In a Mellow Tone
Duke Ellington
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In a mellow tone Feeling fancy free And I'm not alone I've got company Everything's ok The live long day With this mellow song I can't go wrong In a mellow tone That's the way to live If you mope and groan Something's gotta give Just go your way And laugh and play There's joy unknown In a mellow tone In a mellow tone In a mellow tone Feeling fancy free And I'm not alone I've got company Everything's ok The live long day With this mellow song I can't go wrong In a mellow tone That's the way to live If you mope and groan Something's gotta give Just go your way And laugh and play There's joy unknown In a mellow tone In a mellow tone In a mellow tone
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
5 fans
Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
25 facts about this song
Musical Innovation"In a Mellow Tone" was written by Duke Ellington, a central figure in the history of jazz music. His style incorporated elements from blues, gospel, and classical music which has created a unique blend and influenced generations of musicians.
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Original ReleaseThe song was initially released in the year 1940. Over the years, it has been performed and recorded by numerous jazz musicians.
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Composer FameDuke Ellington, the composer of "In a Mellow Tone," is considered amongst the greatest jazz composers and bandleaders. He received 13 Grammy Awards and was posthumously awarded a special Pulitzer Prize for his significant contribution to music.
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CollaborationThe lyrics of "In a Mellow Tone" were penned by Milt Gabler. It is one of the few Duke Ellington's melodies that incorporate lyrics, marking it distinct from his primarily instrumental oeuvre.
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Musical StructureThe song features a series of sophisticated chord changes and a relaxed, swinging rhythm. This reflects Ellington's mastery in bringing a structured and refined sensibility to the informal and improvisational style often associated with jazz music.
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Influence"In a Mellow Tone" has been performed by numerous notable jazz musicians such as Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Oscar Peterson. It also influenced younger generations of musicians and remains one of the Duke's most enduring compositions.
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The Duke Ellington OrchestraEllington's Orchestra performed "In a Mellow Tone," showcasing the combined talents of the ensemble. The orchestra was known for its brilliance and adaptability to put forward a range of tonal embarks that translated Ellington’s compositions beautifully.
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Commercial SuccessDespite its initial release in the early 40s, the popularity of "In a Mellow Tone" has endured till present times. The song has been covered and reinvented countless times.
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In Live Performances"In a Mellow Tone" often appeared in the setlists of Duke Ellington Orchestra's live performances. These live versions highlight the spontaneity and improvisation that is intrinsic to jazz music.
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TimelessnessRegarding the continuing relevance and popularity of "In a Mellow Tone", the song is often considered as an example of timeless music. Its interpretation and presentation continue to evolve while maintaining the strength of its original composition.
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Composition"In a Mellow Tone" was composed by Duke Ellington, a leading figure in the world of jazz, demonstrating his unique musical style and compositional talent.
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Year of ReleaseThe song was released in 1939, during a golden period of jazz music in America.
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LyricsMilt Gabler wrote the lyrics to "In a Mellow Tone," adding a dimension of storytelling to the musical composition.
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StyleThe song is characterized by Ellington's signature style - a blend of big band and jazz music.
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Inspiration"In the A Mellow Tone" is based on the 1917 composition "Rose Room" by Art Hickman and Harry Williams.
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LegacyNot only is "In a Mellow Tone" a staple in Ellington's body of work, but it has also been covered by many other artists and bands, speaking to its timeless appeal.
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Notable PerformancesBeyond the original recording, the songs has been performed by renowned musicians like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Oscar Peterson, showcasing the song's broad appeal across jazz musicians.
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Influence"In a Mellow Tone" continues to influence jazz music and is frequently performed in jazz repertoires worldwide.
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RecognitionThe song is one of Duke Ellington's most recognized works, further cementing his reputation as one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time.
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Jazz Standards"In a Mellow Tone" is considered a jazz standard, a testament to its quality, enduring popularity, and influence on other jazz musicians and compositions.
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RecordingsSinger Ella Fitzgerald recorded "In a Mellow Tone" for her 1957 Verve release "Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook," demonstrating the song's importance and popularity among jazz artists.
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Music TheoryThe song consists of an AABA structure, a common form in jazz and popular music. This structure contributes to the song's catchy and repeatable nature, making it memorable and enjoyable to listeners.
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AlbumThe song appears in Ellington's album "Never No Lament: The Blanton-Webster Band," which is highly praised in the world of jazz and is widely considered to be one of his best work.
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Orchestration"In a Mellow Tone" is typically orchestrated for a big band, highlighting Ellington's mastery in big band arrangement.
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Time SignatureThe song is composed in a 4/4 time signature, which is common in jazz and gives the song a stable, swing feel.
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Citation
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