Duke Ellington – Take the 'A' Train “Take the ‘A’ Train” is one of the most iconic pieces of the swing era—a vibrant jazz standard that came to define the sound and style of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Composed by Billy Strayhorn and introduced in 1941, the song captures the spirit of New York City’s energy, especially the journey uptown on the A subway line to Harlem. Overview and Background As Duke Ellington’s orchestra was expanding its reach in the early 1940s, a fresh theme song was needed. Enter Billy Strayhorn, Ellington’s trusted composer and arranger. Inspired by directions Ellington ...
