Comments for Jump for Joy - Duke Ellington's Celebratory Musical

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Produced by David Brent Johnson/WFIU Public Media

Other pieces by WFIU

Summary: Perfect for Black History Month (February), this one-hour special tells the story of Duke Ellington's musical "Jump for Joy"
 

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Review of Jump for Joy - Duke Ellington's Celebratory Musical

This documentary covers a neglected part of Duke Ellington's legacy. "Jump For Joy" was groundbreaking in the way it broke free from the conventional ways that black actors were portayed on stage, and of course there was a lot of great music that came out of the show. I found the program to be well--researched, well-produced, and broad in its appeal. There are plenty of rare Ellington performances and there are stories about innovative performers - dancers, musicians, actors and comedians - that I was completely unfamiliar with. It's a quick hour, its got a lot of substance and it would work well on any station with a jazz format or any station that is looking for a program for black history month.

Peter Solomon
Jazz Host, WCVE-FM
Richmond, VA

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An Excellent Program

I am very grateful to have heard this program - Jump For Joy is a progressive and beautiful show that is, sadly, overlooked. Hopefully the program will help change that! Thanks for having here on the site - much appreciated.

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An Excellent Program

I am very grateful to have heard this program - Jump For Joy is a progressive and beautiful show that is, sadly, overlooked. Hopefully the program will help change that! Thanks for having here on the site - much appreciated.