Take the "A" Train Take the "A" Train "Take the 'A' Train" is a jazz standard by Billy Strayhorn that was the signature tune of the Duke Ellington orchestra. The use of the Strayhorn composition as the signature tune was made necessary by a ruling in 1940 by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). When ASCAP raised its licensing fees for broadcast use, many ASCAP members, including Ellington, could no longer play their compositions over radio, as most music was played live on radio at the time. Ellington turned to Billy Strayhorn and son Mercer Ellington, who were registered with ASCAP
Earl Hines Plays Duke Ellington Earl Hines Plays Duke Ellington Earl Hines Plays Duke Ellington is a compilation double album set featuring solo recordings by pianist Earl Hines performing compositions by Duke Ellington which were originally released as a series of four LPs that Hines recorded for the Master Jazz label in four separate sessions between 1971 and 1975 and rereleased on the New World label on LP in 1988 and on CD in 1992. It was followed by a second volume in 1997. Allmusic's Scott Yanow noted "The music is satisfying". "The Penguin Guide to Jazz" selected this album as part of its suggested