Duke Ellington Interview 1973

Duke Ellington gave this interview on his arrival to Sweden in 1973.


In the interview he says, "Jazz? To me the word means freedom of expression."

• What do you think he means when he says these words?

He goes on to say that, "Once jazz is accepted as art, popularity doesn't mean anything. When you get into popularity you are talking about money and not music."

• What do you think he means with this statement?
• Do you agree or disagree with the point he is making and why?

In the final 15 seconds or so of the interview Ellington talks about "the young people as consumers".

• What do you think of his point of view on this subject?
• Does he have a valid point?
• Is this point as valid today as it was in 1973?