“Black Beauty” began as a tune with the working title “Firewater” that Ellington would play at the Cotton Club after an intermission. As he arranged the composition for his orchestra, he changed the title to “Black Beauty”, in tribute to “Queen of Happiness” Florence Mills, a singer, dancer, and comedian who died unexpectedly at a very young age in 1927. Mills was revered as an entertainer for her performances in Shuffle Along, Dixie to Broadway, Lew Leslie’s Blackbirds of 1926 and 1927, and many other productions.
This is the first recording of the tune at an early 1928 session for Brunswick and is notable for the absence of Bubber Miley, whose growling trumpet was a calling card for the band. It also includes a piano solo by Duke himself.
Ellington would re-record this tune for Victor a week later with Miley – and then again for Okeh in October arranged for solo piano. It remained in his repertoire throughout his life
Recorded on in New York City on March 21, 1928.
Released as Vocalion 15704 and Brunswick 4009.
Duke Ellington – piano, arranger, director
Arthur Whetsel, Louis Metcalf – trumpet
Joe Nanton – trombone
Otto Hardwick – soprano sax, alto sax, baritone sax, bass sax
Harry Carney – clarinet, alto sax, baritone sax
Barney Bigard – clarinet, tenor sax
Fred Guy – banjo
Wellman Braud – string bass
Sonny Greer – drums
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