Art Works Blog

Duke Ellington

Portrait of Duke Ellington, Aquarium, New York, N.Y., ca. Nov. 1946. Photo by William P. Gottlieb

Art Works Podcast: Giddins on Ellington

May 6, 2011
Washington, DC This week’s podcast launches an occasional series in which we’ll celebrate influential artists from previous eras by exploring their work with noted critics, writers, or other artists. It is fitting that we kick off the series with Gary Giddins, the writer many consider...

It Don't Mean A Thing?

July 15, 2010
Washington, DC Duke Ellington (far left) and his orchestra performing at Howard University in Washington, DC in 1940. Photo by William P. Gottlieb This week's podcast continues our look at the nation's capital, this time turning our attention to one of DC's most famous sons, Duke...
Interior of the Lincoln Theater in the heart of DC's U Street district. Photo courtesy of Lincoln Theatre

Something Happening on U Street

July 8, 2010
Washington, DC U Street, NW in Washington, DC - once known as the "Black Broadway" for its plethora of theaters - hit hard times in the 1970s and '80s. After the riots of 1968 nearly burned the neighborhood to the ground, it was a long time coming before new life sprung up there. But...