A Date With The Duke 45-05-26 First Song - Sugar Hill Penthouse

Summary

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

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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.

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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])

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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 |

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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])

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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.

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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.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

The Air.

[C]

Blue Network of the American Broadcasting Company has the pleasure of presenting from Chicago another in a special series of musical programs dedicated to the sale of war bonds during the mighty Seventh war loan drive and made possible through the cooperation of the American Federation of Musicians. James C. Petrillo, President Our guest stars today are Duke Ellington, America's top composer of jazz music, and his world famous orchestra. In just a moment, the Duke will swing out with his first sizzler of the day. But during that moment lets you and I consider the future, our future and our country's future. United States war bonds are the key to both. Yes, we can firmly cement the foundation of our own future by building with bonds. Each bond you and I buy today will pay us $4 for three 10 years from now. Chances are that 10 years from now we can really use that money. We can use it to guarantee our children's education, to retire, to build a home, to start a business, or to provide for sudden emergencies. That's intelligent planning to be financially prepared for the future. You see, war bonds represent a sound financial investment, an investment for your own future. Even if they had nothing to do with your country's future. But they have. The war is being paid for with our bond dollars, being paid for in the most orderly and efficient manner. Bonds are helping to bring victory faster. And victory and our country's future are one and the same thing, remember? Then buy all the bonds you can afford for your future and for your country's future. Buy them now during the mighty Seventh and keep on buying them and hold on to them. And now it's back to the world famous music of Duke Ellington at his orchestra. The tune number one. 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. Here it is, Sugar Hill Penthouse.

[D]

It's it.

[C]

There you have it. Sugar Hill Penthouse from Duke Ellington's own composition Black, Brown and Beige. And now here's a tune by the Duke and the boys that really doesn't need any introduction further than the title. Suddenly it jumps.

[D]

It.

[C]

And now here's the Duke with an important.

[E]

Thank you. You know, friends, V E day was really mobilization day in the war against Japan. For three and a half years, we had been pushing back the frontiers of Japan's stolen empire with limited forces. Now we're ready for the knockout blow in the Pacific. Massive armies must be thrown against the homeland of Japan and massive equipment will be needed. Equipment which has to be shipped over routes three times the length of our supply lines in Europe. All this help. All this helps to explain why the quota in the Seventh War lone drive is more, much more than ever before. Individuals alone are asked for $7 billion. It's a lot of money, but remember, it has to do a lot of work. And remember too, that 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.

[C]

Thanks, Duke. And now on with the music. Ray Nance hits the vocal spotlight with Duke Ellington and the orchestra. And it's candy.

[B]

Candy. Called my sugar candy. Because I. And sweet on candy candy sweet on me. She understands me. My understanding Candy candy's always handy when I need simple. Now I wish that there were more of her so I could love much more of her. She has taken my complete heart. Got a sweet tooth. Oh my sweetheart candy. It's gonna be just standing. Say I take my candy, make her mine. Oh my.

[D]

Sam.

[B]

May I take my candy, make her mine O mine and candy sweet and wine.

[C]

And now it's the toy trumpet man, Rex Stewart, swinging out on the tune. A friend of yours.

[D]

Sam Sa.

[C]

Thanks a million, Rex Stewart. And now here she is, everybody. That lovely lady of delightful lyrics, Joyous Cheryl singing with Duke Ellington of the Boy is Kissing Bug.

[F]

You say that I am the one you love. You swear by every star above. And then you kiss some other miss. You're nothing but a kissing bug. You promised that you'd take my hand and lead me to the preacher man. But now I find it's just a line. You're nothing but a kissing bug. You wouldn't, you couldn't be true if you tried. I've told you won't scold you. Cause I love you so much. Virtual such and such. I'm going to buy some bugaboo. And as we put an end to you. And then I hope I'll never ever love another kissing bug.

[D]

Sam.

[F]

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. Kissing bug.

[C]

Thanks a million joyous Cheryl. Jump time now. You know friends, hangovers usually aren't much fun. Here's one that is though. Duke Ellington and Hollywood hangover.

[D]

Ram Sam.

[C]

Acclaimed by all the top polls in America as the nation's number one saxophone player. Here he is, Johnny Hodges playing Laura. And now once again friends, Duke Ellington.

[E]

Hospital Hospitals. Hospitals for our fighting men in the Pacific. General Somerville has said that we have to build and supply hospital facilities greater than those now available in New York and Chicago combined. And that of course is only one problem in our titanic struggle against the Japanese. V day must bring no letdown in our home front efforts. That's why the seventh War lone drive has by far the biggest quota you yet $7 billion from individuals alone. To many people it will mean a real sacrifice to buy those bigger extra bonds. But we have to do it to smash Japan and get our men back home. They are sick of this war too.

[C]

Ladies and gentlemen, from Chicago, the Blue Network of the American Broadcasting Company is presenting a full hour program of dance music by Duke Ellington and his famous orchestra. Here we go with an old tune which is still popular especially in a wonderful arrangement by the Duke. In the shade of the old apple tree.

[D]

It it.

[C]

How wonderful. Wonderful indeed. Now here's a companion tune who stated the old apple tree companion because they're both American. It's Frankie and Johnny which besides being a wonderful song is really become a part of American folklore. Here it is Jam Routining by Duke Ellington and the boys. Frankie and Johnny.

[D]

Sa ra it Sam.

[C]

Yes indeed. Frankie and Johnny and the Duke.

[D]

Here it is.

[C]

I'm beginning to see the light Duke Ellington and his orchestra that.

[E]

A burning sun, a mess of insects, too much ocean. Those boys over there in the Pacific must be thinking right now how nice it would be to be home. But tomorrow and tomorrow they'll still be dodging bullets still feeling lost in the middle of the night. Let us not forget those men. Let us remember that VE day meant only the start of our terrific all out battle against Japan. That's why the seventh war lone drive has a quota of $7 billion for individuals alone. A quota we've got to meet. We are asked to buy double what we bought before and who can say no? No matter what our sacrifice it cannot be as great as what our men are giving up. All out for the mighty seventh War Lo.

[C]

Swinging right on down the lane with the Duke now it's Midriff Duke Ellington plays the blues Kay Davis and Al hibbler to sing. I ain't got nothing but the blues.

[G]

Ain't got the change of a nickel. Ain't got no bouncing my shoes. Ain't got no fancy to take a. I ain't got nothing but the glue. Ain't got no coffee that's per. Ain't got. Got no winning saloo. Ain't got a dream that is working. I ain't got nothing but the blue. When trumpets flare up, I keep my hair up. I just can't. I can't make it come down. Believe me, pappy, I can't get happy. Since my ever loving baby left town. 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 blue. My God, nothing but the blue.

[C]

Here's that trumpet and fiddleman doing a vocal this time on my honey glove and arms. Ray Inan. Take it away.

[B]

I love your loving arms. They bring a world of charms. A place to nestle when I am sad and lonely. A cozy, modest chair. Oh, what a happy bear. One convinced happiness seems to bless my pretty baby. I love you more each day when years have rolled away. You know my love belongs to you only. Cause when the world seems wrong, I know where I belong.

[D]

Why did my baby's love tonight. Sam.

[C]

And now do you come out? Another short word to the folks.

[E]

Thank you. The Japs are tough. They want surrender in men the way the Germans did. They're willing to sacrifice 10 million men to win the war. Yes, we have a long and hard road ahead in the Pacific. But it's a road our fighting men will travel grimly, doggedly, bravely to our victory at the end. Back them up on the home front. Keep the supplies rolling. Keep behind the seventh war loan with every dollar you can possibly dig up. It's the biggest quota yet. $7 billion for individuals. For it's really two drives in one. We have to raise the money. We have to smash the jabs. We have to get our boys back home. All out for the mighty seventh war alone.

[C]

Thanks a million, Duke, for those very important words. And now let's go rocking in rhythm.

[D]

SA.

[C]

You'Ve been listening to a special Blue network program featuring the music of Duke Ellington and his world famous orchestra. Presented from Chicago and dedicated to the sale of war bonds during the mighty seventh warlong drive. This program was one of a series made possible through the cooperation of the American Federation of Musicians. James C. Petrillo, President.