Johnny Mercer and Duke Ellington were sophisticated musical innovators whose works influenced American popular and jazz music for more than four decades. Lyricist Mercer partnered with many pre-eminent composers, including Duke Ellington. Ellington was a composer, pianist and bandleader who brought his compositions from popular venues to the concert hall. Our class examines and compares the lives, compositions and legacies of these men.
Naomi Amos, pianist and professor, has taught at the collegiate level in Connecticut and Virginia and presented guest lectures and concerts nationally. She loves all kinds of American music, with special emphasis on the integration of folk, popular, country and jazz in the 20th century.
Login/Create account
