"There are countless horrible things happening all over the world and horrible people prospering, but we must never allow them to disturb our equanimity or deflect us from our sacred duty to sabotage and annoy them whenever possible." -Auberon Waugh
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Happy Feet Friday
Duke Ellington and his orchestra play their signature theme, "Take the A Train" (from the 1943 film, Reveille with Beverly).
As I recall, the title of that song is a musical answer to the question "How do you get to Harlem?"
Back in the day, Harlem was a happening place, a chic destination for upper and middle class. Contrast that to the consternation expressed by the New Black Panthers, among others, when Bill Clinton was putting an office there.
As I recall, the title of that song is a musical answer to the question "How do you get to Harlem?"
ReplyDeleteBack in the day, Harlem was a happening place, a chic destination for upper and middle class. Contrast that to the consternation expressed by the New Black Panthers, among others, when Bill Clinton was putting an office there.
Steve: You're absolutely right; Harlem was a vibrant community, indeed.
ReplyDeleteThey have an expression in Jazz: 'paying your dues' - that's something Ellington sure did, he earned that title of 'Duke'.
ReplyDelete