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Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong & John Coltrane

By Joe Dimino | Neon Jazz
September 7, 2025
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Welcome to a special themed hour of jazz as we journey deep into the pages of Larry Tye's acclaimed book Jazz Men. This compelling work brings to life the triumphs, struggles, and sheer brilliance of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Louis Armstrong—three giants who not only shaped jazz but also helped move America forward during an era when civil rights were still finding their voice. Throughout this hour, we weave in Larry Tye's insights with a handpicked soundtrack that tells their story in the only way possible—through the music itself. From Count Basie's "Flight of the Foo Birds" kicking things off, to the finale with Armstrong and Ellington together on "I'm Just a Lucky So and So," the set is rich with swing, soul, and history. It's more than just a playlist—it's a celebration of resilience, artistry, and the timeless magic of jazz. Join us for this unforgettable ride.

Playlist

Count Basie

piano
1904 - 1984

" data-original-title="" title="">Count Basie "Fight of the Foo Birds" Atomic Basie (Parlophone) 0:00

Host talks 3:40

Duke Ellington

piano
1899 - 1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Duke Ellington "Vagabonds" Masterpieces by Ellington (Colombia) 6:28

Louis Armstrong

trumpet and vocals
1901 - 1971

" data-original-title="" title="">Louis Armstrong "What A Wonderful World" What A Wonderful World (Verve) 9:39

Host talks 11:50

Count Basie

piano
1904 - 1984

" data-original-title="" title="">Count Basie "Orange Sherbert" Basie Big Band (Pablo) 12:52

Duke Ellington and

Coleman Hawkins

saxophone, tenor
1904 - 1969

" data-original-title="" title="">Coleman Hawkins "You Dirty Dog" Duke Ellington meets Coleman Hawkins (Verve) 16:39

Host talks 20:50

Louis Armstrong "Dream a Little Dream of Me" 20th Century Masters (Geffen) 21:41

Count Basie "Splanky" Live at the Sands (Warner) 24:58

Host talks 28:44

Duke Ellington and

John Coltrane

saxophone
1926 - 1967

" data-original-title="" title="">John Coltrane "Take the Coltrane" Duke Ellington and John Coltrane {Verve) 29:11

Louis Armstrong "Kiss of Fire" Greatest Hits (Geffen) 33:59

Host talks 36:58

Count Basie and

Frank Sinatra

vocals
1915 - 1998

" data-original-title="" title="">Frank Sinatra "Looking at the World Through Rose Colored Glasses" Sinatra and Basie {Sinatra Enterprises) 37:45

Duke Ellington and His Orchestra "Hot and Bothered" Early Ellington (Broken Audio) 40:11

Host talks 43:22

Ella Fitzgerald

vocals
1917 - 1996

" data-original-title="" title="">Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong "A Woman is a Sometime Thing" Porgy and Bess {Verve) 43:58

Count Basie and

Tony Bennett

vocals
1926 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Tony Bennett "Are You Havin' Any Fun" Basie Wings Bennett Swings (Parlophone) 48:08

Host talks 50:47

Louis Armstrong & Duke Ellington "I'm Just a Lucky So and So" The Great Summit (Parlophone) 52:55

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