I always thought Duke's Blues was written with Duke Ellington's inspiration in mind, but after many years of loving the song, I discovered that in 1952, (Ellington sideman) Johnny Hodges did a song called Duke's Blues.  This song has all the groundwork to inspire that "roomful" of fellas soon to be a band up in Rhode Island.

Duke,

Any thoughts on the true inspiration for writing your Duke's Blues?  

 This tune would make a great lesson someday, , 

regards,

Tim

Hi Tim, It was just the music I was listening to at the time and real life situations that inspired "Duke's Blues" Thanks, Duke