"Black and Tan Fantasy," Duke Ellington (1927)

What is this?

“Black and Tan Fantasy” is a pivotal composition by Duke Ellington and Bubber Miley. The initial bluesy, minor theme was written by Miley, and the contrasting major theme—more lyrical in nature—was written by Ellington. The composition is also a programmatic work, referring to jazz clubs in Harlem that catered to both black and white audiences. During the Harlem Renaissance, these establishments were known as “black and tan clubs.” Text by James Saltzman, Faculty, Manhattan School of Music

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