Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: A Date With The Duke 45-05-26 – First Song: Sugar Hill Penthouse
Date: October 23, 2025
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

Overview

This episode takes listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, spotlighting a 1945 broadcast of A Date With The Duke, featuring Duke Ellington and his legendary orchestra. The program is presented as part of a special series dedicated to promoting the purchase of U.S. war bonds during the massive Seventh War Loan Drive toward the end of World War II. The show blends rousing musical performances with heartfelt wartime appeals, creating both a historical snapshot and an energetic swing showcase.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Power of Music in Wartime America

• The broadcast opens with a solemn reminder of the importance of U.S. war bonds in shaping the future for both citizens and the nation ([00:48]).
• The seamless mix of music and civic responsibility establishes the show’s dual focus: entertainment and encouragement for public support during wartime.

2. Musical Highlights

The episode features iconic performances by Duke Ellington and his orchestra, with standout solos and vocals from the ensemble, including:

• "Sugar Hill Penthouse"
  From Ellington’s celebrated suite "Black, Brown and Beige" – a musical reflection on African-American history

  • [03:09–07:13]
  • Host: “It’s Sugar Hill Penthouse from the suite the tone parallel of the history of the American Negro called Black, Brown and Beige by Duke Ellington himself.” ([02:57])

• "Suddenly It Jumps"

  • [07:13–09:13]
  • Announced as a lively tune that “doesn't need any introduction further than the title.” ([07:13])

• Vocal Spotlight: "Candy" (Ray Nance)

  • [11:17–13:47]
  • Lyric: “May I take my candy, make her mine, oh mine, and candy sweet and wine.” ([13:47])

• "A Friend of Yours" (Rex Stewart, "the toy trumpet man")

  • [14:11–16:46]
  • Host: “Thanks a million, Rex Stewart.” ([16:46])

• "Kissing Bug" (Joyous Cheryl)

  • [16:46–19:21]
  • Cheryl: “I’m gonna buy some bugaboo, and that will put an end to you. And then I hope I'll never ever love another Kissing Bug.” ([19:21])

• "Hollywood Hangover," "In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree," "Frankie and Johnny," and more – providing a tour through American musical favorites and folklore ([19:50–40:35]).

• "I Ain’t Got Nothing But the Blues" (Kay Davis & Al Hibbler)

  • [42:40–47:43]
  • Lyric: “Ain’t got no rest in my slumber. Ain’t got no feelings to brew. Ain’t got no telephone number. I ain’t got nothing but the blues.” ([47:43])

• "My Honey’s Loving Arms" (Ray Nance)

  • [49:44–51:42]

• "Rocking in Rhythm"

  • [54:11–56:07]

3. Wartime Appeals and Messages from Duke Ellington

Throughout the show, Ellington directly addresses the audience, linking music to the ongoing war effort and the crucial need for war bond purchases.

Notable Quotes:

• On the Need for War Bonds:

  • “Each bond you and I buy today will pay us $4 for three 10 years from now. Chances are that ten years from now we can really use that money...” ([00:48])
  • “Buy them now during the mighty Seventh and keep on buying them and hold on to them.” ([02:54])

• Reflecting on VE Day and the Continuing War:

  • "VE day was really mobilization day in the war against Japan... We have to do it to smash Japan and get our men back home. They are sick of this war too.” – Duke Ellington ([10:17], [27:06])

• Stressing Sacrifice:

  • “The sacrifices we make on the home front cannot ever match the sacrifices our American boys are making in the grim, grueling war against the Japanese. So dig down deep, all out for the mighty Seventh War loan.” – Duke Ellington ([10:17])
  • “No matter what our sacrifice it cannot be as great as what our men are giving up. All out for the mighty seventh War Loan.” – Duke Ellington ([41:29])

• Rallying for Support:

  • "We have to get our boys back home. All out for the mighty seventh War Loan." – Duke Ellington ([53:20])

Notable Segments & Timestamps

| Time | Segment | Description/Highlight | |--------------|----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 00:48–02:57 | Opening Monologue | War bond appeal, show introduction | | 03:09–07:13 | "Sugar Hill Penthouse" | First major performance | | 10:17–11:17 | First Address by Duke Ellington | Emotional war effort speech | | 11:17–13:47 | "Candy" (Ray Nance) | Featured vocal | | 16:46–19:21 | "Kissing Bug" (Joyous Cheryl) | Featured female vocal | | 27:06–27:51 | Second Address by Duke Ellington | Pacific war update, pushing for bond purchases | | 41:29–42:40 | Third Address by Duke Ellington | Reminder of ongoing sacrifice | | 42:40–47:43 | "I Ain’t Got Nothing but the Blues" | Memorable blues duet | | 53:20–54:11 | Final Appeal by Duke Ellington | Emotional closing appeal for war bonds | | 56:07–56:52 | "Rocking in Rhythm" | Show closer instrumental |

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Patriotic Urgency:

  • “Dig down deep, all out for the mighty Seventh War loan.” – Duke Ellington ([10:17])

• Vocal Standouts:

  • Joyous Cheryl’s clever and pointed lyrics in “Kissing Bug” ([19:21])
  • Kay Davis & Al Hibbler’s soulful “I Ain’t Got Nothing but the Blues” ([47:43])

• Host’s Warmth:

  • “How wonderful. Wonderful indeed.” ([33:06])
  • “Thanks a million, Rex Stewart.” ([16:46])
  • “Thanks a million, joyous Cheryl.” ([19:50])

Tone and Style

The program balances exuberant, rhythmic jazz with serious wartime commentary, reflecting radio’s historic role as a force for unity and morale during World War II. The host maintains a formal, uplifting tone, while Duke Ellington’s addresses are grave yet optimistic, urging listeners to support both the soldiers abroad and the future at home.

Conclusion

This episode stands as a powerful reminder of the vital role music and radio played in sustaining the American spirit during WWII. Duke Ellington and his orchestra deliver an unforgettable musical experience interwoven with deeply felt patriotic appeals, making it both a musical celebration and a slice of living history.