Genius of Duke 74xxxx 02 Ring Dem Bells

Summary

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Episode Overview

Title: Genius of Duke 74xxxx 02 Ring Dem Bells
Date: January 22, 2026
Host: Hal Jackson
Featured Guest: Lionel Hampton
Theme:
This episode from "Harold's Old Time Radio" is a warm, retrospective tribute to the legendary bandleader Duke Ellington. Hosted by Hal Jackson and featuring renowned vibraphonist and bandleader Lionel Hampton, the show celebrates Ellington’s musical legacy through personal anecdotes, performances of Ellington classics, and educational segments on Medicare and Social Security. The episode blends lively jazz with practical advice for listeners.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening & Contextual Tribute to Duke Ellington

• [00:43–01:38] Hal Jackson introduces the episode as a tribute to Duke Ellington, highlighting Ellington’s impact on American music.
• The host mentions the participation of Lionel Hampton, positioning him as both a contemporary and an admirer of Ellington.

“We're extremely proud to present this tribute to one of the giants of American music, Mr. Duke Ellington. With us today is Lionel Hampton, king of the vibes and a well-known composer and bandleader in his own right.”
— Hal Jackson [00:43]

2. Lionel Hampton’s Personal Reflections on Duke

• [01:38–02:17] Hampton recounts Ellington’s influence during his early days with Les Hite’s Band and how it motivated him to record “Ring Them Bells” with musicians from Ellington’s own band.
• He lists the musicians who joined him for his recording: Johnny Hodges (alto sax), Cootie Williams (trumpet), Billy Taylor (bass), and Sonny Greer (drums).

“Duke Ellington was always great inspiration to me. Back in the 30s when I was playing with the Les Heights Band in Los Angeles, we used to copy Duke Ellington's rhymes off the record.”
— Lionel Hampton [01:38]

3. Musical Performance: “Ring Them Bells”

• [02:17–05:25] The show features Hampton’s rendition of “Ring Them Bells,” showcasing the intricate swing and energy emblematic of Ellington’s compositions.

4. Public Service: Medicare and Social Security Guidance

• [05:25–06:28, 10:32–11:00] Hal Jackson intersperses the musical segments with advice tailored to older listeners about handling medical bills under Medicare.
  • Emphasizes two main billing methods: personal claims vs. doctor’s assignment.
  • Recommends discussing billing preferences with your doctor and consulting the Medicare handbook.

“If your doctor agrees to make the claim himself, he also agrees that his charges will not be more than the reasonable charges for covered services. This means you're only responsible for the annual deductible plus 20% of the bill.”
— Hal Jackson [05:54]

5. Spotlight: “Jamming With Sam”

• [06:28–10:32] Introduction and performance of “Jamming With Sam,” a number known for highlighting various soloists within the band.
  • Hampton underscores how Ellington used this song to showcase his band members, noting Cat Anderson’s standout trumpet performance.

“Jamming With Sam was a number Duke Ellington used to introduce a lot of different members of his great band in a relative short space of time.”
— Lionel Hampton [06:28]

• The excerpt includes shoutouts to band members and their hometowns, adding personal flavor and warmth.

6. Grand Finale: “Take the A Train”

• [11:00–14:11] Hampton introduces the classic Ellington theme “Take the A Train,” written by Billy Strayhorn.
  • Notes the famous 1968 Yale performance featuring Cootie Williams on trumpet.
  • The piece serves as both a musical high point and a reflection on the collaborative genius of Ellington and Strayhorn.

“Duke's theme Take A Train was written by his right hand man, Billy Strayhorn. Of course, I think Duke could have written something just as good or suitable himself, but that was the kind of guy he was.”
— Lionel Hampton [11:00]

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Lionel Hampton’s heartfelt praise:

  “Duke Ellington was always great inspiration to me.” — [01:38]

• Hal Jackson’s practical Medicare guidance:

  “The best thing for you to do is to ask for the Medicare handbook. It answers almost all of your questions.” — [10:40]

• Tribute to Billy Strayhorn and Duke’s generosity:

  “That was the kind of guy he was.” — Lionel Hampton [11:02]

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Important Segments & Timestamps

• Tribute to Ellington & Show Introduction: [00:43–01:38]
• Personal Ellington Memories & “Ring Them Bells”: [01:38–05:25]
• Medicare & Medical Bills Advice I: [05:25–06:28]
• “Jamming With Sam” Story & Performance: [06:28–10:32]
• Medicare & Medical Bills Advice II: [10:32–11:00]
• “Take the A Train” Introduction & Performance: [11:00–14:11]
• Closing & Social Security Message: [14:11–14:52]

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Tone & Style

The episode maintains a genial, nostalgic tone, filled with personal reminiscences and genuine admiration between musicians, seamlessly balanced with clear, helpful information for older listeners regarding healthcare benefits. The atmosphere is cozy and reminiscent, aiming both to entertain and to inform, true to the spirit of classic radio programming.

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Summary

Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or drawn by the practical advice for seniors, this episode is an inviting blend of swinging music, respectful storytelling, and no-nonsense guidance. Lionel Hampton and Hal Jackson pay joyful homage to Duke Ellington, performing and reflecting on several of his classics, while also ensuring listeners have the essential know-how to navigate Medicare. The result is an episode that’s as warm and wise as the golden age of radio itself.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Hi everyone, this is Lionel Hampton. Welcome to our show.

[C]

The genius of Duke, Hal Jackson here speaking to you on behalf of the Social Security Administration and the station. We're extremely proud to present this tribute to one of the giants of American music, Mr. Duke Ellington. With us today is Lionel Hampton, king of the vibes and a well known composer and band leader in his own right. Talking about and playing some of the Duke's all time great hits. In a minute or two, I'm going to give you some good advice about an old bugaboo. Medical bills. Nobody likes them and they don't get any easier when you get older either. But they do have to get paid. So the Medicare people have figured out two systems that you can use if you're eligible for Medicare. You're going to want to be listening because this advice from your Social Security Administration can save you a lot of trouble. Right now. Let's give a listen to my good friend Lionel Hampton.

[B]

Hi, this is Lionel Hampton. And I want to say that Duke Ellington was always great inspiration to me. Back in the 30s when I was playing with the Les Heights Band in Los Angeles, we used to copy Duke Ellington's rhymes off the record. One of his big hits at that time was Ring Them Bells. And when I began making records for Victor, that was one of the tunes I recorded. And to play it with me, I got four of Duke Ellington's musicians. Johnny Hodges on the alto saxophone, Cooney Williams on the trumpet, Billy Taylor on the bass and Sonny Gray on the drum.

[D]

It's. Mr. Stacy. Ring him bell oh boy, new face will, if you like it, just lift up your head and yeah. Oh mister, Ring them Bell. Oh, Mr. Ring the bell. It's.

[C]

Lionel Hampton is Vibes in his band with his rendition of Duke's classic Ring Them Bells. Now then, I have a little advice for you and your doctor. If you're covered by Medicare, you probably have both hospital protection and medical insurance. Most people do. But do you know that there are two ways to handle your medical bills. You can make the claim yourself, and in that case the medical insurance payment will be made directly to you, or your doctor can agree that he'll apply for the payment and it will be made directly to him. This is called assignment. If your doctor agrees to make the claim himself, he also agrees that his charges will not be more than the reasonable charges for covered services. This means you're only responsible for the annual deductible plus 20% of the bill. But remember, both you and your doctor have to agree to use the assignment method of payment. You'll find more information on how to apply for your medical insurance benefits in your Medicare handbook. But if you have any questions, call any Social Security office. Back now to Hamp and Another Duke.

[B]

Ellington hit Jamming With Sam was a number Duke Ellington used to introduce a lot of different members of his great band in a relative short space of time. This version was recorded at a concert in Paris in 1963, and it's Cat Anson on the trumpet, who brings the parade to an end somewhere in outer space. Before he joined Duke's band in 1944, Cat was in my band, Massachusetts to lead us now into jam with Sam.

[D]

Sav.

[B]

Lawrence brown, los angeles, california. Russell croco, new york city. Roy burrows, kingston, jamaica.

[D]

Cooper, las vegas st. Ant, chicago, il. It.

[C]

Jam with Sam Strictly in the Duke Ellington Manor Getting back to you in Medicare for a moment. You make whatever arrangement you want with your doctor. Just remember to discuss it in advance. But the best thing for you to do is to ask for the Medicare handbook. It answers almost all of your questions. And if you still have one or two hanging, give the people at Social Security a call. They know all the answers. Hemp, what's the last goody you got for us?

[B]

Duke's theme Take a A Train was written by his right hand man, Billy Strayhorn. Of course, I think Duke could have written something just as good or suitable himself, but that was the kind of guy he was. This version was recorded live at Yale in 1968, and the trumpet solo is by Cootie William.

[C]

Duke Ellington's theme Take the A Train with a Duke himself at the piano. Well, both Lionel Hampton and I could stay here playing Duke Ellington music all day and night, but I'm afraid our time has run out, so we'll have to tell you to tune in next time.

[B]

All right, Hal, this is Lionel Hampton saying we'll see you real soon.

[C]

The genius of Duke has been brought to you by the Social Security Administration and this station as a public service so that you may find out about your rights and benefits under Social Security. If you've enjoyed the show, please join us again next week on this station. Until then, this is Hal Jackson saying, when you think of the future, think of Social Security.

[D]

Sat.