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 15
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 16
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 17
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 18
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 19
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 20
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 21
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 22
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Brunswick StudioBrunswick recording session
    The Jungle Band

    Whetsel, Williams, Jenkins, Nanton, Tizol, Bigard, Hodges, Carney, Ellington, Guy, Braud, Greer, Cornell Smelser (as Joe Cornell)(accordion) and Dick Robertson(vocal)


    Titles recorded:
    • Double Check Stomp
    • Accordion Joe
    • Cotton Club Stomp
    .DE3007 07,3-23+24
    07,1-15
    06,3-19
    05,3-59
    99,1-13
    98,2-18
    97,1-11
    90,4-5
    84,3-8
    83,4-1
    83,3-3
    83,2-3
    The Dooji Collection.added 2011

    updated 2012-09-20
    1930 04 22
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 23
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 24
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 25
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 26
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 27
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 28
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 29
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....
    1930 04 30
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club(ongoing).....

    May 1930

    1930 05 00...Peripheral event
    The Charleston Gazette, May 4, 1930, reported

    'Irving Mills, czar of Harlem's musicians, owns the "Duke Ellington Negro" band and controls almost all the orchestras playing in Harlem's night clubs. Now he is combining them into one big organization of "Duke Ellington Units." '
    .djp
    Added 2012-09-05
    1930 05 00.New York, N.Y.381 Edgecombe AvenuePeripheral event
    Ellington moved to a three bedroom apartment on Sugar Hill, living with Mildred Dixon. Duke's parents, sister and son move in with them.
    Vail, Vol.I.djp
    Added 2012-09-05
    1930 05 01
    Thursday
    1930 05 31New York, N.Y.Cotton Club......2011
    1930 05 02
    Friday
    .Princeton, N.J.Princeton UniversityOne-nighter before Cotton Club...Vail I .added 2011

    updated 2012-12-29
    1930 05 02
    Friday
    1930 05 31New York, N.Y.Cotton Club......2011 2012-12-29
    1930 05 03
    Saturday
    1930 05 09
    Friday
    New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatre,
    132nd St. & 7th Ave.
    Harlem
    One week theater engagement
    Last Performance Friday, Midnight
    "Duke Ellington and His Famous Band in Clarence Robinson's Pepper Pot Revue with a cast of 35.

    Also 'Cohens and Kellys in Scotland' With George Sidney and Charlie Murray"
    "At The Lafayette Theatre
    The Lafayette Theatre is outdoing itself at this season of the year in presenting a series of extraordinary shows. Duke Ellington,famous bandleader,is holding forth at The Lafayette this week...

    Clarence Robinson has built a snappy revue around Duke Ellington and his band. It is called the "Pepper-pot Revue" and included in the cast the following well known performers:Eddie Green,Ted Blackman,Celeste Coles, John LaRue,Cora LaRed,Henry Wessels and Mildred Dixon. The photoplay feature is..."
    New York Age, 1930-05-10, p6..Vail I .added 2011

    updated 2012-09-11
    1930 05 03
    Saturday
    1930 05 31New York, N.Y.Cotton Club......2011 2012-12-29
    1930 05 09
    Friday
    .Providence, R.I.Univ New Gymnasium....M.Graff prev oct11 x2.2011
    1930 05 12
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Bubber Miley recording session... 06,1-29.S.Hoefsmit (06,1-29)2011
    1930 05 14
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Savoy Ballroom......2011
    1930 05 16
    Friday
    ...Bubber Miley Rec Date “Without You Emaline”..05,3-49..2011
    1930 05 16
    Friday
    1930 05 29
    Thursday
    New York, N.Y.Palace Theatre
    Times Square
    35 minute stage show
    one week booking extended to two weeks.

    (doubling CottonClub)
    Stratemann, p.26 citing Variety 1930-05-21p35 and Billboard 1930-05-24p16...djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-11

    June 1930

    1930 06 011930 06 12New York, N.Y.Cotton Club......2011
    1930 06 04.New York, N.Y.46th Street StudioDE3008..99,1-13
    91,4-5
    ..2011
    1930 06 12.New York, N.Y.1819 Broadway...DE300910,3-24
    04,1-8
    99,1-13
    90,2-7
    90,1-7
    89,4-2
    89,3-8
    .2011
    1930 06 16.Baltimore, Md.Wonderland......2011
    1930 06 19
    Thursday
    .Mahanoy City, Penn.Lakewood"Thursday Dance."ad, Mt. Carmel Index, 1930-06-19, p10...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-12
    1930 06 21
    Saturday
    .Lancaster, Penn.Rocky Springs Park"Music Starts at 8 o'clock."ad, p2, Reading Eagle, 19300615...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-12
    1930 06 231930 06 29Philadelphia, Penn.Pearl Th......2011
    1930 06 30.Waltham, Mass.Nuttings-On-The-Charles
    (a.k.a Nuttings Dance Hall)
    Prospect St. at the Charles River
    ......2011

    July 1930

    1930 07 01
    Tuesday
    .Old Orchard Beach, MaineOcean Pier"Dance O'er the Waves."ad, Portland Press Herald, 1930-07-01, p4...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-12
    1930 07 03
    Thursday
    .Buzzard’s Bay, Mass.Bournehurst on the Canal(corrected date, previously reported as July 2)ad, Boston Post, 3Jul30, p18.05,1-7.KenSteineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-17
    1930 07 05
    Saturday
    .Boston, Mass.Moseley's.ad, Boston Post, 5Jul30, p4.05,1-7.Ken Steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-17
    1930 07 06
    Sunday
    .Boston, Mass.Metropolitan Thea......2011
    1930 07 09
    Wednesday
    .Johnson CityCFJ Dance Pavilion
    The week of July 6 is slated to be a big one at the C.F.J.dance pavilion in Johnson City, with Duke Ellington and his New York Cotton Club orchestra and Ted Weems both scheduled to appear there during that week. Ellington and his radio negro band come on July 9 and Weems plays the pavilion on July 11.
    Binghamton Press, 1930-06-18..Vail37djp, Steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-03
    1930 07 11
    Friday
    .Pittsburgh, Penn.Pythian Temple
    (likely in the Savoy Ballroom).....2011
    1930 07 12
    Saturday
    .Columbus, Oh..Valley Dale Ballroom"Dancing 9 to 2," with local broadcast over WCAH 10:00 to 10:30 pm.ad, radio listing, Columbus Dispatch, 12Jul30, pp12, 13...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-12
    1930 07 16
    Wednesday
    .Cleveland, Oh.Masonic Temple,
    Euclid St.
    “Wednesday night when Duke Ellington played at the Masonic Temple on Euclid Street, he was greeted by a packed house.”Thelma Louise, “Cleveland Squibs,” Baltimore Afro-American, 1930-07-26, p.18.12/1-20.Steiner
    added 2012-08-19
    1930 07 17
    Thursday
    .Lakeside, MichLuna Pier"Dancing 9 to 1."

    "Duke Ellington and his Cotton Club orchestra, direct from New York's Harlem, will be the single night attraction at Luna Pier, Lakeside, Mich. Thursday. Ellington is on his way to Hollywood to make a talking picture and will stop off at the Pier en route. This is the first time in five years that he has been outside New York City..."

    (Note Toledo is about 180 miles due east of Lakeside.)
    Toledo (Oh.) News-Bee,
    • ad, 1930-07-16,p.4
    • plug, 1930-07-17,p.8


    (I could not locate the ad referred to in DEMS 12/1)
    .12/1-20.K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-09-03,
    Updated 2013-06-15
    1930 07 18
    Friday
    1930 07 24
    Thursday
    Detroit, MichGraystone BallroomThis engagement is only revealed through radio broadcasts. Detroit daily newspapers contained little coverage of popular music and no ads for the Graystone, but radio listings in the Detroit News confirm nightly broadcasts at midnight or 12:30 am. "Duke Ellington and his Cotton Club Orchestra will be heard from WJR, Detroit, at 12:30 a.m., on the regular Graystone program."

    Robert S. Stephan, "Duke Ellington," Cleveland Plain Dealer, 18Jul30, p16...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-12
    1930 07 21
    Monday
    .Detroit, Mich.Graystone Ballroom......2011
    1930 07 24?
    Thursday
    .Lakeside, MichLuna PierPreview....Agustěn Perez Gasco aug112011
    1930 07 25
    Friday
    .Columbus, Oh.Memorial Hall Dance.

    "[T]he famous jazz king entertains members of his own race."
    "Ellington Tickets Selling Well," Columbus Dispatch, 24Jul30, p18A...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-12
    1930 07 26
    Saturday
    1930 07 27
    Sunday
    Chicago, Ill.Savoy Ballroom......2011
    1930 07 28
    Monday
    .Kansas City, MoPaseo Hall"Battle of Bands" versus Geo. E. Leead, Kansas City Call, Home Ed., 25Jul30, p9...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-12
    1930 07 29
    Tuesday
    .St. Louis, Mo.Stars' ParkDance held at this Negro National League baseball stadium
    "The musicians are on a barnstorming tour to Hollywood. St. Louis, Kansas City, and Omaha will hear the boys."
    ad, St. Louis Argus, 25Jul30, p3

    "Chicago Hears Duke Ellington," Chicago Defender, city ed., 2Aug30, p7
    .05,1-7..2011
    1930 07 30
    Wednesday
    .Omaha, NebCity Auditorium."Duke Ellington to Give Concert," Omaha Bee-News, 29Jul30, p12...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-12

    August 1930

    1930 08 011930 08 31Los Angeles, Cal.RKO Studios(1)Filming of Check and Double Check
    (2)Mark Cantor advises two prints of the film were made:
    "to the best of my knowledge, nobody knew of this alternate take until Rick Correll ... decided to restore the film three or so years ago. UCLA called up the negatives at the LoC and two sets arrived. That is when it was discovered that they were two different films. ... The scripts and lines read are basically the same, the camera set-ups similar but sometimes slightly different. The Ellington segment is different both in terms of solos (Freddie Jenkins's is a bit weaker, Carney and Hodges stronger, I think), and the close-ups different. Hodges gets a dandy closeup during his solo....I believe this is the only case of a feature being made with a second parallel version produced at the same time; this is different from the foreign language films made during this period. [It is a] mystery why this was done."
    (1)Stratemann pp 29-43
    (2)Mark Cantor, emails Dec 2012.
    DE301009,3-4
    09,2-4
    09,1-12
    07,3-27
    07,2-5
    04,2-32+51
    04,1-4+31
    99,5-22
    Stratemann 29 & MIMM79photo Vail38photos .added 2011

    updated 2012-12-11
    1930 08 20.Los Angeles, Cal.Hollywood Studio..DE301102,2-28
    02,1-18+24
    00,2-15
    98,1-17
    97,2-7
    85,2-4
    83,4-1
    Timner corrections .2011
    1930 08 21.Los Angeles, Cal.Cocoanut Grove...04,3-8..2011
    1930 08 24
    Sunday
    .Los Angeles, CalGeorge Olsen's Club"Guest orchestra.""Duke Ellington to Appear at Olsen's," Los Angeles Times, 23Aug30, pA7...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-12
    1930 08 26.Los Angeles, Cal.Hollywood Studio..DE301202,1-18
    98,4-14
    98,1-17
    89,4-2
    89,3-8
    85,2-4
    84,1-3
    83,4-1
    Timner corrections .2011
    1930 08 29.Los Angeles, Cal.Shrine Auditorium......2011

    September 1930

    1930 09 06
    Saturday
    1930 09 12New York, N.Y.Keith's Palace TheatreStage show
    (1)"Big stars and little stars are romping all over the stage at Keith's Palace on the new bill that opened there today. Lou Holts ...Irene Bordoni..., the beauteous and bewitching, pert in mannerisms and saucy in song, is another headliner. Fred Keating ,suave humorist-magician, who recently concluded a revue engagement, is on hand with a lot of new tricks. He's also acting as master of ceremonies. Duke Ellington and his Cotton Club Orchestra,just back from R.-K.-O radio studios on the West Coast,... are also in the big star class on this bill. The little stars are to be found in "The Tiny Town" revue, Buster Shaver's presentation with a company of Lilliputians. Britt Wood,harmonicist, and Carry and Eddy,dancers, are also on the bill."

    (2)"Duke Ellington and his orchestra are back from their jaunt to the land flowing with milk and honey —for some — California. Duke and his musicians have completed a talkie there, and with their manager it is told, each and every one of them has returned with a pot of gold for their labor in recording the picture. Amounts quoted may seem far-fetched, but when we remember this is a sterling band, with unusual qualifications with a business manager who knows the game it would not be surprising that the thousands talked about as being received individually by the manager and musician is real fact.

    ...it tends to show what an organization that works conscientiously can accomplish.

    Duke and his musicians are headlining this week at the Palace Theatre on Broadway..."
    • (1)Plug "Vaudeville Events" - New York Sun, 1930-09-06. p6
    • (2)New York Age, 1930-09-13 p.6
    ....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-14
    1930 09 07
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Keith's Palace TheatreStage show - see 1930 09 06.....2011
    1930 09 08
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Keith's Palace TheatreStage show - see 1930 09 06.....2011
    1930 09 09
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Keith's Palace TheatreStage show - see 1930 09 06.....2011
    1930 09 10
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Keith's Palace TheatreStage show - see 1930 09 06.....2011
    1930 09 11
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Keith's Palace TheatreStage show - see 1930 09 06.....2011
    1930 09 12
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Keith's Palace TheatreStage show - see 1930 09 06.....2011
    1930 09 12
    Friday
    ...Peripheral event
    "Appearing Nightly

    The first advertisement for Ellington's return to the Cotton Club for the fall
    Ad, New York Daily Mirror 1930-09-12

    DEMS 12/1-20
    K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-09-20
    1930 09 14...Birth of trumpeter Bill Berry.djp
    Added 2012 10 10
    1930 09 141930 09 30New York, N.Y.Cotton Club (Return)......2011
    1930 09 28New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubNew Revue: “Brown Sugar”...Stratemann 692.2011
    1930 09 28New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubNBC Red + NBC Blue network broadcasts..09,1-18
    08,3-11
    .(credit KenSteiner as all 08,3-11 entries)2011
    1930 09 29.New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcasts
    “Sept 1930–Feb 1931,
    Feb 1932,
    Mar-May 1933:

    Ellington’s switch to WJZ and WEAF, flagship stations of NBC’s two networks, the Blue and Red respectively, meant that the orchestra’s music was heard over more stations, with greater coverage and more prestige.”
    Per "COTTON CLUB BROADCASTS ON NBC" by Ken Steiner in DEMS 08/3-11, NBC log books at the Library of Congress show the song titles for Ellington’s 1930-31, 1932, & 1933 Cotton Club broadcasts. His search of "NBC Master Books located 51 Ellington broadcasts from 1930-09-29 to 1931-02-03. He found log books for 27 of these programs, with “Corrected Traffic Sheets” for each program listing song titles and other details. .08,3-11“Corrected Traffic Sheets,” NBC-Master Books at Library of CongressKenSteineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-22
    1930 09 30.New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcast..08,3-11Corrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29KenSteiner2011

    October 1930

    1930 10 01
    Wednesday
    1930 10 31New York, N.Y.Cotton Club......2011
    1930 10 02
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcast..08,3-11Corrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29KenSteiner2011
    1930 10 02
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.RCA Studio #4DE3013.....2011
    1930 10 06
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcast..08,3-11Corrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29KenSteiner2011
    1930 10 07
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcast..08,3-11Corrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29KenSteiner2011
    1930 10 09
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcast..08,3-11Corrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29KenSteiner2011
    1930 10 12
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Broadhurst Theatre...00,4-18..2011
    1930 10 13
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcast..08,3-11Corrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29KenSteiner2011
    1930 10 14
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y..Okeh recording session,.DE301410,1-16
    06,2-52
    04,1-8
    02,1-18
    01,3-13
    01,2-18
    00,4-18
    Timner corrections .2011
    1930 10 14.New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcast..08,3-11Corrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29KenSteiner2011
    1930 10 16
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Roseland Ballroom,
    Broadway & 51st
    ......2011
    1930 10 16
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcast..08,3-11Corrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29KenSteiner2011
    1930 10 17
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Brunswick Studio..DE301500,4-18
    90,4-5
    89,1-9
    Timner corrections .2011
    1930 10 20
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcast..08,3-11Corrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29KenSteiner2011
    1930 10 23
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcast..08,3-11Corrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29KenSteiner2011
    1930 10 24
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Roxy Theatre ??"RKO Theatre Of The Air"
    NBC/WEAF-Broadcast

    "Amos 'n' Andy...will be RKO radio guest artists for a half hour, Friday night, when...they appear on the RKO radio program over the NBC network at 9:30 p.m. C.S.T.

    "The occasion is the simultaneous release throughout America on that night and the following day of Amos'N'Andy's first talking picture "Check and Double Check" in 300 key cities. The radio program will be divided in two parts with Amos'n'Andy appearing in a sketch in the first and then making a distinct departure in part by appear- (sic) before the microphone for the first time as Freeman F. Gosden and Charles J.Correll, in person, and telling of the adventures of Amos'n'Andy in Hollywood.

    "On the program with Amos'n'Andy, who will broadcast from Chicago, will be Duke Ellington and His Cotton Club orchestra, the band which appears with Amos'n'Andy in their picture."
    Programme per Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 1930-10-24:
    "RKO Theater of the Air, film, vaudeville and radio stars; Amos'n'Andy, blackface comedians; guest artist; Duke Ellington and his Cotton Club Orch. Edward Thorgersen, announcer.
    • Opening Signature
    • Introductory announcement.
    • RingDemBells, Duke Ellington's Orch.
    • Amos 'n' Andy.
    • Three Little Words, Duke Ellington.
    • Announcement.
    • Nobody Knows but the Lord, I' m So In Love With You, Duke Ellington's Orch.
    • Amos'n 'Andy.
    • Announcement
    • Medley of selections on the program. RKO-lians and RKO Quartet.
    • Closing announcement"

    The broadcast location is unconfirmed.
    The Madison, Wisc. Capital Times, 1930-10-22, p.13.09,1-18
    08,3-11-->
    Vaildjpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-10
    1930 10 27
    Monday
    New York City, N.Y.Brunswick Studio...DE3016
    97,1-11..2011
    1930 10 27
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcast..08,3-11Corrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29KenSteiner2011
    1930 10 28
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcast..08,3-11Corrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29KenSteiner2011
    1930 10 29
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club.....
    added 2012-09-22
    1930 10 30
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Okeh recording session..DE301710,1-16
    06,2-52
    04,1-8
    01,3-13
    98,4-7
    97,2-20
    89,3-8
    88,1-1
    83,2-6
    83,1-4
    79,2-1
    Timner corrections .2011
    1930 10 30
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11.KenSteiner2011
    1930 10 31
    Friday
    1930 11 20?New York, N.Y.Paramount TheatreStage show with other acts
    Maurice Chevalier film, Playboy of Paris

    The New York Times reported Ellington's was the first black orchestra to play the theatre.

    The booking appears to have been for two weeks (i.e., ending Nov 13) but on Nov.15, the New York Age, reported Ellington's band was held over for another week.
    1. Stratemann
    p.45, citing New York Times, 1930-11-07, p.33

    2.New York Age, 1930-11-15, p.6
    ...djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-04

    November 1930

    1930 11 01
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Paramount TheatreStage show - see 1930-10-31....djpadded 2011
    updated 2012-09-04
    1930 11 01
    Saturday
    1930 11 28New York, N.Y.Cotton Club......2011
    1930 11 02
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Paramount TheatreStage show - see 1930-10-31....djpadded 2011
    updated 2012-09-04
    1930 11 03
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Paramount TheatreStage show - see 1930-10-31....djpadded 2011
    updated 2012-09-04
    1930 11 03.New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11.KenSteiner2011
    1930 11 04
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Paramount TheatreStage show - see 1930-10-31....djpadded 2011
    updated 2012-09-04
    1930 11 04.New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11.KenSteiner2011
    1930 11 05
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Paramount TheatreStage show - see 1930-10-31....djpadded 2011
    updated 2012-09-04
    1930 11 06
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Paramount TheatreStage show - see 1930-10-31....djpadded 2011
    updated 2012-09-04
    1930 11 06.New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11.KenSteiner2011
    1930 11 07
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Paramount TheatreStage show - see 1930-10-31....djpadded 2011
    updated 2012-09-04
    1930 11 08
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Paramount TheatreStage show - see 1930-10-31....djpadded 2011
    updated 2012-09-04
    1930 11 08.New York, N.Y.Okeh recording session..DE301802,1-25
    01,2-18+25
    99,5-25
    ..2011
    1930 11 09
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Paramount TheatreStage show - see 1930-10-31....djpadded 2011
    updated 2012-09-04
    1930 11 10
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Paramount TheatreStage show - see 1930-10-31....djpadded 2011
    updated 2012-09-04
    1930 11 10.New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11.KenSteiner2011
    1930 11 11
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Paramount TheatreStage show - see 1930-10-31....djpadded 2011
    updated 2012-09-04
    1930 11 11.New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11.KenSteiner2011
    1930 11 12
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Paramount TheatreStage show - see 1930-10-31....djpadded 2011
    updated 2012-09-04
    1930 11 13
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Paramount TheatreStage show - see 1930-10-31....djpadded 2011
    updated 2012-09-04
    1930 11 13.New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11.KenSteiner2011
    1930 11 14
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Paramount TheatreStage show - see 1930-10-31....djpadded 2011
    updated 2012-09-04
    1930 11 15
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Paramount TheatreStage show - see 1930-10-31....djpadded 2011
    updated 2012-09-04
    1930 11 16
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Paramount TheatreStage show - see 1930-10-31....djpadded 2011
    updated 2012-09-04
    1930 11 17
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Paramount TheatreStage show - see 1930-10-31....djpadded 2011
    updated 2012-09-04
    1930 11 17.New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11.KenSteiner2011
    1930 11 18
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Paramount TheatreStage show - see 1930-10-31....djpadded 2011
    updated 2012-09-04
    1930 11 18.New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11.KenSteiner2011
    1930 11 19
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Paramount TheatreStage show - see 1930-10-31....djpadded 2011
    updated 2012-09-04
    1930 11 20
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Paramount Theatre
    Stage show - see 1930-10-31
    This is likely the last day of the extended engagement but I have not confirmed it yet.
    ....djpadded 2011
    updated 2012-09-04
    1930 11 20.New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11.KenSteiner2011
    1930 11 21.New York, N.Y.RCA Studio #1..DE301902,1-18
    01,2-25
    99,5-25
    97,3-10
    97,2-7
    90,2-6
    90,1-4
    89,3-8
    Timner corrections .2011
    1930 11 24.New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11.KenSteiner2011
    1930 11 25.New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11.KenSteiner2011
    1930 11 26.New York, N.Y.RCA Studio #2..DE302005,3-56
    01,2-25
    ..2011
    1930 11 27.New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11.KenSteiner2011
    1930 11 29
    Saturday
    1930 12 05New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatre,
    132nd St. & 7th Ave.
    Harlem
    “Double Check Revue”
    1. "Fresh (from) their triumphs in Hollywood, Duke Ellington and his marvelous orchestra will appear at the Lafayette Theatre next week as the headline attraction of Leonard Harper's newest revue. The revue in which Duke Ellington's Band will take part will be a very fitting vehicle for them. Leonard Harper has been hard at work for the last four weeks training his beautiful chorus and specialty dancers and setting singers,soloists and dramatic artists into their parts in his revue, which will be entitled "Double Check Revue."

    "Eddie Lemons, the well-known comedian and producer, is assisting Harper in staging the comedy element in the show and will himself do the main comedy work. The Bon Bon Buddies, Pee Wee and Joie, the Three Sepia Songbirds, Harold Doyle, and Hartel Collins, are also in the cast. Hal Bakay will assist in the fun by conducting part of the show -as a Master of Ceremonies."
    2. "Unprecedented audiences are attending the Lafayette Theatre this week, to acclaim Duke Ellington and his incomparable band.

    "And the wonder of it is that Ellington's Band is only a part of this week's great stage and screen show at the Lafayette Theatre. The audience is also being treated to Leonard Harper's newest creation - "The Double Check Revue" and Al Jolson's newest Vitaphone masterpiece, "Big Boy."

    "It would seem superfluous to urge our readers to go to the Lafayette Theatre at least once this week."

    While Stratemann (p.45) says the show ran until Dec.6, the display ad in the New York Age, Dec.6 edition, says "THIS WEEK - Last Big Show - FRIDAY MIDNIGHT" and announces another show "NEXT WEEK - Beginning SATURDAY DEC. 6"

    Since the paper was a weekly that probably hit the newstands two or three days before its official date, it is reasonable to assume Ellington's engagement ended in the early morning hours of Dec. 6.
    1. New York Age, 1930-11-29, p.6
    2. New York Age, 1930-12-08,p.6
    ...djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-10
    1930 11 30
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette TheatreStage show - engagement began 1930-11-29.....2011

    December 1930

    1930 12 01
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette TheatreStage show - engagement began 1930-11-29.....2011
    1930 12 01.New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1930 12 02.New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1930 12 02
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette TheatreStage show - engagement began 1930-11-29.....2011
    1930 12 03
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette TheatreStage show - engagement began 1930-11-29.....2011
    1930 12 04
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette TheatreStage show - engagement began 1930-11-29.....2011
    1930 12 04.New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1930 12 05
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette TheatreStage show - engagement began 1930-11-29While Stratemann
    p.45 says the show ran until Dec.6, the display ad in the New York Age, Dec.6 edition, says "THIS WEEK - Last Big Show - FRIDAY MIDNIGHT" and announces another show "NEXT WEEK - Beginning SATURDAY DEC. 6"
    .
    ....2011
    1930 12 07
    Sunday
    (evening)
    .New York, N.Y.Waldorf TheatreNAACP benefit
    "Numerous Broadway stars, white and colored, will appear tomorrow night at the benefit..."
    New York Age, 1930-12-06

    Stratemann, p.45, citing AN 1930-12-03 p.9
    ....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-14
    1930 12 08
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1930 12 09
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1930 12 10
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.RCA Studio #2..DE302101,2-25
    93,2-3
    Timner corrections .2011
    1930 12 11
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1930 12 13
    Saturday
    1930 12 17New York, N.Y.Douglas Theatre......2011
    1930 12 16
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1930 12 17
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Roseland Ballroom,
    Broadway & 51st
    ......2011
    1930 12 18
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y..Brunswick recording session
    Bill “Bojangles”.Robinson + HotsyTotsyGang
    ..09,3-24..2011
    1930 12 18
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1930 12 22
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1930 12 23
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1930 12 25
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1930 12 28
    Sunday evening
    .Ossining, N.Y.Sing Sing prisonAbout 100 performers led by Bill (Bojangles) Robinson entertained the prisoners in Sing Sing prison. The group included the entire cast of 'Brown Buddies' which starred Bojangles, Ellington and his band from the Cotton Club, and other entertainers from the Cotton Club and Small's Paradise Club."Negro Performers Entertain At Sing Sing Prison"New York Age, 1931-01-08...djp
    added 2012-09-04
    1930 12 29
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1930 12 30
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011



    Back to Navigation List

    1931


    Date of event Ending date
    (if different)
    City/
    Other place
    Venue Event/People Primary Reference New
    Desor
    reference
    DEMS
    reference
    Other
    references
    Contact
    person
    Date added
    / updated

    January 1931

    1931 01 011931 01 31New York, N.Y.Cotton Club......2011
    1931 01 01.New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1931 01 05.New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1931 01 06
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1931 01 08
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y..Okeh recording session.DE3018
    06,2-52
    04,1-8
    02,1-25
    02,1-5+18
    01,3-13
    01,2-18+25
    97,3-10
    89,3-8
    83,1-4
    Timner corrections .2011
    1931 01 08
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1931 01 10
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Plaza/ARC recording session114 E. 32nd St..DE310109,3-4
    09,2-4
    03,1-13
    97,3-10
    93,2-3
    90,1-4
    83,4-3
    Timner corrections .2011
    1931 01 12
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Brunswick Studio...00,3-22..2011
    1931 01 12
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1931 01 13
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1931 01 14
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Brunswick Studio..DE310205,3-59
    00,3-22
    00,2-18
    00,1-24
    98,4-14
    ..2011
    1931 01 15
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1931 01 16
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.RCA Studio #2DE3103.02,2-28
    02,1-24
    99,4-9
    97,3-10
    Timner corrections ..2011
    1931 01 19
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1931 01 20
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Brunswick StudioDE3104.05,3-59
    02,2-28
    02,1-24
    97,1-11
    85,2-4
    ...2011
    1931 01 20
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1931 01 21
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Rockland PalaceChick Bullock voc.97,3-10Vail..2011
    1931 01 22
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1931 01 23
    Friday
    1931 01 31
    Saturday
    Brooklyn, N.Y.Paramount Theater......2011
    1931 01 27
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1931 01 29
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011

    February 1931

    1931 02 01
    Sunday
    1931 02 05Brooklyn, N.Y.Paramount TheatreStage show.....2011
    1931 02 02
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1931 02 03
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Club30 minute broadcastCorrected Traffic Sheets - see 1930 09 29.08,3-11
    09,1-18
    .KenSteiner2011
    1931 02 03
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubLast night of engagement...Vail.2011
    1931 02 04
    Wednesday
    ...Peripheral event
    Cab Calloway and his orchestra became the Cotton Club house band while Ellington and his orchestra began an 18-week "limited tour of Paramount-Publix most important theatres"
    Stratemann
    pp.45-46
    djp
    Added 2012-09-20
    1931 02 05
    Thursday
    1931 02 11
    Wednesday
    Boston, Mass.Metropolitan TheatreStage show

    First engagement of the 18 week Publix theatre chain tour.

    In DEMS 05/1-7, Ken Steiner wrote that a dance at the Hotel New Yorker announced in Variety 1930-12-24 is unlikely to have occurred on this date, if at all, because the band was working in Boston.

    Stratemann, p.47, reports the dates as Feb 6 to 12; Mr. Steiner's research determined the dates were Feb. 5 to 11.
    daily ads, Boston Post, 1931-02-05 to -12.05,1-7.K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-12
    1931 02 06
    Friday
    Boston, Mass.Metropolitan Theatersee 1931 02 05.....
    Added 2012-01-12
    1931 02 07
    Saturday
    Boston, Mass.Metropolitan Theatersee 1931 02 05.....
    Added 2012-01-12
    1931 02 08
    Sunday
    Boston, Mass.Metropolitan Theatersee 1931 02 05.....
    Added 2012-01-12
    1931 02 09
    Monday
    Boston, Mass.Metropolitan Theatersee 1931 02 05.....
    Added 2012-01-12
    1931 02 09
    Monday
    .Boston, Mass.Ambassador Palace
    Berkeley St. & Warren Ave.
    "Duke Ellington and his orchestra and Charlie Johnson and his Victor Recording orchestra from Small’s Paradise, New York, drew the largest throng of both races ever gathered in this city when they played at the Ambassador palace, Berkeley St. and Warren Ave.""Boston Turns Out to Greet Duke, Charlie," Chicago Defender, city ed., 14Feb31, p6.05,1-7.Steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 02 10
    Tuesday
    Boston, Mass.Metropolitan Theatersee 1931 02 05.....
    Added 2012-01-12
    1931 02 11
    Wednesday
    Boston, Mass.Metropolitan Theatersee 1931 02 05.....
    Added 2012-01-12
    1931 02 11
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hotel New Yorker
    Stratemann reports the band may have returned to New York briefly for a dance engagement but gives no supporting data.

    This appears to be the event discussed by Steiner (see 1931 02 05 entry above) and probably did not occur. It seems likely the plans changed when the Publix tour was booked in the last six weeks of the Cotton Club residency.
    Stratemann p.47..djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-20
    1931 02 13
    Friday
    1931 02 19
    Thursday
    Chicago, Ill.Oriental TheaterStage show
    Vocalist Ivie Anderson’s debut with Ellington
    "In addition to her great singing, Ivie was also considered a good-luck charm. We opened at the Oriental Theater on Friday, February 13, 1931, and we broke the all-time house record. We returned to the Oriental on Friday, March 13, 1931, and broke that record, too." - Ellington
    MIMM, p.124.01,2-15..added 2011

    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 02 14
    Saturday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theatersee 1931 02 13.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 02 15
    Sunday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theatersee 1931 02 13.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 02 16
    Monday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theatersee 1931 02 13.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 02 17
    Tuesday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theatersee 1931 02 13.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 02 18
    Wednesday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theatersee 1931 02 13.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 02 19
    Thursday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theatersee 1931 02 13.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 02 20
    Friday
    1931 02 26
    Thursday
    Chicago, Ill.Regal TheatreStage show, with Ivie Anderson, a group called Ford Marshall and Jones, and the Regalettes
    Plug, Chicago Defender (national edition) 1931-03-07 p.5...Nick Fernandesadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 02 21
    Saturday
    .Chicago, Ill.Regal Theatresee 1931 02 20.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 02 22
    Sunday
    .Chicago, Ill.Regal Theatresee 1931 02 20.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 02 23
    Monday
    .Chicago, Ill.Regal Theatresee 1931 02 20.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 02 24
    Tuesday
    .Chicago, Ill.Regal Theatresee 1931 02 20.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 02 25
    Wednesday
    .Chicago, Ill.Regal Theatresee 1931 02 20.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 02 26
    Thursday
    .Chicago, Ill.Regal Theatresee 1931 02 20.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 02 27
    Friday
    1931 03 05Chicago, Ill.Uptown TheatreStage show, with Ivie Anderson, the Four Blazes and the Regalettes
    Third week of 18 week contract with Publix theater chain

    (Ending date previously reported as Mar.4)
    The March 7 national edition of the Chicago Defender announced Ellington's arrival at the Uptown, and said "he will play the Paradise, Tivoli and Fisher, Detroit, before returning east of a call at the Paramount, Brooklyn."
    Ads, Chicago Herald and Examiner, 27Feb-5Mar31

    Plug, Chicago Defender (national edition) 1931-03-07 p.5
    .05,1-7.Ken Steiner, Nick Fernandesadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 02 28
    Saturday
    .Chicago, Ill.Uptown TheatreStage show - see 1931 02 27.....added 2011
    updated 2012-09-17

    March 1931

    1931 03 01
    Sunday
    .Chicago, Ill.Uptown TheatreStage show - see 1931 02 27.....added 2011
    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 03 02
    Monday
    .Chicago, Ill.Uptown TheatreStage show - see 1931 02 27.....added 2011
    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 03 03
    Tuesday
    .Chicago, Ill.Uptown TheatreStage show - see 1931 02 27.....added 2011
    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 03 04
    Wednesday
    .Chicago, Ill.Uptown TheatreStage show - see 1931 02 27.....added 2011
    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 03 05
    Thursday
    .Chicago, Ill.Uptown TheatreStage show - see 1931 02 27.....added 2011
    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 03 06
    Friday
    1931 03 12
    Thursday
    Chicago, Ill.Paradise TheaterStage showCorrected dates (not Mar 5 to 11) from ads, Chicago Herald and Examiner, 5-12 Mar31)

    Plug, Chicago Defender (national edition) 1931-03-07 p.5
    .05,1-7..added 2011

    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 03 07
    Saturday
    .Chicago, Ill.Paradise TheaterStage show - see 1931 03 06.....added 2011
    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 03 08
    Sunday
    .Chicago, Ill.Paradise TheaterStage show - see 1931 03 06.....added 2011
    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 03 09
    Monday
    .Chicago, Ill.Paradise TheaterStage show - see 1931 03 06.....added 2011
    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 03 10
    Tuesday
    .Chicago, Ill.Paradise TheaterStage show - see 1931 03 06.....added 2011
    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 03 11
    Wednesday
    .Chicago, Ill.Paradise TheaterStage show - see 1931 03 06.....added 2011
    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 03 12
    Thursday
    .Chicago, Ill.Paradise TheaterStage show - see 1931 03 06.....added 2011
    updated 2012-09-17
    1931 03 13
    Friday
    1931 03 19
    Thursday
    Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theater(corrected dates)

    "...We returned to the Oriental on Friday, March 13, 1931, and broke that record, too."
    Plug, Chicago Defender (national edition) 1931-03-07 p.5

    ads, Chicago Herald and Examiner, 12-19Mar31

    MIMM p.124
    .05,1-7Hasse photo
    Vail I 49 photo
    .added 2011

    updated 2012-11-29
    1931 03 14
    Saturday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theatersee 1931 03 13......added 2011
    updated 2012-11-29
    1931 03 14...Peripheral event
    The March 14, 1931 edition of The New York Age reported "They broke the attendance records at the Rialto Theatre, Chicago, a few weeks ago and played to turn-away business at the Tivoli, also in Chicago, last week."

    We are so far unable to confirm the Tivoli and Fisher dates.
    ..
    Added 2012-09-17
    1931 03 15
    Sunday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theatersee 1931 03 13......added 2011
    updated 2012-11-29
    1931 03 16
    Monday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theatersee 1931 03 13......added 2011
    updated 2012-11-29
    1931 03 17
    Tuesday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theatersee 1931 03 13......added 2011
    updated 2012-11-29
    1931 03 18
    Wednesday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theatersee 1931 03 13......added 2011
    updated 2012-11-29
    1931 03 18
    Wednesday
    .Chicago, Ill.Savoy Ballroom......2011
    1931 03 19
    Thursday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theatersee 1931 03 13......added 2011
    updated 2012-11-29
    1931 03 20
    Friday
    1931 03 26Detroit, Mich.Michigan Theater......2011
    1931 03 21
    Saturday
    .Detroit, Mich.Michigan Theatersee 1931 03 20.....2011.
    1931 03 22
    Sunday
    .Detroit, Mich.Michigan Theatersee 1931 03 20.....2011.
    1931 03 23
    Monday
    .Detroit, Mich.Michigan Theatersee 1931 03 20.....2011.
    1931 03 24
    Tuesday
    .Detroit, Mich.Michigan Theatersee 1931 03 20.....2011.
    1931 03 25
    Wednesday
    .Detroit, Mich.Michigan Theatersee 1931 03 20.....2011.
    1931 03 26
    Thursday
    .Detroit, Mich.Michigan Theatersee 1931 03 20.....2011.
    1931 03 27
    Friday
    .Waukegan, Ill.Rivoli
    false date
    ....Steiner aug112011
    1931 03 27
    Friday
    1931 03 29Peoria Ill.Palace Theatre.....KenSteiner aug112011
    1931 03 28
    Saturday
    .Joliet, Ill.Rialto TheatreFalse date....Steiner aug112011
    1931 03 28
    Saturday
    .Peoria Ill.Palace Theatresee 1931 03 27.....2011
    1931 03 29
    Sunday
    .Madison, Wisc..False date....Steiner aug112011
    1931 03 29
    Sunday
    .Peoria Ill.Palace Theatresee 1931 03 27.....2011
    1931 03 30
    Monday
    1931 03 01Joliet, Ill.Rialto Theatre.....KenSteiner aug112011

    April 1931

    1931 04 03
    Friday
    1931 04 09OmahaWorld Theatre...02,2-19..2011
    1931 04 09.OmahaFontanelle Hotel....Vail.2011
    1931 04 111931 04 17Minneapolis, Minn........2011
    1931 04 18
    Saturday
    1931 04 21
    Tuesday
    Des Moines, IowaParamount Theatre(corrected closing date)daily ads, Des Moines Tribune...K.Steiner Dec 2012added 2011
    updated 2012-01-12
    1931 04 231931 04 29Denver, Col.Denver Theatre......2011

    May 1931

    1931 05 01
    Friday
    1931 05 07
    Thursday
    Kansas CityNewman The......2011
    1931 05 08
    Friday
    1931 05 14
    Thursday
    St. Louis, Mo.Ambassador Theater...05,1-7..added 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 05 09
    Saturday
    .St. Louis, Mo.Ambassador Theatersee 1931 05 08.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 05 10
    Sunday
    .St. Louis, Mo.Ambassador Theatersee 1931 05 08.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 05 10
    Sunday
    .St. LouisCotton ClubBanquet in honour of the band. "The Duke Himself in Town," St. Louis Argus, 1931-05-08, p.5.05,1-7.Steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 05 11
    Monday
    .St. Louis, Mo.Ambassador Theatersee 1931 05 08.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 05 12
    Tuesday
    .St. Louis, Mo.Ambassador Theatersee 1931 05 08.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 05 12
    Tuesday
    .St. LouisPythian Hall
    & Cotton Club

    3137 & 3133 Pine
    Dance, Duke Ellington and His Cotton Club Orchestra.ad, St. Louis Argus, 1931-05-08, p.3.05,1-7.ken steiner2011added 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 05 13
    Wednesday
    .St. Louis, Mo.Ambassador Theatersee 1931 05 08.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 05 13
    Wednesday
    .St. LouisPeople's Finance AuditoriumDuke and members of his orchestra were "celebrated guests" at a dance. "Duke Ellington Guest at Shriners’ Annual Dance," St. Louis Argus, 15May31, p5.05,1-7.ken steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-18
    1931 05 14
    Thursday
    .St. Louis, Mo.Ambassador Theatersee 1931 05 08.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 05 14
    Thursday
    .St. Louis, Mo.Pythian Hall and Cotton ClubDuke Ellington a "special guest" at performance by the Walter Barnes band.Ad, St. Louis Argus, 1931-05-08, p.3.05,1-7.ken steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 05 --.St. LouisAuditorium,
    Koch Hospital
    At the invitation of a hospital patient, Duke Ellington performed six tunes: Ring Dem Bells, Three Little Words (vocal by Sonny Greer), I’m a Little Blackbird (vocal by Ivie Anderson), When We Get Together (vocal by an otherwise unidentified "Mr. Harris"), Dinah (vocal again by Greer), and St. Louis Blues. "Duke Ellington Stirs Koch Hospital Patients with his Famous Cotton Club Orchestra," St. Louis Argus 1931-05-15, p.3.05,1-7.ken steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-18
    1931 05 15
    Friday
    1931 05 21
    Thursday
    Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theater(1)"Harlem Jazz Kings At Oriental Theatre
    "Great news for everybody! Duke Ellington and his New York Cotton Club Orchestra are coming back to the Oriental Theater for one week engagement Friday May 15. It will positively be his only appearance in Chicago during his tour.


    Ellington promises a complete new program with new haunting tunes, new red hot blues and new sizzling songs. When Duke Ellington and his Orchestra play a popular tune, it's like hearing it for the first time. There is no other band in the world like his.


    Duke will also bring a new group of Harlem entertainers with him. Whirlwind dancers, blues singers, laugh artists and a bevy of gorgeous girls."

    (2)"Included on the program…are The Peanut Vendor, Ol’ Man River, Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone, I’m So In Love With You, Black and Tan Fantasy and Mood Indigo."
    (1)Plug, Chicago Daily Herald 1931-05-15, p.5

    (2)"Ellington and Band Back at the Oriental," Chicago Defender, city edition, 1931-05-16 p.8

    (3)Ads, Chicago Daily Tribune, 1935-05-15 to 21

    .05,1-7.Steineradded 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 05 16
    Saturday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental TheaterSee 1931 05 15.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 05 17
    Sunday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental TheaterSee 1931 05 15

    This date conflicts with an advertised appearance in Albert Lea, Minn.
    .....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 05 17
    Sunday
    .Albert Lea, Minn.New Broadway
    Theater appearance for film "Dude Ranch"

    "Added attractions Duke Ellington and His Cotton Club Band"
    Flip the Frog in "Ragtime Rodeo"
    Evening Tribune, 1931-05-15...djp
    added 2012-09-19
    1931 05 18
    Monday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental TheaterSee 1931 05 15.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 05 19
    Tuesday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental TheaterSee 1931 05 15.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 05 20
    Wednesday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental TheaterSee 1931 05 15.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 05 21
    Thursday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental TheaterSee 1931 05 15.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 05 22
    Friday
    1931 05 28
    Thursday
    Buffalo, N.Y.Shea's Buffalo Theater"Duke Ellington and Band at The Shea Buffalo Theater
    Duke Ellington and his Cotton Club orchestra, 'the hottest band in the world,' will appear, in person at Shea's Buffalo beginning Friday.
    Duke Ellington and his band are making appearances at a few of the larger cities throughout the country, and Michael Shea arranged for their appearance at Shea's Buffalo...
    "'Doctors' Wives,' co-starring Joan Bennett and Warner Baxter, will be the screen presentation..."
    • The Times, Batavia, N.Y. 1931-05-21
    • Erie County Independent, Hamburg, N.Y., 1931-05-21
    ...djp added 2011

    updated 2012-08-19
    1931 05 23
    Saturday
    .Buffalo, N.Y.Shea's Buffalo Theatersee 1931 05 22....djp added 2011

    updated 2012-08-19
    1931 05 24
    Sunday
    .Buffalo, N.Y.Shea's Buffalo Theatersee 1931 05 22....djp added 2011

    updated 2012-08-19
    1931 05 25
    Monday
    .Buffalo, N.Y.Shea's Buffalo Theatersee 1931 05 22....djp added 2011

    updated 2012-08-19
    1931 05 26
    Tuesday
    .Buffalo, N.Y.Shea's Buffalo Theatersee 1931 05 22....djp added 2011

    updated 2012-08-19
    1931 05 27
    Wednesday
    .Buffalo, N.Y.Shea's Buffalo Theatersee 1931 05 22....djp added 2011

    updated 2012-08-19
    1931 05 28
    Thursday
    .Buffalo, N.Y.Shea's Buffalo Theatersee 1931 05 22....djp added 2011

    updated 2012-08-19
    1931 05 29
    Friday
    1931 06 04
    Sunday
    Toronto, Ont.Imperial Theatre....Stratemann, p.48, citing Variety 1931 06 02, p.60..2011
    1931 05 30
    Saturday
    .Toronto, Ont.Imperial Theatresee 1931 05 29.....2011
    1931 05 31
    Sunday
    .Toronto, Ont.Imperial Theatresee 1931 05 29.....2011

    June 1931

    1931 06 01
    Monday
    .Toronto, Ont.Imperial Theatresee 1931 05 29.....2011
    1931 06 02
    Tuesday
    .Toronto, Ont.Imperial Theatresee 1931 05 29.....2011
    1931 06 03
    Wednesday
    .Toronto, Ont.Imperial Theatresee 1931 05 29.....2011
    1931 06 04
    Thursday
    .Toronto, Ont.Imperial Theatresee 1931 05 29.....2011
    1931 06 06
    Saturday
    1931 06 19Philadelphia, Penn.Pearl Theatre"James Furness,...was host to a theatre party at the Pearl Theatre, Philadelphia, Thursday night. They heard Duke Ellington's Cotton Club Orchestra."Chester Times, Chester Penn., 1931-06-17 p.12.05,1-7.djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 06 07
    Sunday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Pearl Theatresee 1931 06 06....djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 06 08
    Monday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Pearl Theatresee 1931 06 06....djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 06 09
    Tuesday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Pearl Theatresee 1931 06 06....djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 06 10
    Wednesday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Pearl Theatresee 1931 06 06....djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 06 11.Camden, N.J.Church Studio #2RCA Victor recording session
    Duke Ellington and his Orchestra
    Whetsel, Williams, Jenkins, Nanton, Tizol, Bigard, Hodges, Carney, Ellington, Guy, Braud, Greer, and Ivie Anderson, vocal

    Titles recorded:
    • Creole Rhapsody, parts 1 and 2

    Note the city centre of Camden is about 5 miles from Philadelphia's city centre.
    .DE310510,1-28
    09,3-4
    09,2-4
    94,1-6
    . djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-20
    1931 06 11
    Thursday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Pearl Theatresee 1931 06 06....djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 06 12
    Friday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Pearl Theatresee 1931 06 06....djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 06 13
    Saturday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Pearl Theatresee 1931 06 06....djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 06 14
    Sunday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Pearl Theatresee 1931 06 06....djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 06 15
    Monday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Pearl Theatresee 1931 06 06....djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 06 16.Camden, N.J.Church Studio #2RCA Victor recording session
    Duke Ellington and his Cotton Club Orchestra
    Whetsel, Williams, Jenkins, Nanton, Tizol, Bigard, Hodges, Carney, Ellington, Guy, Braud, Greer, and Ivie Anderson, vocal

    Titles recorded:
    • Limehouse Blues
    • Echoes of the Jungle
    .DE310610,1-28
    09,3-4
    09,2-4
    94,1-6
    .djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-20
    1931 06 16
    Tuesday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Pearl Theatresee 1931 06 06....djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 06 17.Camden, N.J.Church Studio #2RCA Victor recording session
    Duke Ellington and his Orchestra
    Whetsel, Williams, Jenkins, Nanton, Tizol, Bigard, Hodges, Carney, Ellington, Guy, Braud, Greer, and Ivie Anderson, vocal

    Titles recorded:
    • It's Glory
    • The Mystery Song
    .DE310704,1-22
    02,1-18
    .djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-20
    1931 06 17
    Wednesday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Market ArenaDance
    (1)Blacks weren’t admitted until Sam Stiefel, owner of the Pearl Theater, intervened.

    "Finally they were admitted — but were forced to dance in a roped-off area set aside for them by officials."
    (1)"Jim Crow Negroes as Duke Plays", Philadelphia Tribune, 1931-06-25, p1.05,1-7..added 2011

    updated 2012-09-20
    1931 06 17
    Wednesday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Pearl Theatresee 1931 06 06....djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 06 18
    Thursday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Pearl Theatresee 1931 06 06....djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 06 18
    Thursday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.ShadowlandReturn engagement from June 11Ad, Philadelphia Tribune, 1931-06-18 p.6.05,1-7..added 2011

    updated 2012-09-21
    1931 06 19
    Friday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Pearl Theatresee 1931 06 06....djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 06 19
    Friday
    .Reading, Penn.Berkshire Country Club"The Casa [L]oma Orchestra and Duke Ellington played for dancing.""Misses Nicolls and Brother Entertain at Dance at Berkshire C.C.," Reading Eagle, 20Jun31...Agustěn Perez Gasco aug11 & K.Steiner Dec 2012added 2011
    updated 2012-01-16
    1931 06 20
    Saturday
    .Bemus Point, N.Y.Casino"Duke Ellington will appear in person with his original Cotton Club orchestra of twelve pieces in the Casino at Bemus Point Saturday night from 9 until 1 o'clock"The Era, Bradford, Pa.1931-06-19 p.5..Vailjdpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 06 21
    Sunday
    .Pittsburgh, Penn.Roosevelt Theater......2011
    1931 06 21
    Sunday
    .Pittsburgh, Penn.Motor Square....Vail.2011
    1931 06 22
    Monday
    .Erie, Penn.Rainbow Gardens,
    Waldameer Park
    DancingKen Steiner has copies of ads from Erie newspapers, and a ticket, from the scrapbooks of Herc Chacona who booked Ellington dances twice in 1931 and again in 1933..05,1-7..added 2011

    updated 2012-09-22
    1931 06 23
    Tuesday
    .Carrolltown, PennSunset B....Vail.2011
    1931 06 24
    Wednesday
    .Hershey, Penn.Hershey Park Ballroom."Duke Ellington at Hershey Park Tonight," Lebanon Daily News, 24Jun31, p24...Agustěn Perez Gasco aug11 & K.Steiner Dec 2012added 2011
    updated 2012-01-16
    1931 06 25
    Thursday
    9 to 1
    .Yankee Lake, OhioYankee Lake Pavilion
    or Yankee Lake Ballroom,
    .ad, Youngstown Vindicator, 25Jun31, p26

    ad, New Castle Pa. News, 1931-06-23 & 24
    ...Agustěn Perez Gasco aug11, K.Steiner Dec 2012, djp
    added 2011
    updated 2012-09-19
    1931 06 26
    Friday
    1931 07 02
    Thursday
    Toledo, Oh.Toledo-Paramount Theater
    Adams at Huron
    Stage show, fronting the film The Night Angel, starring Nancy Carroll and Fredric March.

    The stage show appears to have been performed 3 times a day initally - 2:15, 6:40 and 9:25 per the June 26 ad, but on June 27, 4 performances were advertised, at 1:10, 4:10, 7:00 and 9:30 pm

    Announcement:
    "On the stage will be Duke Ellington and his famous orchestra presenting their new melodies, hot tunes and sizzling syncopation. Ellington, who comes to Toledo from New York after a long run there, is said to have the highest paid group of musicians on the road. Along with their musical numbers they will also present numerous whirlwind dance and dong pets. Benny Ross and his group of local talent will be back in an entirely new act. Albert will direct the Paramount grand orchestra and Merle Clark will be at the organ."
    Review:
    Hot from Harlem
    Duke Ellington and His New York Cotton Club Orchestra

    OFF STAGE
    HA-CHA-CHA!
    Duke's Here and Hot
    -- Princess Comedy Oke
    by Allen Saunders
    News-Bee Dramatic Editor

    "HEY-DE-HEY-DE-HEY! Ha-de-ha-de-ha! Sweet notes dripping from clarinets like N'Orleans sorghum from a barrel bung! Finespun tune threads drawn from muted brasses! Heart-tearing blues and the hottest of ha-cha-cha!. Duke Ellington's in town! Hey-de-hey-de-hey! Ha-de-ha-de-ha!

    For one who never liked colored dance bands, I'm getting pretty maudlin. But it's justified. The playing of Duke Ellington's Cotton Club orchestra, big name attraction on the Toledo-Paramount stage this week, does things to you that cannot and need not be explained. Let it be understood that this is about the most exquisite syncopated music in existence. And let that be all that is said.

    The band's appearance was the high spot in a day of shows that also included 'Night Angel' at the Paramount and "Up Pops the Devil" at the Princess.

    ...The generous bill at the Paramount also includes one of Alberti's well-conducted overtures, Merle Clark's organ playing and clowning and the second appearance of Benny Ross and His Gang. Bobby Sutor's singing seemed to please the public palate most.
    The Toledo News-Bee
    • Ad, 1931-06-24, p.18
    • Ad and plug, 1931-06-24, p.8
    • Ad, 1931-06-26, p.16
    • Ad and review, 1931-06-24,p13
    • Ad 1927-06-27
    ....added 2011

    updated 2013-06-15
    1931 06 27
    Saturday
    .Toledo, Oh.Paramount TheaterStage show - see 1931 06 26.....2011
    1931 06 28
    Sunday
    .Toledo, Oh.Paramount TheaterStage show - see 1931 06 26.....2011
    1931 06 29
    Monday
    .Toledo, Oh.Paramount TheaterStage show - see 1931 06 26.....2011
    1931 06 30
    Tuesday
    .Toledo, Oh.Paramount TheaterStage show - see 1931 06 26.....2011

    July 1931

    1931 07 01
    Wednesday
    .Toledo, Oh.Paramount TheaterStage show - see 1931 06 26.....2011
    1931 07 02
    Thursday
    .Toledo, Oh.Paramount TheaterStage show - see 1931 06 26.....2011
    1931 07 03
    Friday
    .Dayton, OhioGreenwich Village(1)Attraction extraordinary
    DUKE ELLINGTON and his COTTON CLUB ORCHESTRA
    Intact from New York
    ONE NIGHT ONLY!
    Admission $2 per person

    (2)"Tables are being arranged in the perfect setting in the summer gardens and there will be plenty of room."

    (1)Ad, The Piqua Daily Call, 1931-07-02, p.11

    (2)"News of Dayton Theaters," Dayton Journal, 3Jul31, p36
    ...K.Steiner Dec 2012; djp 2012-09-20
    Added 2012-09-20
    1931 07 04
    Saturday
    1931 07 10Cleveland, Oh.Palace Theatre
    E.17th and Euclid
    Theatre engagement - first of 40 documented engagements in Cleveland.Joe Mosbrook: "Jazzed in Cleveland" citing "Duke Burns 'Em Up" in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, 1931-07-05..ellingtonweb.cadjpadded 2011

    updated 2012-12-07
    1931 07 05
    Sunday
    .Cleveland, Oh.Palace Theatresee 1931 07 04.....2011
    1931 07 06
    Monday
    .Cleveland, Oh.Palace Theatresee 1931 07 04.....2011
    1931 07 07
    Tuesday
    .Cleveland, Oh.Palace Theatresee 1931 07 04.....2011
    1931 07 08
    Wednesday
    .Cleveland, Oh.Palace Theatresee 1931 07 04.....2011
    1931 07 09
    Thursday
    .Cleveland, Oh.Palace Theatresee 1931 07 04.....2011
    1931 07 10
    Friday
    .Cleveland, Oh.Palace Theatresee 1931 07 04.....2011
    1931 07 11
    Saturday
    1931 08 13
    Thursday
    Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernFour week "roadhouse" date....Ken Steiner aug11; djpadded 2011

    updated 2013-05-20
    1931 07 12
    Sunday
    1931 08 13
    Thursday

    Lincoln Tavern. The July 12 date comes from the July 14, 1931 Variety "Leading Orchestras Directory."

    I believe July 14 is the correct opening date, as per the Chicago Tribune ad on July 14. The band played a dance at Chicago Stadium on July 13.

    My guess is that we will someday find one-nighters on July 11 and 12 somewhere between Cleveland and Chicago.
    ....djp2011
    1931 07 13
    Monday
    .Chicago, Ill.Chicago Stadium.....KenSteiner aug11 (not 11th)2011
    1931 07 14
    Tuesday
    1931 08 13
    Thursday
    Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernFour week "roadhouse" date....Ken Steiner aug11; djpadded 2011

    updated 2013-05-20
    1931 07 15
    Wednesday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement - see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 07 16
    Thursday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement - see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 07 17
    Friday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement - see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 07 18
    Saturday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement - see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 07 19
    Sunday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement - see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 07 20
    Monday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement - see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 07 21
    Tuesday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement - see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 07 22
    Wednesday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement - see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 07 23
    Thursday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement - see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 07 24
    Friday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement - see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 07 25
    Saturday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement - see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 07 26
    Sunday
    .Chicago, Ill.WGNBroadcast..02,2-19..2011
    1931 07 26
    Sunday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement - see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 07 27
    Monday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement - see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 07 28
    Tuesday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement - see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 07 29
    Wednesday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement - see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 07 30
    Thursday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement - see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 07 31
    Friday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement - see 1931 07 14.....2011

    August 1931

    1931 08 01
    Saturday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement -see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 08 02
    Sunday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement -see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 08 03
    Monday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement -see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 08 04
    Tuesday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement -see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 08 05
    Wednesday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement -see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 08 06
    Thursday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement -see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 08 07
    Friday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement -see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 08 08
    Saturday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement -see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 08 09
    Sunday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement -see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 08 10
    Monday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement -see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 08 11
    Tuesday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement -see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 08 11
    Tuesday
    .Chicago, Ill.Brunswick St. BRecording session, Brunswick Studios; Dick Voynow producer.DE904709,3-4
    09,2-4
    05,3-59
    05,2-20+36
    01,2-12+13
    NDCS 1073
    KG, Carlupdated 2011-12-29
    1931 08 12
    Wednesday
    .Michigan City, IndOasis Ballroom.Ad, South Bend Tribune, 19310811p .5...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-12
    1931 08 12
    Wednesday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement -see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 08 13
    Thursday
    .Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln TavernRoadhouse engagement -see 1931 07 14.....2011
    1931 08 13.Milwaukee, Wisc.Modernistic Ballroom, State Fair Park...05,2-36
    05,1-7
    ..2011
    1931 08 141931 08 20Chicago, Ill.Oriental TheatreStage show
    "Duke Ellington and His New York Harlem Cotton Club Orchestra are coming back to the stage of the Oriental Theater Friday August 14 for their fourth and last appearance in Chicago – and what a farewell party it will be! ...[they] will have a complete new show for you – and with them you will see Ivy Anderson, the queen of the blues and the Four Step Brothers, lightning fast dancers..."
    Plug, Chicago Daily Herald, 1931-08-14, p.12.05,2-36..added 2011

    updated 2012-09-20
    1931 08 15.Chicago, Ill..“Grand Picnic”...Vail I.2011
    1931 08 15
    Thursday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theatresee 1931-08-14.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-20
    1931 08 16
    Friday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theatresee 1931-08-14.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-20
    1931 08 17
    Saturday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theatresee 1931-08-14.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-20
    1931 08 18
    Sunday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theatresee 1931-08-14.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-20
    1931 08 19
    Monday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theatresee 1931-08-14.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-20
    1931 08 19
    Monday
    9:00 PM to 3:00 AM
    .Chicago, Ill.8th Regiment ArmoryCharity BallStratemann
    p.48, citing Variety 1931-08-15, p.7
    ...djpadded 2011

    updated 2012-09-20
    1931 08 20
    Tuesday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theatresee 1931-08-14.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-20
    1931 08 211931 08 27Detroit, Mich.Michigan Theater......2011
    1931 08 31.Detroit, Mich.Graystone Ballroom......2011

    September 1931

    1931 09 01
    Tuesday
    .Grand Rapids, MichRamona Gardens.ad, Grand Rapids Herald, 30Aug31, Building and Theatres section, p7...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-12
    1931 09 02
    Wednesday
    .Paw Paw Lake, MichWoodward's Pavilion.ad, South Bend Tribune, 1Sep31, p7...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-12
    1931 09 03
    Thursday
    .Anderson, Ind.Green Lantern.
    Duke Ellington and His Famous Cotton Club Orchestra featuring Ivy Anderson, Singer and Entertainer
    Kokomo Tribune, Kokomo,Ind., 1931-08-29, p.6...Ken Steiner
    added 2013-07-05
    1931 09 04.Peoria, Ill.Mackinaw Dells...05,1-7..2011
    1931 09 05...Peripheral event

    "The bands controlled by Irving Mills, white, New York orchestra representative, who has under his wings Duke Ellington, Blue Rhythm Boys and Cab Calloway, are constantly in 'hot water.'

    James Petrillo, white, president of the Chicago Federation of Musicians, drove another spike into the long existing rift between Mills and himself by hauling Duke Ellington before his trial board and causing a two grand ($2,000) fine to be slapped on the Mills controlled band. Recently Petrillo barred Mills from placing units into two local spots. The amount involved in the under scale payment totalled less than $60.

    Action against the unit put into an embarrassing position George Smith, president of the colored musicians' local, No. 208...

    When Ellington and his men came in to play a four-week engagement at the Lincoln Tavern, they deposited their traveling cards with Smith. Ellington at the time remarked that he intended to use three of his musicians for doubling and asked for the prvailing local rate. The (illegible) Smith gave him at $125, it later developed, was $4.92 less per man weekly than that listed by the union. The difference was discoverd by Petrillo after the Duke closed his Tavern date.

    All during the investigation Smith maintained it was all his fault and protested againt putting (a?) stiff fine on Duke. ...

    Duke is taking an appeal against the penalty to the union's national executive board..."

    The Afro-American, week of Sept.5, 1931.
    Added 2012-08-26
    1931 09 05
    Saturday
    .Davenport, Io.Danceland Ballroom"Dancing 9:00 pm to 1:00 am."
    "DUKE ELLINGTON and His Famous COTTON CLUB ORCHESTRA with Ivy Anderson, Mistress of Blues"

    Advance Sale, Danceland Office Gents $1.50, Ladies 50˘ "nite" of dance Gents $1.75, Ladies 75˘
    Ads
    • Davenport Democrat and Leader 1931-09-04, p.8
    • Muscatine Journal and News-Tribune, 1931-09-04, p.9
    • Muscatine Journal and News-Tribune, 1931-09-03, p12
    ,
    ...K.Steiner Dec 2012, djp
    Added 2012-09-20
    1931 09 06
    Sunday
    .Dubuque, Io.Woodland (Formerly Union Park).ad+preview
    ad, Oelwein Daily Register, 2Sep31, p8
    ...Agustěn Perez Gasco aug11 & K.Steiner Dec 2012
    2011, updated 2012-01-12
    1931 09 07.Milwaukee, Wisc.Modernistic Ballroom
    State Fair Park,
    ...05,1-7..2011
    1931 09 09.Cincinnati, Oh.Graystone Ballroom"Famed Duke Ellington, colored "king of rhythm," and his Cotton club orchestra will be heard over WLW Wednesday evening at 10 to 10:30 o'clock, while in Cincinnati as the featured attraction at the formal fall opening of the Greystone ballroom."Newark Advocate and American Tribune 1931-09-05....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-20
    1931 09 10.Erie, Penn.Rainbow Gardens...05,1-7..2011
    1931 09 111931 09 17Pittsburgh, Penn.Stanley Thea......2011
    1931 09 191931 09 25Philadelphia, Penn.Pearl Thea......2011
    1931 09 261931 09 30WashingtonHoward Theatre,
    620 T Street NW
    ......2011

    October 1931

    1931 10 ??.???.Benefit For “Scottsboro Boys”...TDESdec10.2011
    1931 10 011931 10 02Washington, D.C.Howard Theatre......2011
    1931 10 01?.WashingtonWhite House...02,2-19RITphoto
    TDESdec10
    .2011

    Duke Ellington to Tour Paramount Publix Circuit for Six Months


    Duke Ellington and his famous orchestra are about to begin a six months tour of motion picture theatres for The Paramount-Publix circuit which will take this celebrated organization into most of the large cities in the east and middle west.

    Except for an occasional engagement here and there, dance lovers will not have an opportunity during this period to step to the favorite music of Harlem' s aristocrat of jazz, unless the(y) pick up the Duke via the radio, for he is expected to broadcast at least once in almost every city he visits.

    Although the last Ellington dance tour was a tremendous success, the Duke and his band were such a sensation on the stage, particularly during their four engagements within six months at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago, that Publix theatre officials prevailed upon Irving Mills, his personal manager, to book another tour of their circuit.

    It is probable that at the conclusion of this route the Duke and his men will go to Hollywood for another motion picture, although insistent demands of ballroom managers everywhere for the attraction may upset these plans and make another dance tour imperative.

    The Ellington unit is dividing its time this month between independent theatres in Philadelphia and Washington, following which it plays one week at the Stanley theatre in Jersey City, then begins its Paramount route.

    source: The New York Age, 1931-10-03. p.6

    1931 10 031931 10 09Philadelphia, Penn.Pearl Thea...05,1-7..2011
    1931 10 101931 10 16Washington, D.C.Howard Theatre......2011
    1931 10 12.Washington, D.C.Masonic Temp......2011
    1931 10 1-?.Washington, D.C.White House(visit planned but cancelled ?)..02,2-19TDESdec10.2011
    1931 10 17
    Saturday
    8:30 p.m.
    .Harrisburg, Penn.Madrid Ballroom(1)"Duke Ellington and his original Cotton Club Orchestra will appear in the Madrid Ballroom...Miss Florence Hill, one of the world's greatest dancers, will accompany the band..."(1)Plug and ad, Lebanon Daily News, 1931-10-16 evening edition, p.21

    (2)Preview & ad, Reading Eagle, 16oct31, p38

    A plug for another act in the Lebanon Daily News, 1931-12-04, p.25 makes reference to Ellington and other groups having supplied entertainment at the Madrid.
    ...Agustěn Perez Gasco aug11 & K.Steiner Dec 2012, djpadded 2011
    updated 2012-09-21
    1931 10 20.WorcesterMechanics Hall...05,1-7..2011
    1931 10 22.SpringfieldButterfly Br...05,1-7..2011
    1931 10 301931 10 31New Haven, Conn.Paramount Thea...05,1-7..2011

    November 1931

    1931 11 011931 11 05New Haven, Conn.Paramount Thea...05,1-7..2011
    1931 11 03.New Haven, Conn.Music Hall...05,1-7..2011
    1931 11 06.CambridgeCopley Plaza...05,1-7..2011
    1931 11 061931 11 12Boston, Mass.Metropolitan Thea...05,1-7Vail.2011
    1931 11 13
    Friday
    1931 11 18
    Wednesday
    Buffalo, N.Y.Shea's Buffalo TheatreDuke Ellington and His Famous orchestra, direct from a sensationally successful tour of theatres and ballrooms in the leading cities of the Middle West and East, will be given a return engagement on the stage at Shea's Buffalo beginning Friday.The Evening News (Tonawanda, N.Y.), 1931-11-12, p.9..Stratemann, p.49 (shows starting Nov.12).2011
    1931 11 201931 11 30Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theatre...05,1-7..2011
    1931 11 29.Chicago, Ill.Savoy Ballroom......2011

    December 1931

    1930 12 011930 12 03Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theatre...05,1-7Vail.2011
    1931 12 04
    Friday
    1931 12 10
    Thursday
    St. Louis, Mo.Ambassador Theatre.daily ads, St. Louis Globe-Democrat...K.Steiner Dec 2012Added 2011
    updated 2012-01-16
    1931 12 111931 12 17Indianapolis, Ind.Indiana Th......2011
    1931 12 18.Urbana, Ill.Univ New Gym“Junior Prom”...DailyIllini-ad M.Graff.2011
    1931 12 19.Indianapolis, Ind.Indiana Roof...05,1-7Vail.2011
    1931 12 21.St. LouisNew Coliseum......2011
    1931 12 22.Cincinnati, Oh.Graystone B....Vail.2011
    1931 12 251931 12 31Detroit, Mich.Fisher Theatre...05,1-7..2011
    1931 12 25.Detroit, Mich.Naval Armory......2011



    Back to Navigation List

    1932


    Date of event Ending date
    (if different)
    City/
    Other place
    Venue Event/People Primary Reference New
    Desor
    reference
    DEMS
    reference
    Other
    references
    Contact
    person
    Date added
    / updated

    January 1932

    1932 01 04
    Monday
    .Pittsburgh, Penn.Pythian Temple(1)One night only.
    Duke was crowned winner of the Pittsburgh Courier's "Most Popular Orchestra" contest.

    (2)The band broadcast from the Pythian Temple locally over WCAE at 10:00 pm, opening a special two-and-a-half hour WCAE Dedication Program (as a member of NBC), but did not participate in the 10:30 to 11:30 portion of the broadcast carried nationally as had been announced in the Courier.

    (3)"...in 1932, for example, a Duke Ellington concert before a live audience of 3,000 was broadcast nationwide..."

    (4)"The largest event in the Temple’s history was held in January 1932. Almost 3,000 fans from across the country attended Duke Ellington’s coronation as the “King of Jazz” by the Pittsburgh Courier. Ellington’s concert was broadcast nationally from radio station WCAE (later known as WTAE). The Duke’s wife, sister, and mother attended to watch him receive the Courier’s “Loving Cup.”"
    (1)"Ellington is Presented With Courier Loving Cup, Record Crowd Out," Pittsburgh Courier, 9Jan32, p1

    (2) Darnell V. Martin, "We Now Present," Pittsburgh Sun Telegraph, 4Jan32, p15;

    "Duke in Nat'l Broadcast from Temple Monday," Pittsburgh Courier, 2Jan32, p.A1;

    NBC Radio Logs, WEAF, 4Jan32
    ..(3)Webpage - Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation

    (4)Webpage - Pythian Temple–Savoy Ballroom – Pittsburgh Music History
    K.Steiner Dec 2012 + djp
    added 2011, updated 2012-01-16
    1932 01 05
    Tuesday
    .Harrisburg, Penn.Coliseum Ballroom
    Harrisburg Telegraph:
    "Described as 'the hottest band in America,' Duke Ellington and his orchestra from Harlem's famed Cotton Club who will appear at the Coliseum tomorrow night are not unfamiliar to Harrisburg dancers. This is not the Duke's first appearance here and he has quite a following in the Capital City..."
    Ad and publicity, Harrisburg Telegraph, 1932-01-04...Ken Steiner
    added 2013-07-05
    1932 01 06.Mohawk, N.Y.Snell's Dancing Academy....Stratemann, citing Chicago Defender, 23.1.32 p.7
    .2011
    1932 01 081932 01 14Philadelphia, Penn.Mastbaum TheaterThis was the 8th largest theatre in the US and its grandeur "helped put Philadelphia on the national movie map for releases."...Stratemann
    p.50, citing Variety 12.1.32, p.62
    .
    added 2011
    updated 2012-01-17
    1932 01 161932 01 22Washington, D.C.Earle Theatre....Stratemann
    p.50, citing Variety 12.1.32, p.62
    .2011
    1932 01 231932 01 29Baltimore, Md.Hippodrome...05,1-7..2011

    February 1932

    1932 02 011932 02 10New York, N.Y.Cotton Club...09,2-6. (credit KenSteiner as all 09,2-6 entries)2011
    1932 02 01.New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBroadcast WEAF+NBC-Red network..09,2-6..2011
    1932 02 02.New York, N.Y..ARC recording session.DE3201..2011
    1932 02 03.New York, N.Y..RCA recording session.DE320202,2-27
    02,1-24
    89,4-2
    89,3-8
    85,3-3
    85,2-11
    .
    (credit Jerry Valburn for all 85,3-3 entries)
    2011
    1932 02 04.New York, N.Y..ARC recording session.DE320311,1-29
    05,3-59
    83,1-4
    Timner corrections .2011
    1932 02 04.New York, N.Y.Cotton CubBroadcast WEAF+NBC-Red network..09,2-6..2011
    1932 02 051932 02 11Brooklyn, N.Y.Paramount Theatre"Duke and his band are appearing at the Paramount Theatre and doubling at the Cotton Club"Stratemann
    p.50, citing Chicago Defender, 19-02-13p7
    .09,2-6
    05,1-7
    ..
    added 2011

    updated 2012-09-12
    1932 02 051932 02 11New York, N.Y.Cotton Club....Vail.2011
    1932 02 05.New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBroadcast WJZ +NBC-Red network.09,2-6...2011
    1932 02 07.New York, N.Y.Earl Carroll Theat..05,1-7...2011
    1932 02 08.New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBroadcast WEAF+NBC-Red network.09,2-6...2011
    1932 02 09.New York, N.Y..RCA recording session,.DE320409,3-21
    05,3-59
    91,4-5
    90,4-4
    90,1-4
    89,4-2
    89,3-8
    85,3-3
    85,2-11
    ..2011
    1932 02 11.New York, N.Y.Brunswick StudioARC recording session
    Brunswick files show the band and Bing Crosby finished recording St. Louis Blues at 1:20 a.m.
    Stratemann
    p.50 citing Steven Lasker's research
    DE3205 11,1-11+27+29
    08,3-25
    08,2-27
    02,1-18
    02,1-24
    01,3-15
    00,3-22
    98,4-5
    98,3-6
    NDCS
    1021
    .
    added 2011

    updated 2012-09-12
    1932 02 12
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Grand Central StationDeparture by train for San Francisco aboard the Pullman coach "McLaughlin"
    (1) "non-stop record breaking jump"
    (Stratemann suggests there may have been a stopover in Salt Lake City)

    (2)The New York Age described the train:

    "...discrimination against artists of color cannot be charged to the big railroad systems of the country, providing they have the spondulicks with which to travel.

    "This was quite apparent to the conductors, porters and waiters of the North Shore Limited, one of the finest and fastest of the New York Central Railroad fleet of trains, between New York and Chicago, on Friday, February 12, when Duke Ellington, the popular music artist, and his company of 27 members, left New York for California.

    "The well-known Negro entertainer and his company left the Grand Central Station, on the date and train mentioned, in a special Pullman, The Car McLaughlin. The car was placed in the middle of the train, a position which made the two dining cars of the flyer easily accessible to the occupants of that car.

    "According to the colored members of the train's crew, the Ellington party was shown the same degree of courtesy, and rendered the same class of service, as that accorded any special party..."

    (1)Stratemann
    p.50, citing Variety, 1932-01-26p.64

    (2)New York Age, 1932-02-20, p.9
    .09,2-6..
    added 2011

    updated 2012-09-12
    1932 02 16.San Francisco, Cal..Arrival from New York
    (1)"Quite a number of friends, admirers, and press agents were on hand to greet the Duke…"
    (1)Joe Williams, "Stage and Screen," San Francisco Spokesman, 20Feb32, p7.05,1-7(1)(Joe Williams, "Stage and Screen," San Francisco Spokesman, 1932-02-20,p.7)Steiner
    added 2011

    1932 02 18
    Thursday
    .San Francisco, Cal.Noel Sullivan's HomeWelcome reception by the Alexander Dumas Club.

    "Adding to the pleasure of the evening were several selections by Mr. Ellington and soloists in his entourage."
    "Duke Ellington’s Band Entertained by Dumas Club," San Francisco Spokesman, 1932-02-20, p.4.05,1-7.Steiner
    added 2011

    updated
    1932 02 18
    Thursday
    .San Francisco, Cal..Peripheral event
    Brunswick record 6265 ("It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" and "Rose Room (In Sunny Roseland)," both recorded in February) was released in San Francisco on February 18, the day before the band opened at the Orpheum. The record was not released nationally until March 24.
    Steven Lasker, in DEMS 05,3-59djp
    Added 2012-09-23
    1932 02 19
    Friday
    1932 03 09San Francisco, Cal.RKO Orpheum TheatreStage show for film Lady with a Past
    Duke Ellington and Band, with Ivy Anderson and the Four Step Brothers

    Ellington's contract was for $5,000 a week for 4 appearances on weekdays and 5 on Saturdays and Sundays.

    Sales were initially slow because the band wasn't well known on the coast, but picked up the second week.
    .05,3-59
    05,1-7
    Stratemann, citing Variety 1932-02-23 p.10 & 1932-03-01 p.8djp
    added 2011

    updated 2013-06-10
    1932 02 20
    Saturday
    .San Francisco, Cal.RKO Orpheum Theatresee 1932 02 19.....2011
    1932 02 21
    Sunday
    .San Francisco, Cal.RKO Orpheum Theatresee 1932 02 19.....2011
    1932 02 22
    Monday
    .San Francisco, Cal.RKO Orpheum Theatresee 1932 02 19.....2011
    1932 02 23
    Tuesday
    .San Francisco, Cal.RKO Orpheum Theatresee 1932 02 19.....2011
    1932 02 24
    Wednesday
    .San Francisco, Cal.RKO Orpheum Theatresee 1932 02 19.....2011
    1932 02 25
    Thursday
    .San Francisco, Cal.RKO Orpheum Theatresee 1932 02 19.....2011
    1932 02 26
    Friday
    .San Francisco, Cal.RKO Orpheum Theatresee 1932 02 19.....2011
    1932 02 27
    Saturday
    .San Francisco, Cal.RKO Orpheum Theatresee 1932 02 19.....2011
    1932 02 28
    Sunday
    .San Francisco, Cal.RKO Orpheum Theatresee 1932 02 19.....2011
    1932 02 29
    Monday
    .San Francisco, Cal.RKO Orpheum Theatresee 1932 02 19.....2011
    1932 02 29
    Monday
    .San Francisco, Cal.Apex Cabaretguests..05,1-7..2011

    March 1932

    1932 03 01
    Tuesday
    .San Francisco, Cal.RKO Orpheum Theatresee 1932 02 19.....2011
    1932 03 02
    Wednesday
    .San Francisco, Cal.RKO Orpheum Theatresee 1932 02 19.....2011
    1932 03 03
    Thursday
    .San Francisco, Cal.RKO Orpheum Theatresee 1932 02 19.....2011
    1932 03 04
    Friday
    .San Francisco, Cal.RKO Orpheum Theatresee 1932 02 19.....2011
    1932 03 05
    Saturday
    .San Francisco, Cal.RKO Orpheum Theatresee 1932 02 19.....2011
    1932 03 06
    Sunday
    .San Francisco, Cal.RKO Orpheum Theatresee 1932 02 19.....2011
    1932 03 07
    Monday
    .San Francisco, Cal.RKO Orpheum Theatresee 1932 02 19.....2011
    1932 03 08
    Tuesday
    .San Francisco, Cal.RKO Orpheum Theatresee 1932 02 19.....2011
    1932 03 08.San Francisco, Cal.Apex CabaretFarewell party..05,1-7..2011
    1932 03 09
    Wednesday
    .San Francisco, Cal.RKO Orpheum Theatresee 1932 02 19.....2011
    1932 03 10
    Thursday
    .Los Angeles, Cal.Radio Station KHJArriving from San Francisco by train, the band was given a parade with a musical escort from the Southern Pacific Station to the Dunbar Hotel. They then were taken quickly to the radio station for an impromptu program reaching the entire "Coast Don Lee network."Stratemann
    p.50, citing California Eagle, 1932-03-11 p.10
    ..Vail.
    added 2011

    updated 2012-09-23
    1932 03 11
    Friday
    1932 04 01
    Friday
    Los Angeles, Cal.RKO Orpheum TheatreStage show for film Lady with a Past
    Four 35 minute performances weekdays, five on weekends.

    Not well-attended initially
    Stratemann
    p.50, citing Los Angeles Daily News, 1932-03-01; Variety 1932-03-22, p.34
    ...djp
    added 2011

    updated 2012-09-23
    1932 03 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
    Lawrence Brown joined the band during its run at the Los Angeles RKO Orpheum, marking the beginning of Ellington's use of three trombones.

    Critics complained his legit trombone style wasn't right for jazz, but his ability to play very high notes added to Ellington's tonal pallette.

    Brown left briefly in mid 1943, but returned the next month to stay until 1951.
    New Desor vol.2djp
    Added 2012-10-11
    1932 03 12
    Saturday
    .Los Angeles, Cal.RKO Orpheum TheatreStage show - see 1932 03 11.....2011
    1932 03 13
    Sunday
    .Los Angeles, Cal.RKO Orpheum TheatreStage show - see 1932 03 11.....2011
    1932 03 14
    Monday
    .Los Angeles, Cal.RKO Orpheum TheatreStage show - see 1932 03 11.....2011
    1932 03 15
    Tuesday
    .Los Angeles, Cal.RKO Orpheum TheatreStage show - see 1932 03 11.....2011
    1932 03 16
    Wednesday
    .Los Angeles, Cal.RKO Orpheum TheatreStage show - see 1932 03 11.....2011
    1932 03 17
    Thursday
    .Los Angeles, Cal.RKO Orpheum TheatreStage show - see 1932 03 11.....2011
    1932 03 18
    Friday
    .Los Angeles, Cal.RKO Orpheum TheatreStage show - see 1932 03 11.....2011
    1932 03 19
    Saturday
    .Los Angeles, Cal.RKO Orpheum TheatreStage show - see 1932 03 11.....2011
    1932 03 20
    Sunday
    .Los Angeles, Cal.RKO Orpheum TheatreStage show - see 1932 03 11.....2011
    1932 03 21
    Monday
    .Los Angeles, Cal.RKO Orpheum TheatreStage show - see 1932 03 11.....2011
    1932 03 22
    Tuesday
    .Los Angeles, Cal.RKO Orpheum TheatreStage show - see 1932 03 11.....2011
    1932 03 23
    Wednesday
    .Los Angeles, Cal.RKO Orpheum TheatreStage show - see 1932 03 11.....2011
    1932 03 24
    Thursday
    .Los Angeles, Cal.RKO Orpheum TheatreStage show - see 1932 03 11.....2011
    1932 03 25
    Friday
    .Los Angeles, Cal.RKO Orpheum TheatreStage show - see 1932 03 11.....2011
    1932 03 26
    Saturday
    .Los Angeles, Cal.RKO Orpheum TheatreStage show - see 1932 03 11.....2011
    1932 03 27
    Sunday
    .Los Angeles, Cal.RKO Orpheum TheatreStage show - see 1932 03 11.....2011
    1932 03 28
    Monday
    .Los Angeles, Cal.RKO Orpheum TheatreStage show - see 1932 03 11.....2011
    1932 03 29
    Tuesday
    .Los Angeles, Cal.RKO Orpheum TheatreStage show - see 1932 03 11.....2011
    1932 03 30
    Wednesday
    .Los Angeles, Cal.RKO Orpheum TheatreStage show - see 1932 03 11.....2011
    1932 03 30.Los Angeles, Cal.Elks AuditoriumTestimonial dinner honouring DukeStratemann, p.50.....2011
    1932 03 31
    Thursday
    .Los Angeles, Cal.RKO Orpheum TheatreStage show - see 1932 03 11.....2011

    April 1932

    1932 04 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
    Otto Hardwicke, rejoins the band
    New Desor vol.2djp
    Added 2012-10-12
    1932 04 01
    Friday
    .Los Angeles, Cal.RKO Orpheum TheatreStage show - see 1932 03 11.....2011
    1932 04 06
    Wednesday
    1932 04 07
    Thursday
    Syracuse, N.YSnell'sThe daily press only advertised one night for "Wednesday, Jan. 6."
    The African American press reported "Wednesday and Thursday nights," indicating a second night for African Americans.
    ad, Syracuse Herald, 1932-01-05, p.17
    "Duke Ellington in Syracuse, N.Y.," Washington Tribune, 1932-01-15, p.14
    ...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-16
    1932 04 07
    Thursday
    .Syracuse, N.YSnell'ssee 1932 04 06.....
    Added 2012-01-16
    1932 04 08
    Friday
    1932 04 14
    Thursday
    Hartford, ConnPublix Allyn TheatrePart of the 11:30 to midight April 11 broadcast on WTIC is the oldest known recording of an Ellington broadcastdaily ads, Hartford Daily Courier...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-16
    1932 04 11.Hartford, Conn.Pubyx Allyn TheatreStage show
    .DE9004
    see ND Correction Sheet 1002
    ..2011
    1932 04 12.New York, N.Y..Recording session= false date..91,5-5.CAH2011
    1932 04 14.New York, N.Y.Rockland PalacePlanned NAACP fundraiser. Researcher Ken Steiner reports the NAACP fundraiser was originally scheduled for April 14, but was rescheduled for April 21 so Ellington could appear, according to the Amsterdam News....VailSteiner
    added 2011

    updated 2012-09-06
    1932 04 151932 04 21New York, N.Y.Paramount Theatre......2011
    1932 04 21
    Thursday
    1932 04 22
    Friday
    New York, N.Y.Rockland PalaceThe annual NAACP fund-raising pageant at which Ruth Ellington was crowned Miss Olympics was originally planned for April 14 but postponed until April 21 to allow Ellington's band to play.

    Stratemann (p.50) says the band showed up but didn't play because of a disagreement over financial matters between Irving Mills/Ellington and the NAACP. (Stratemann mistakenly places the engagement at the Lafayette Theatre.)

    The New York Age, 1932 05 07 p.3, says the "fiasco" was at Rockland Palace.

    Harvey Cohen's Duke Ellington's America, pp 83-84, describes the cancelled event, where Ellington's band showed up to play, but left when Irving Mills, seeing the size of the crowd lined up for the event, "insisted on an upfront payment of $500. When the event organizers refused, Mills forbade the band to play, and they left."

    Cohen quotes Sonny Greer telling biographer A.H.Lawrence "Ruth was standing there crying. If she hadn't been there I think Duke would have punched him, that's how mad he was...I know Duke saw a lawyer to see if he could get out of the contract. He and Mills were barely on speaking terms until we left for Europe a year later."

    Stratemann dates the contretemps as April 22, but researcher Ken Steiner suggests that because Ellington was finishing up at the Paramount on the 21st, his appearance at Rockland Palace would have likely begun after midnight, making it the 22nd. Steiner points out as well that it was advertised that Duke was donating his services.
    ...Vail IKen Steiner; djp
    added 2011

    updated 2012-09-06
    1932 04 231932 04 29Philadelphia, Penn.Pearl Th......2011
    1932 04 30.Washington, D.C.Howard Theatre......2011

    May 1932

    1932 05 011932 05 06Washington, D.C.Howard Theatre......2011
    1932 05 071932 05 13New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatre,
    132nd St. & 7th Ave.
    Harlem
    ...02,2-20.(credit Steven Lasker as all 02,2-20 entries)2011
    1932 05 16.New York, N.Y..ARC recording session.DE320611,1-29
    02,2-19
    ..2011
    1932 05 17.New York, N.Y..ARC recording session.DE320711,1-29..2011
    1932 05 18.New York, N.Y..ARC recording session.DE320811,1-29
    10,3-5
    10,1-13
    04,2-10
    03,3-28
    03,2-7
    89,3-8
    84,1-3
    83,4-3
    Timner corrections
    NDCS 1053
    .2011
    1932 05 19.AllentownMealey Auditorium....Vail I.2011
    1932 05 20...Peripheral event
    Death of Bubber Miley
    .djp
    Added 2012 10 11
    1932 05 21
    Saturday
    .Hershey, Penn.Hershey Park Ballroom"8:30 p.m."preview
    ad, Reading Eagle, 15May32, p15
    ...AugustinPG aug11 & K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-12
    1932 05 23.Waltham, Mass.Nuttings-On-The-Charles
    (a.k.a Nuttings Dance Hall)
    Prospect St. at the Charles River
    ......2011
    1932 05 24.Salem WillowsCharlesh......2011
    1932 05 25
    8 to 1 a.m.
    .Worcester, Mass.Cocoanut Grove"Tonight! Cocoanut Grove
    Lincoln Park - Worcester
    DUKE ELLINGTON
    and his world famous
    orchestra...
    Adm. $1.00
    Ad, Fitchburg Sentinel, 1932-05-25 p.2....
    updated 2012-07-24
    1932 05 26.ClaremontRoseland Br......2011
    1932 05 27.BrunswickBowdoin Coll....Vail I.2011
    1932 05 28.Old Orchard Beach, MaineOcean Pier......2011
    1932 05 29.Buzzard's BayBourneh.......2011
    1932 05 30.Manchester NhGranada Br......2011

    June 1932

    1932 06 01
    Wednesday
    .Springfield, MaCrystal Ballroom
    Riverside Park,
    "Dancing 8:30 to 1."ad, Springfield Union, 31May32, p14...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-12
    1932 06 02
    Thursday
    .East Mahanoy Junction, Penn..Lakewood"Everyone within a fifty mile radius is on tip toe eagerly awaiting the Thursday Dance....""Duke Ellington and Ivie Anderson May Top the Lakewood Attendance Record," Mt. Carmel Item, 1Jun32, p8...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-12
    1932 06 04
    Saturday
    1932 06 10Cincinnati, Oh.Albee Theater...07,1-26..2011
    1932 06 05
    Sunday
    .Cincinnati, Oh.Albee TheaterSee 1932 06 04.....2011
    1932 06 06
    Monday
    .Cincinnati, Oh.Albee TheaterSee 1932 06 04.....2011
    1932 06 07
    Tuesday
    .Cincinnati, Oh.Albee TheaterSee 1932 06 04.....2011
    1932 06 08
    Wednesday
    .Cincinnati, Oh.Albee TheaterSee 1932 06 04.....2011
    1932 06 09
    Thursday
    .Cincinnati, Oh.Albee TheaterSee 1932 06 04.....2011
    1932 06 10
    Friday
    .Cincinnati, Oh.Albee TheaterSee 1932 06 04.....2011
    1932 06 11
    Saturday
    1932 06 17Cleveland, Oh.Palace Theatre
    E.17th and Euclid
    Theatre engagementJoe Mosbrook: "Jazzed in Cleveland"..ellingtonweb.ca.
    added 2011

    updated 2012-12-07
    1932 06 12
    Sunday
    .Cleveland, Oh.Palace Theatresee 1932 06 11.....2011
    1932 06 13
    Monday
    .Cleveland, Oh.Palace Theatresee 1932 06 11.....2011
    1932 06 14
    Tuesday
    .Cleveland, Oh.Palace Theatresee 1932 06 11.....2011
    1932 06 15
    Wednesday
    .Cleveland, Oh.Palace Theatresee 1932 06 11.....2011
    1932 06 16
    Thursday
    .Cleveland, Oh.Palace Theatresee 1932 06 11.....2011
    1932 06 17
    Friday
    .Cleveland, Oh.Palace Theatresee 1932 06 11.....2011
    1932 06 181932 06 24Chicago, Ill.Palace Theatreprogram included dancing by The Four Step Brothers and by Kid Charleston..89,3-6
    89,2-6
    Stratemann
    p.51, citing Bill Board25/6/32 p.11
    .2011
    1932 06 26.Anderson, Ind.Green LanternWhites Only !..05,1-7..2011
    1932 06 27.Anderson, Ind.Green LanternBlacks Only !...Vail I .2011
    1932 06 28.GaryMiramar Ballroom...05,1-7..2011
    1932 06 301932 06 01Chicago, Ill.Drake HotelDemocratic Convention...30jun32-article.2011
    1932 06 30.Morton Grove, Ill.Lincoln Tavern...09,1-19
    05,1-7
    ..2011

    July 1932

    1932 07 011932 07 28..Regular Broadcasts above continued..09,1-19..2011
    1932 07 01.Chicago, Ill.Lincoln Tavernvarious broadcasts..09,1-19..2011
    1932 07 27?.Dubuque Iowa Woodland Pad....Agustěn Perez Gasco aug112011
    1932 07 28
    Thursday
    .Mineral Point, Wisc.Soldiers' Memorial ParkDance?
    "Duke Ellington and His Famous Orchestra
    In Person
    ...The Hottest Band on Earth, direct from the Lincoln Tavern, Chicago. Regular feature over WGN, Columbia and NBC networks, Ellington has a great stage show.
    Adm. $1.50 per Couple.
    Ads, Wisconsin State Journal, Madison Wisc.:
    • 1932-07-24 p.16
    • 1932-07-25 p.5
    • 1932-07-26
    ...djp
    added 2013-05-20
    1932 07 29
    Friday
    .Peoria, Ill.Fernwood...05,1-7..2011

    August 1932

    1932 08 01.Michigan City, Ind.Oasis Ballroom
    Washington Park
    According to Stratemann, 1,500 people attended.....Stratemann
    p.51
    added 2011
    updated 2012-01-17
    1932 08 02
    Tuesday
    .Paw Paw Lake, MichWoodward's Pavilionad, South Bend Tribune, 1Aug32, p8

    Note this event is based on an advertisement the previous day, whereas the Stratemann entry for Toledo is based on The Chicago Defender on Aug 6.
    ...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-12
    1932 08 02.Toledo, Oh.Waldorf HotelThis event, from the Chicago Defender conflicts with the Paw Paw Lake event advertised in the South Bend Tribune....Stratemann
    p.51 citing Chicago Defender 19320806 p.7
    .. added 2011
    updated 2012-01-17
    1932 08 03
    Wednesday
    .Toledo, Oh.Waldorf Hotel
    This engagement could not be confirmed in the Toledo News-Bee but that paper's Monday August 1 edition reported the annual convention of the Ancient Mystic Order of Samaritans was to begin at the Waldorf on Wednesday. The Grand Secretary of AMOS was unable to find any record of Ellington appearing at the convention when he checked their records in June, 2013.
    Fred Avendorph, "Michigan City Dances to the Duke's Music," Chicago Defender, nat. ed., 19320806 p.5 .12/1-20.K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-12
    Updated 2013-06-29
    1932 08 04.ClevelandCrystal Slipper Ballroom
    East 97th and Euclid

    Dance?
    The ballroom could accommodate 4,000 dancers.
    Joe Mosbrook: "Jazzed in Cleveland" ..ellingtonweb.ca.added 2011

    updated 2012-12-11
    1932 08 05.Washington, D.C.George Washington Hotel...Stratemann
    p.51, citing Chicago Defender 6.8.32 p.7
    . added 2011
    updated 2012-01-17
    1932 08 05
    Friday
    .Conneaut Lake, Penn.Dreamland Ballroomad, New Castle News, 2Aug32, p5
    Avendorph's article in the 6Aug Chicago Defender gave Washington, PA, at the George Washington Hotel for this date, as does Stratemann
    p.51
    (A report after the fact is likely more reliable than an advertisement preceding the event.)
    ...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-17
    1932 08 06
    Saturday
    .Columbus, Oh..Valley Dale Ballroom"Duke (Whataband) Ellington gave us one of the pleasantest evenings we ever enjoyed in a ballroom."H.E. Cherrington, "Ellington Offers Dancers Pure Delight," Columbus Dispatch, 8Aug32...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-12
    1932 08 07.Rochester, Ind.Colonial Hotel and Terrace Gardens....Stratemann
    p.51, citing Chicago Defender 6.8.32 p.7
    . added 2011
    updated 2012-01-17
    1932 08 08
    Monday
    1932 08 14
    Sunday
    Cincinnati, Oh."Castle Farms
    or Gibson Hotel
    Stratemann reports both venues, and sAys The Band Broadcast Over CBS From 12:30 To 1:00 Am, Wednesday To Fridayad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14Aug32, sec3, p2.05,1-7Stratemann
    p.51, citing Chicago Defender 30.7.32 and 6.8.32 p.7, and Variety 23.8.32
    . added 2011
    updated 2012-01-17
    1932 08 15
    Monday
    .Louisville, KyArmory"Admission 75 cents. A limited number of bandstand seats, 99 cents. Includes admission and dancing."ad, Louisville Courier-Journal, 14Aug32, sec2, p2...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-17
    1932 08 18.DecaturColiseum...05,1-7..2011
    1932 08 19
    Friday
    1932 08 23
    TuesdaY
    ...Layover in Chicago.
    An August 19 date in Sun Prairie, WI was advertised nine days prior, but evidently did not take place
    "Ellington's 14 Now in Chicago for a Lay-Over," Chicago Defender, nat.ed., 27Aug32, p5
    ad, Wisconsin State Journal, 10Aug32, p6
    ...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-17
    1932 08 24
    Wednesday
    .Mansfield, Wisc.Wildwood Park I cannot locate this place using Google...05,1-7ad, Stevens Point Journal, 22Aug32, p3.2011
    1932 08 26
    Friday
    ..Eveleth, Mn.Eveleth Recreational Building"Interest ... has been rapidly manifesting itself among music and dance lovers of the Mesabi Range....""Duke Ellington Here Tomorrow," Eveleth Clarion, 25Aug32, p8...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-17
    1932 08 29
    Monday
    .Waterloo, Io.Electric Park Ballroom"Dancing 9 to 1."ad, Waterloo Daily Courier, 29Aug32, p9...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-17
    1932 08 31
    Wednesday
    .Des Moines, Io.Riverview Park.Everett Wadsworth, "Duke Ellington Thrills Crowd," Iowa Bystander, 2Sep32, p3.05,1-7Vail I.2011
    1932 08 311932 09 05Bridgeport, Conn.Majestic Th...89,3-6..2011

    September 1932

    1932 09 01?
    Thursday
    .Bemus Point, N.Y.Bemus Point Casino...89,3-6..
    added 2011
    updated 2012-01-27
    1932 09 02
    Friday
    1932 09 08Milwaukee, Wisc.Wisconsin Theater and Wisconsin Roof"Duke Ellington will go into the Wisconsin Theater in Milwaukee September 2 for a week during which he will play both for the theater and a dance hall in the building after the final show each night. The salary for the week's engagement is $8,500."

    Ellington was also broadcast on CBS, Wednesday to Friday from 12:30 am to 1 am.
    • Baltimore Afro-American, 1932-08-06 p.4
    • Stratemann p.51 citing Variety
      • 1931-07-19 p.39
      • 1932-08-23
    • Vail I
    ...djpadded 2011

    updated 2013-05-20
    1932 09 03
    Saturday
    .Milwaukee, Wisc.Wisconsin Theater, Wisconsin RoofTheatre shows followed by nightclub dancing - see 1932 09 02....2011
    1932 09 04
    Sunday
    .Milwaukee, Wisc.Wisconsin Theater, Wisconsin RoofTheatre shows followed by nightclub dancing - see 1932 09 02....2011
    1932 09 05
    Monday
    .Milwaukee, Wisc.Wisconsin Theater, Wisconsin RoofTheatre shows followed by nightclub dancing - see 1932 09 02....2011
    1932 09 06
    Tuesday
    .Milwaukee, Wisc.Wisconsin Theater, Wisconsin RoofTheatre shows followed by nightclub dancing - see 1932 09 02....2011
    1932 09 07
    Wednesday
    .Milwaukee, Wisc.Wisconsin Theater, Wisconsin RoofTheatre shows followed by nightclub dancing - see 1932 09 02

    CBS broadcast 12:30 am to 1 am
    ....2011
    1932 09 08
    Thursday
    .Milwaukee, Wisc.Wisconsin Theater, Wisconsin RoofTheatre shows followed by nightclub dancing - see 1932 09 02

    CBS broadcast 12:30 am to 1 am
    ....2011
    1932 09 09
    Friday
    1932 09 15
    Thursday
    Chicago, Ill.Oriental TheaterPresumably a stage show, this was reported in the Baltimore Afro-American to be Ellington's sixth appearance at the Oriental.
    • Stratemann p.51 citing Variety 1932-09-06 p.25
    • Vail I with an undated ANP wirestory attributed to the Baltimore Afro-American, also without a stated date.
    .
    ....added 2011

    updated 2013-05-20
    1932 09 10
    Saturday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theater......2011
    1932 09 11
    Sunday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theater......2011
    1932 09 12
    Monday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theater......2011
    1932 09 13
    Tuesday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theater......2011
    1932 09 14
    Wednesday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theater......2011
    1932 09 15
    Thursday
    .Chicago, Ill.Oriental Theater......2011
    1932 09 16
    Friday
    1932 09 22
    Thursday
    Chicago, Ill.Tivoli Theatre
    This engagement is doubtful - it conflicts with the upcoming New York recording sessions.
    Stratemann p.51 citing VAriety 1932-09-13....2011
    1932 09 17
    Saturday
    .activity not documented.
    1932 09 18
    Sunday
    .activity not documented.
    1932 09 19
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y..ARC recording session.DE320911,2-18
    11,1-29
    ..2011
    1932 09 20
    Tuesday
    .activity not documented.
    1932 09 21
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y..RCA recording session + ARC recording session,.DE3210+3211
    97,2-21
    90,1-4
    88,1-1
    Timner corrections .2011
    1932 09 22
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y..ARC recording session.DE321211,1-2911,1-29 11,1-29
    07,1-26
    ..2011
    1932 09 23
    Friday
    1932 09 29
    Thursday
    Baltimore, Md.Century TheaterStage show

    Stratemann dates this from the 23rd to the 28th; Steiner and Vail have it ending on the 29th.
    • Stratemann p.51 citing Variety 1932-09-20
    .
    ...KenSteiner aug11; djpadded 2011

    updated 2013-05-21
    1932 09 24
    Saturday
    .Baltimore, Md.Century TheaterStage show - see 1932 09 23.....2011
    1932 09 25
    Sunday
    .Baltimore, Md.Century TheaterStage show - see 1932 09 23.....2011
    1932 09 26
    Monday
    .Baltimore, Md.Century TheaterStage show - see 1932 09 23.....2011
    1932 09 27
    Tuesday
    .Baltimore, Md.Century TheaterStage show - see 1932 09 23.....2011
    1932 09 28
    Wednesday
    .Baltimore, Md.Century TheaterStage show - see 1932 09 23.....2011
    1932 09 29
    Thursday
    .Baltimore, Md.Century TheaterStage show - see 1932 09 23.....2011
    1932 09 30
    Friday
    1932 10 05New York, N.Y.Capitol Theatre88 minute vaudeville show accompanying a Laurel and Hardy film "Pack Up Your Troubles."

    Sharing the bill with Ellington and his orchestra:
    • James Barton
    • Benny Rubin
    • Mills, Kirk & Martin
    • Lucky Boys
    • Frances Williams

    The Ellington orch accompanied the other acts from the pit for the first part of the act, then took the stage for the last part, joined by dancers Worthy and Thompson (Lucky Boys).
    • Stratemann p.51 citing
      • Variety 1932-10-04
      • Billboard 1932-10-08 p.121
    • Vail I, with clippings of an ad and a review; neither's source is identified
    ...djpadded 2011

    updated 2013-05-21

    October 1932

    1932 10 01
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Capitol TheatreVaudeville show - see 1932 09 30.....2011
    1932 10 02
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Capitol TheatreVaudeville show - see 1932 09 30.....2011
    1932 10 03
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Capitol TheatreVaudeville show - see 1932 09 30.....2011
    1932 10 04
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Capitol TheatreVaudeville show - see 1932 09 30.....2011
    1932 10 05
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Capitol TheatreVaudeville show - see 1932 09 30.....2011
    1932 10 07.New York, N.Y.Rockland Palace...05,1-7..2011
    1932 10 071932 10 13Brooklyn, N.Y.Metropolitan...05,1-7..2011
    1932 10 141932 10 20Boston, Mass.Orpheum Theatre......2011
    1932 10 211932 10 27Jersey City, N.J.Loew's Theater
    (probably Loew's Jersey Theater,
    54 Journal Square)
    ......updated 2012-01-03
    1932 10 281932 10 31Washington, D.C.Fox Theatre......2011

    November 1932

    1932 11 011932 11 03Washington, D.C.Fox Theatre......2011
    1932 11 041932 11 10New York, N.Y.Loew's State Theatre,
    1540 Broadway
    ...02,2-20..2011
    1932 11 181932 11 25Philadelphia, Penn.Pearl Th...05,1-7..2011
    1932 11 25.New York, N.Y.New York UniversityAccording to the Percy Grainger page in Wikipedia, "On 25 October 1932, (Percy Grainger's) lecture was illustrated by Duke Ellington and his band, who appeared in person; Grainger admired Ellington's music, seeing harmonic similarities with Delius." The date of the event is unconfirmed. Page 121 of The History of Jazz by Ted Gioia, says it was in November....
    Hasse163photo
    JLCphoto
    Vail68photo
    see photo on page 7 of these program notes.
    .updated 2012-01-03
    1932 11 261932 11 01Baltimore, Md.Hippodrome......2011
    1932 11 29.Baltimore, Md.New Albert C......2011

    December 1932

    1932 12 021932 12 08Washington, D.C.Howard Theatre(ad shows Dec 03)...Vail I.2011
    1932 12 101932 12 16New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatre,
    132nd St. & 7th Ave.
    Harlem
    ......2011
    1932 12 21.New York, N.Y..ARC recording session.DE3213..2011
    1932 12 22.New York, N.Y..ARC recording session.DE3214 NDCS 1022.2011
    1932 12 24.York, Penn.Valencia Ballroom....Vail I.2011
    1932 12 25.Pittsburgh, Penn.Schenley Hotel...05,1-7..2011
    1932 12 26
    Monday
    .Cleveland, OhioHotel Cleveland"Duke Ellington and his famous band have been engaged by the Ching Tang Club of Lakewood to furnish music at their ninth annual Christmas dance....""Plan Christmas Dance," Cleveland Plain Dealer, 19Dec32, p14...K.Steiner Dec 2012

    Added 2012-01-17
    1932 12 27.Canton, Oh.Land O’Lakes Ballroom....Vail
    ellingtonweb
    CAHmail082011
    1932 12 27
    Tuesday
    .Canton, Oh.Land O’Dance Ballroom
    Market Avenue
    (North Canton)

    .
    Joe Mosbrook: "Jazzed in Cleveland"...djp

    added 2012-12-11
    1932 12 28
    Wednesday
    .Columbus, Oh..Valley Dale Ballroom"[T]hey will formally open the new Valley Dale Color room, designed by Dick Ashbaugh.""Harlem Duke Plays Dale Opening," Columbus Dispatch, 27Dec32, p8A...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-17
    1932 12 311933 01 06New York, N.Y.RKO Albee Theatre
    Albee Square
    Brooklyn
    Vaudeville show
    Ellington orchestra, singer Ann Lester and others
    Brooklyn Daily Eagle....
    added 2011

    updated 2013-06-10



    Back to Navigation List

    1933


    Date of event Ending date
    (if different)
    City/
    Other place
    Venue Event/People Primary Reference New
    Desor
    reference
    DEMS
    reference
    Other
    references
    Contact
    person
    Date added
    / updated

    January 1933

    1933 01 01
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.RKO Albee TheatreSee 1932 12 31.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-22
    1933 01 02
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.RKO Albee TheatreSee 1932 12 31.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-22
    1933 01 03
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.RKO Albee TheatreSee 1932 12 31.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-22
    1933 01 04
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.RKO Albee TheatreSee 1932 12 31.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-22
    1933 01 05
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.RKO Albee TheatreSee 1932 12 31.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-22
    1933 01 06
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.RKO Albee TheatreSee 1932 12 31.....added 2011

    updated 2012-09-22
    1933 01 07.New York, N.Y..ARC recording session. DE330111,1-29
    85,2-4
    ..2011
    1933 01 09
    Monday
    1933 01 13Pittsburgh, Penn.Pythian Temple(1)Stratemann says this engagement ran until Jan.13

    (2)Ken Steiner's research indicates it was
    "A one-nighter. For the second year in a row, Ellington was crowned "King of Jazz" by the Pittsburgh Courier. The entire Ellington household came over from New York, especially for the coronation...."
    (1)Pittsburgh Courier, 7/1/33 pp/2& 6.

    (2)Floyd Snelson, "Duke Ellington Praises Hospitality of Pittsburgh After Gala Coronation," Pittsburgh Courier, 14Jan33, sec2, p7
    ...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    added 2011
    updated 2012-01-18
    1933 01 10
    Tuesday
    1933 01 12
    Thursday
    Cincinnati, Oh.Pullman Coach"Duke Ellington puffed on a mild Havana cigar in the drawing room of the special Pullman that was bringing his band to Pittsburgh, thence to Cincinnati and afterwards, to St. Louis, where they will fill dance and vaudeville engagements."Ted Yates, "Courier Columnist Makes Trip to Pittsburgh with Duke and Band," Pittsburgh Courier, 14Jan33, sec2, p6...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-17
    1933 01 13
    Friday
    .Evansville, InVenue Unknown"A large crowd attended the dance in Evansville, Ind., Friday night where Duke Ellington's band played."Lee L. Brown, "Kentucky State News," Chicago Defender, nat. ed., 21Jan33, p21...K.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-17
    1933 01 14
    Saturday
    1933 01 30
    Monday
    St. Louis, MoClub AvalonClub date.

    (1)For this engagement, unadvertised in St. Louis newspapers, it was reported the "booking is for two weeks with an option. Ellington's is the first colored band to play the spot."

    (2)In a confusing report in the Chicago Defender of Ivie Anderson leaving the band twice during this engagement and flying to Chicago, the Avalon management was said to have sent a telegram to the Defender stating that the band closed "Saturday night" [28 Jan].

    (3) Closing night uncertain.

    (4)In an oral history interview, local musician Elijah Shaw said "One time Duke Ellington came here to play and Sonny Greer was sick, one of my students Wilbert Curt played in Sonny Greer's place."
    ..Vail IK.Steiner Dec 2012
    Added 2012-01-17, updated 2013-04-23
    1933 01 31...Peripheral event
    Creole Rhapsody won Ellington the New York Schools of Music annual award for the best composition of the year
    Niagara Falls Gazette, p.5.djp
    Added 2012-09-14

    February 1933

    1933 02 041933 02 10Philadelphia, Penn.Stanley Theatre....Carl A. Hällström, The Duke Ellington Itinerary.2011
    1933 02 15.New York, N.Y.55 Fifth AveColumbia
    (English Columbia) recording session
    .DE3302 11,1-27+29
    04,1-8
    ..2011
    1933 02 16.New York, N.Y.55 Fifth Ave.Columbia
    (English Columbia) recording session
    .DE330311,1-29
    04,1-8
    ..2011
    1933 02 17.New York, N.Y..ARC recording session.DE330411,1-29
    10,3-22
    05,3-40
    02,1-24
    Timner corrections .2011
    1933 02 22.Brooklyn, N.Y.Labor LyceumCharity Dance and All-Star Show
    benefit for the Brooklyn Home for Aged Colored People
    ...Stratemann
    p.52
    .2011

    March 1933

    1933 03 04.Astoria, N.Y.Paramount's Eastern Service StudiosParamount Pictorial 837
    "The World at Large"
    10 min. film featuring Baron Lee and His Blue Rhythm Orch., Cab Calloway and His Orch., and Duke Ellington and His Orch.
    .DE330507,2-5
    03,3-20
    Stratemann 53
    .updated 2012-01-06
    1933 03 09.New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBroadcast WEAF+NBC-Red network
    While an advertisement in the March 10 Brooklyn Eagle announced "Sunday March 12 midnite" would be the "triumphant return of the maestro of symphonic jazz," this broadcast from the club establishes the engagement began March 9. This is consistent with an announcement in the March 7 edition of Variety, which says he was to replace Calloway on the 9th
    ..09,2-6..updated 2012-01-06
    1933 03 --.New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubStratemann believes about 1 minute of a Universal Newsreel was filmed during this residency...Stratemann 57.2011
    1933 03 10.New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBroadcast WEAF+NBC-Red network..09,2-6..2011
    1933 03 121933 03 31New York, N.Y.Cotton Club21st Cotton Club Parade
    -this is the advertised date when Ellington was to replace Calloway's band, which went on tour.
    ..09,2-6
    05,1-7
    ..2011
    1933 03 14.New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBroadcast WJZ +NBC-Red network..09,2-6..2011
    1933 03 16.New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBroadcast XEAF+NBC-Red network..09,2-6..2011
    1933 03 17.New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubHarold Nicholas' birthday...photo.2011
    1933 03 171933 03 21New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBroadcast WJZ +NBC-Blue network..09,2-6..2011
    1933 03 23.New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBroadcast WEAF+NBC-Red network..09,2-6..2011
    1933 03 241933 03 28New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBroadcast WJZ +NBC-Blue network..09,2-6..2011
    1933 03 30.New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBroadcast WEAF+NBC-Red network..09,2-6..2011
    1933 03 31.New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBroadcast WJZ +NBC-Blue network..09,2-6..2011

    April 1933

    1933 04 011933 04 15New York, N.Y.Cotton Club21st Cotton Club Parade continues
    .....2011
    1933 04 041933 04 07New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBroadcast WJZ +NBC-Blue network..09,2-6..2011
    1933 04 06.New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBroadcast WEAF+NBC-Red network..09,2-6..2011
    1933 04 111933 04 13New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBroadcast WEAF+NBC-Red network..09,2-6..2011
    1933 04 14.New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBroadcast WJZ +NBC-Blue network..09,2-6..2011
    1933 04 16
    Sunday
    1933 04 30New York, N.Y.Cotton Club22nd Cotton Club Parade opening

    The Afro-American reported The Duke was responsible for a new song that is buzzing daily all along Broadway, "Sophisticated Lady." "He gave it to the public over the air ... before hundreds who attended the Cotton Club opening - and still thousands of others listened in over the NBC network. In a few hours, with characteristic manner, Broadway habitues had caught on and were buzzing the new number..."
    Afro-American, week of Apr 29, 1933, p.11.09,2-6..
    added 2011

    updated 2012-08-26
    1933 04 181933 04 21New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBroadcast WJZ +NBC-Blue network..09,2-6..2011
    1933 04 20.New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBroadcast WEAF+NBC-Red network..09,2-6..2011
    1933 04 22.New York, N.Y.Roseland Ballroom,
    Broadway & 51st
    ...09,2-6..2011
    1933 04 25.New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBroadcast WJZ +NBC-Blue network..09,2-6..2011
    1933 04 27.New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBroadcast WEAF+NBC-Red network..09,2-6..2011
    1933 04 30.New York, N.Y.Renaissance CasinoSamaritan Nursery Benefit..02,2-20..2011

    May 1933

    1933 05 01
    Monday
    1933 05 31New York, N.Y.Cotton Club22nd P...09,2-6..2011
    1933 05 02
    Tuesday
    1933 05 05New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBroadcast WJZ +NBC-Blue network..09,2-6..2011
    1933 05 04
    Thursday
    1933 05 11New York, N.Y.Cotton ClubBroadcast WEAF+NBC-Red network..09,2-6..2011
    1933 05 09
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubbroadcast WJZ +NBC-Blue network..09,2-6..2011
    1933 05 09
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y..ARC recording session DE3306..11,1-29
    09,2-6
    86,4-4
    ..2011
    1933 05 12
    Friday
    1933 05 16New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubbroadcast WJZ +NBC-Blue network..09,2-6..2011
    1933 05 16
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y..ARC recording session.DE330711,1-29
    09,2-6
    98,4-9
    98,2-17
    97,2-20
    89,3-8
    86,4-4
    86,3-1
    83-4-3
    Timner corrections .2011
    1933 05 18
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubbroadcast WEAF+NBC-Red network..09,2-6..2011
    1933 05 19
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubbroadcast WEAF+NBC-Blue network..09,2-6..2011
    1933 05 21
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatre,
    132nd St. & 7th Ave.
    Harlem
    Benefit...Vail I.2011
    1933 05 23
    Tuesday
    .Astoria,
    Long Island, N.Y.
    Paramount Eastern Service StudiosFilming Paramount short film “Bundle Of Blues” (release date 1933-09-01).DE330809,2-6
    05,3-18
    03,3-20
    Stratemann
    pp. 59 - 64 (incl. photos)
    .2011
    1933 05 25
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubbroadcast WEAF+NBC-Red network..09,2-6..2011
    1933 05 26
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubbroadcast WEAF+NBC-Blue network.....2011
    1933 05 26
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Town HallBenefit Concert.....2011
    1933 05 26
    Friday
    1933 06 01New York, N.Y.Capitol Theatre...09,2-6..2011
    1933 05 30
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cotton Clubbroadcast WJZ +NBC-Blue network..09,2-6..2011

    June 1933

    1933 06 021933 06 09Atlantic OceanS.S.Olympictravel to Europe, arriving Southampton 1933 06 09.....2011
    1933 06 09.London, EnglandWaterloo Station
    • arrival
    • Jack Hylton reception/party
    • Ellingon on BBC radio news
    • Collier writes "...very quickly the musicians discovered that England was not as free of racial prejudice as they had been told. No hotel could be found that would take in eighteen blacks (some of the Cotton Club dancers had been added to the show). Eventually, Ellington was given a room in the prestigious Dorchester Hotel, but the other musicians were scattered around London in small hotels and rooming houses. Nonetheless, ... (racial prejudice) was not so widespread nor held so strongly by many people as was the case in the United States. As a result the band, and especially Duke, was invited to parties and receptions given in their honor (sic). The group played at Punch's Club, which was filled with members of the British aristocracy, and later went to a party attended by the Prince of Wales..."
    ...
    • Stratemann 66 photo
    • Gammond photo
    • MIMM 83 photo
    • JLC photo
    • Jewell photo
    • Prim 53 photo
    • DE's A photo
    • Blue Light/Roger Boyes
    • James Lincoln Collier, Duke Ellington, p.96
    .added 2011

    updated 2013-02-20
    1933 06 11.Bournemouth, England.Aft+evening...BlueLight/R.Boyes.2011
    1933 06 121933 06 24London, EnglandPalladium...94,2-4TSE photo 36
    Strat67 photo
    VARphoto
    Vail80photo
    .2011
    1933 06 14...BBC National Broadcast..97,2-26..2011
    1933 06 16.StreathamLocarnoExtra Dance.....2011
    1933 06 18.London, EnglandPalladiumMELODY MAKER Concert..02,2-5Stratemann 65.2011
    1933 06 19.London, EnglandAstoria BallroomMidnight Dance.....2011
    1933 06 23.BrightonSherry's BallroomConcert(late night)..96,2-5
    94,2-4
    ..2011
    1933 06 25.HastingsTrocadero2pm.....2011
    1933 06 25.HastingsRegal Luxury8pm.....2011
    1933 06 261933 06 30LiverpoolEmpire Theatre...05,3-30
    96,2-5
    ..2011
    1933 06 28.BoltonPalais De Danse......2011
    1933 06 30.LiverpoolGrafton Ballroom......2011

    July 1933

    1933 07 01.LiverpoolEmpire Theatre...05,3-30..2011
    1933 07 02.BlackpoolPalace Thea?......2011
    1933 07 02.Blackpool+ Tower Ballroomdance.....2011
    1933 07 031933 07 08Glasgow, ScotlandEmpire Theatre......2011
    1933 07 06.Glasgow, ScotlandGreen's Playhouseextra dance.....2011
    1933 07 09.Harrogate, Yorks.Royal Hall....BlueLight/R.Boyes.2011
    1933 07 10.London, EnglandFinsbury Empire......2011
    1933 07 101933 07 15London, EnglandHolborn Empire......2011
    1933 07 13.London, EnglandChenil GalleriesDecca recording session.DE330900,1-25
    97,2-14
    ..2011
    1933 07 14.London, EnglandOriole StudiosEllington interviewed by Percy Mathison Brooks

    This interview was recorded and released on a souvenir record - see The Dooji Collection, 1933-34, session DE3310b and a photo of studio owner Levy, Ellington and Brooks.
    .DE33101979,5-1
    79,4-1
    ..
    added 2011

    updated 2012-09-25
    1933 07 16.London, EnglandElephant & Castle...91,3-2Stratemann 66.2011
    1933 07 16.London, England+ Trocadero(2pm)...91,3-2Stratemann 66.2011
    1933 07 171933 07 22BirminghamHippodrome...97,2-22
    96,2-5
    ..2011
    1933 07 18.London, EnglandFinsbury Empire......2011
    1933 07 21.BirminghamNew Palais......2011
    1933 07 23.MargateWintergardens + Westbrook Pavilion...97,3-20
    97,2-22
    97,1-16
    ..2011
    1933 07 24.London, EnglandLiverpool Stationleaving for continent..97,2-22photograph.2011
    1933 07 241933 07 25Den Haag....02,3-16
    02,2-18
    DEMSphoto.2011
    1933 07 25.ScheveningenKursaal...08,2-6
    03,1-6
    ..2011
    1933 07 26.Travel ?....03,1-6..2011
    1933 07 27.Paris Salle Pleyel....03,1-6
    97,1-16
    ..2011
    1933 07 29.Paris Salle Pleyel....97,1-16..2011
    1933 07 30.Deauville Casino....97,1-16..2011

    August 1933

    1933 08 00...Peripheral event
    The Brooklyn Daily Eagle July 21 1933 reported: Duke Ellington is the subject of a long article in the August number of "Fortune." Ellington is credited with being the leading exponent of original jazz.
    ..Added 2013-06-11
    1933 08 01.Paris Salle Pleyel.......2011
    1933 08 031933 08 09Atlantic OceanS.S.MajesticTravel to USA
    Igo's itinerary has the band leaving Southampton for home on August 3 but Stratemann p.66 and Vail I p.87 both have the the band leaving France that day. The lists of US citizens on SS Majestic show she left Cherbourg on August 2. The handwritten passenger listshave her leaving Southampton August 2,and she had some passengers bound for France. Since none of the pages show members of the Ellington entourage departing Southampton, it seems likely the ship travelled from Southampton to Cherbourg, and left Cherbourg with Duke and his people on August 3. Stratemann tells us Irving Mills stayed in France another week to arrange bookings for Cab Calloway and the Mills Blue Rhythm band.
    .....added 2011

    updated 2013-07-05
    1933 08 09.New York, N.Y..Arrival.....2011
    1933 08 15.New York, N.Y..ARC recording session.DE331111,1-29
    10,3-5
    09,3-4+25
    08,2-6
    05,2-12
    05,1-18
    90,1-4
    89,1-9
    88,5-2
    88,4-5
    NDCS 1073.2011
    1933 08 181933 08 24Boston, Mass.Metropolitan Th......2011
    1933 08 25.Buzzard's BayBournehurst......2011
    1933 08 27.New London, Conn.Danceland......2011
    1933 08 28.Waltham, Mass.Nuttings-on-the-Charles
    (a.k.a Nuttings Dance Hall)
    Prospect St. at the Charles River
    ......2011
    1933 08 29.ClaremontRoseland Ball......2011
    1933 08 30.CambridgeShadowland Br......2011
    1933 08 31.South LynnfieldStarlight......2011

    September 1933

    1933 09 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
    Louis Bacon, trumpet/vocalist, joins the band
    New Desor vol.2djp
    Added 2012-10-10
    1933 09 04
    Monday
    .White Plains, N.Y.Westchester County Center,
    Bronx River Parkway
    Os-we-go Club Labor Day dance
    "...All arrangements have been completed for the big holiday affair...Every city, town and village is planning to turn out in welcome to the "Duke" and his master musicians. Why not take the 40 minute drive up the parkway to the great County Center, where you will be entertained from 9:00 to 3a.m.

    This is the first appearance of "Duke" Ellington in Westchester County since his recent return from a tour of Europe. He's bringing with him that compelling irresistible band of musicians that form the height of excellence in playing dance music. He will positively play the entire evening and the Os-we-go Club has been highly congratulated in bringing to Westchester County such a high class orchestra..."".
    Ad and plug, New York Age, 1933-08-26....
    added 2011

    updated 2012-08-27
    1933 09 05.Baltimore, Md.New Albert Hal......2011
    1933 09 09.Hershey, Penn.Park Ballroom...05,1-7..2011
    1933 09 11.Erie, Penn.Rainbow Gardens...05,1-7..2011
    1933 09 12.YoungstownIdora Park......2011
    1933 09 151933 09 17Cincinnati, Oh.Castle Farm...05,1-7..2011
    1933 09 221933 09 28Chicago, Ill.Chicago Theatre......2011
    1933 09 26.Chicago, Ill.Merchandise MartRCA/Victor recording session.DE331211,1-11..2011
    1933 09 27.Chicago, Ill.Savoy Ballroom......2011
    1933 09 301933 09 06Dallas, Tex.Majestic Theatre..05,1-7.Vail
    Photo
    CAH (photo)
    added 2011
    updated 2012-08-10
    1933 09 30.Dallas, Tex.Ice PalaceWhites..05,1-7..2011

    October 1933

    1933 10 05.Dallas, Tex.Ice PalaceBlacks..05,1-7 ..2011
    1933 10 06.Dallas, Tex.Baker Hotel...05,1-7..2011
    1933 10 071933 10 10Ft. Worth, Tex.Worth Theatre...05,1-7..2011
    1933 10 111933 10 13Austin, Tex.Paramount Theat...5,1-7..2011
    1933 10 12.Austin, Tex.Tillotson CollegeDuke guests tk..05,1-7..2011
    1933 10 12.Austin, Tex.Gregory GymDance 10pm..05,1-7..2011
    1933 10 141933 10 20San Antonio, Tex.Majestic...05,1-7Vail I.2011
    1933 10 19.San Antonio, Tex.Carver Auditorium....Vail I.2011
    1933 10 --.San Antonio, Tex.Party Dinner...05,1-7Vail I.2011
    1933 10 211933 10 27Houston, Tex.Majestic Theatre...05,1-7..2011
    1933 10 21.Houston, Tex.Dance “Whites”......2011
    1933 10 27.Houston, Tex.Dance “Colored”......2011
    1933 10 281933 10 31Beaumont, Tex.Jefferson Theater...05,1-7..2011
    1933 10 29.Beaumont, Tex.Peoples Theatreblacks 11pm..05,1-7 ..2011
    1933 10 30.Beaumont, Tex.Neophogen Halldance 10:30pm..05,1-7 ..2011

    November 1933

    1933 11 011933 11 03Waco, Tex.Waco Theatre...05,1-7..2011
    1933 11 01.Waco, Tex.Shrine ClubDance 11pm..05,1-7 ..2011
    1933 11 02.Waco, Tex.Cotton Palace...05,1-7..2011
    1933 11 04
    Saturday
    1933 11 05Wichita Falls, Kan.Majestic...05,1-7..2011
    1933 11 04
    Saturday
    .Wichita Falls, Kan.Wichita Club."Mr. and Mrs. Joe Hunt were in Wichita Falls Saturday to hear Duke Ellington and his band."-Olney Enterprise, p.17, 1933-11-10.05,1-7..2011
    1933 11 061933 11 08Amarillo, Tex.Paramount Theatr...07,2-8
    04,1-9
    ..2011
    1933 11 06.Amarillo, Tex.Nat Dance Pal...04,1-9..2011
    1933 11 08.Amarillo, Tex.Negro ChurchSacred Concert?..07,2-8..2011
    1933 11 101933 11 16Oklahoma City, Ok.Criterion...05,1-7Vail I.2011
    1933 11 14.Oklahoma City, Ok.Skirvin Ho...05,1-7..2011
    1933 11 15.Oklahoma City, Ok.Market G.dance..05,1-7 ..2011
    1933 11 171933 11 23Tulsa, Ok.Orpheum Theatre...05,1-7..2011
    1933 11 18.Tulsa, Ok.Convention Halldance 11:30pm..05,1-7..2011
    1933 11 30.Chicago, Ill.Regal Theatre......2011

    December 1933

    1933 12 011933 12 07Chicago, Ill.Regal Theatre......2011
    1933 12 04.Chicago, Ill.Merchandise MartRCA/Victor recording session.DE331311,1-11
    00,2-15
    90,1-4
    Timner corrections .2011
    1933-12-05.United States.Peripheral event

    Prohibition ended when Utah, the 36th state to do so, ratified a constitutional amendment to repeal it.
    ....djp2012-07-30
    1933 12 06.DavenportKeith's......2011
    1933 12 081933 12 11DavenportOrpheum....Vail I.2011
    1933 12 121933 12 14Cedar Rapids IaKeith's Iowa Theatre.....KenSteiner aug11
    CAH ad-art aug11
    2011
    1933 12 151933 12 21OmahaKeith's.....KenSteiner aug112011
    1933 12 221933 12 25Sioux CityKeith's.....KenSteiner aug112011
    1933 12 261933 12 29Des MoinesKeith's.....KenSteiner aug112011
    1933 12 30
    Saturday
    1934 01 04
    Thursday
    Kansas City, Mo.Mainstreet Theater
    1400 Main St.
    Stage show....KenSteiner aug112011
    1933 12 31
    Sunday
    .Kansas City, Mo.Mainstreet TheaterStage show - see 1933 12 30....KenSteiner aug112011



    Back to Navigation List

    1934


    Date of event Ending date
    (if different)
    City/
    Other place
    Venue Event/People Primary Reference New
    Desor
    reference
    DEMS
    reference
    Other
    references
    Contact
    person
    Date added
    / updated

    January 1934

    1934 01 00...PERSONNEL CHANGE
    Louis Bacon, trumpet/vocalist, leaves the band.
    He will play with the band again from December 14 -26, 1934 and in a session in March 1939.
    New Desor vol.2djp
    Added 2012-10-10
    1934 01 01
    Monday
    .Kansas City, Mo.Mainstreet TheaterStage show - see 1933 12 30....KenSteiner aug112011
    1934 01 02
    Tuesday
    .Kansas City, Mo.Mainstreet TheaterStage show - see 1933 12 30....KenSteiner aug112011
    1934 01 03
    Wednesday
    .Kansas City, Mo.Mainstreet TheaterStage show - see 1933 12 30....KenSteiner aug112011
    1934 01 04
    Thursday
    .Kansas City, Mo.Mainstreet TheaterStage show - see 1933 12 30....KenSteiner aug112011
    1934 01 05
    Friday
    .Kansas CityRoseland Ballroom...05,1-7..2011
    1934 01 06
    Saturday
    .activity not documented
    1934 01 07
    Sunday
    .activity not documented
    1934 01 08
    Monday
    .activity not documented
    1934 01 09
    Tuesday
    .Chicago, Ill.Merchandise Mart studioRCA-Victor recording session
    Duke Ellington & His Orchestra
    Bacon, Jenkins, Whetsel, Williams, Brown, Nanton, Bigard, Carney, Ellington, Guy, Braud, Greer

    Titles recorded:
    • Delta Serenade
    • Stompy Jones
    .DE3401Stratemann p.68djp
    added 2011

    updated 2012-12-17
    1934 01 10
    Wednesday
    .Chicago, Ill.Merchandise MartRCA-Victor recording session
    Duke Ellington & His Orchestra
    Bacon, Jenkins, Whetsel, Williams, Brown, Nanton, Bigard, Carney, Ellington, Guy, Braud, Greer

    Titles recorded:
    • Solitude
    • Blue Feeling
    .DE340211,1-11
    06,3-32
    02,2-28
    .djp
    added 2011

    updated 2012-12-17
    1934 01 11
    Thursday
    .activities not documented
    1934 01 12
    Friday
    1934 01 18Detroit, Mich.Michigan TheatreStage showStratemann p.68, citing
    Chicago Defender 1934-01-34 19
    and Variety 1934-01-16, p.8
    ....2011
    1934 01 13
    Saturday
    .Detroit, Mich.Michigan TheatreStage show - see 1934 01 12.....2011
    1934 01 14
    Sunday
    .Detroit, Mich.Michigan TheatreStage show - see 1934 01 12.....2011
    1934 01 15
    Monday
    .Detroit, Mich.Michigan TheatreStage show - see 1934 01 12.....2011
    1934 01 16
    Tuesday
    .Detroit, Mich.Michigan TheatreStage show - see 1934 01 12.....2011
    1934 01 17
    Wednesday
    .Detroit, Mich.Michigan TheatreStage show - see 1934 01 12.....2011
    1934 01 18
    Thursday
    .Detroit, Mich.Michigan TheatreStage show - see 1934 01 12.....2011
    1934 01 19
    Friday
    .activities not documented
    1934 01 20
    Saturday
    .activities not documented
    1934 01 21
    Sunday
    .activities not documented
    1934 01 22
    Monday
    .activities not documented
    1934 01 23
    Tuesday
    .activities not documented
    1934 01 24
    Wednesday
    .activities not documented
    1934 01 25
    Thursday
    .activities not documented
    1934 01 26
    Friday
    .activities not documented
    1934 01 27
    Saturday
    1934 01 01
    Thursday
    Akron, Oh.Palace Theatre......2011
    1934 01 28
    Sunday
    .Akron, Oh.Palace Theatresee 1934 01 27.....2011
    1934 01 29
    Monday
    .Akron, Oh.Palace Theatresee 1934 01 27.....2011
    1934 01 30
    Tuesday
    .Akron, Oh.Palace Theatresee 1934 01 27.....2011
    1934 01 31
    Wednesday
    .Akron, Oh.Palace Theatresee 1934 01 27.....2011

    February 1934

    1934 02 01
    Thursday
    .Akron, Oh.Palace Theatresee 1934 01 27.....2011
    1934 02 021934 02 08Philadelphia, Penn.Earle Thea......2011
    1934 02 091934 02 15Washington, D.C.Howard Theatre.....KenSteiner aug11 (not 10-15)2011
    1934 02 16?1934 02 19Washington, D.C..Beginnng of train trip to Los Angeles, Cal. It is not clear if the trip began this day or the night before, but the band had stops in Chicago and Ogden on Feb 16 and 17, respectively (see below)....djpupdated 2012-07-31
    1934 02 16.Chicago, Ill.Regal TheatreDuke visited Lucky Millander at the theatre during a station stop, and addressed the audience while there...05,1-7..2011
    1934 02 18
    Sunday
    09:20
    .Ogden, Utah.Station stop:

    "Noted Band Going To Coast Studios
    Duke Ellington and his famous colored dance band of 25 pieces will pass through Ogden Sunday morning at nine-twenty, bound from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles to work in motion pictures. The band occupies one special sleeping car, one 10-section lounge car, one baggage car and a special dining car.
    The party will be in Ogden 10 minutes, according to schedule."
    Ogden Standard Examiner, 19340217...djp2012-07-31
    1934 02 16?1934 02 19Los Angeles, Cal..Arrival by Union Pacific train. It was raining when the band arrived.....djpupdated 2012-07-31
    1934-02-19
    Monday 8:00 pm
    .Los Angeles, Cal.Fiesta Room
    Ambassador Hotel
    Half-hour benefit concert for a celebrity bridge game for the Motion Picture Relief Fund.Reports in
    • Feb 19, 1934 San Antonio Light
    • Baltimore weekly Afro-American, week of March 10, 1934
    • Reading Eagle, Feb 22, 1934
    ...djp
    Added 2012-07-31
    1934 02 19.Los Angeles, Cal.Paramount Sound TheatrePrivate Concert
    "On the evening of the band's arrival in Los Angeles a concert was arranged in a sound theatre at Paramount Pictures for an audience of studio executives and their families."
    Melody Maker, 17Mar34, p2.02,2-20..2011
    1934 02 22.Los Angeles, Cal.Paramount Studios“Murder At The Vanities”..07,2-6
    98,1-17
    ..2011
    1934 02 24.Los Angeles, Cal.Club EbonyCaberet Party...