Genius of Duke 74xxxx 04 The Three Cent Stomp

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Genius of Duke 74xxxx 04 The Three Cent Stomp
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Host: Hal Jackson
Guest: Mercer Ellington

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Introduction

[00:00] Mercer Ellington opens the episode by welcoming listeners to the show, setting a warm and inviting tone for the tribute ahead.

[00:13] Hal Jackson introduces the episode's focus: a homage to Duke Ellington, one of American music's titans. He proudly mentions the collaboration with the Social Security Administration, emphasizing the dual purpose of celebrating Ellington's legacy while providing valuable information about Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

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Tribute to Duke Ellington

[00:52] Mercer Ellington delves into the historical context of Duke Ellington's music during the 1940s. He reminisces about the era's cultural staples, such as the "3 Cent Stomp," highlighting its popularity in ballrooms. Mercer honors the musicians who collaborated with Duke, including Jordi Baker, Tyree Glenn, Ray Nance, and Oscar Pettiford, noting Oscar's "admiration for Jimmy Blandon" with a heartfelt comment on the bass performance.

"In the 40s there was also the 3 cent stomp by Duke Ellington that was in the ballroom specialist back in the 40s."
— Mercer Ellington [00:52]

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Duke Ellington's Musical Contributions

"Mood Indigo"

[05:31] Mercer Ellington discusses "Mood Indigo," one of Duke's most celebrated hits. He praises Duke's "virtue of simplicity" and explains how this understanding was masterfully applied in the composition. Mercer introduces his own rendition of the 1939 version, led by his orchestra, featuring musicians from Duke's original ensemble.

"Mood Indigo was one of pop's biggest hits, 20 minutes in its concession, and in it he showed how he understood the virtue of simplicity and how to apply that knowledge."
— Mercer Ellington [05:31]

[09:05] Hal Jackson describes Mercer Ellington and his orchestra’s performance of "Mood Indigo" as "a honey of a tune and a honey of a performance," applauding the faithful rendition of Duke's classic.

"Mercer Ellington and his orchestra with Duke's Mood Indigo. A honey of a tune and a honey of a performance."
— Hal Jackson [09:05]

"Take Love Easy"

[09:41] Mercer Ellington shifts focus to "Take Love Easy," a song from Duke's show "Beggars Holiday." He credits John LaTouche, Duke's lyricist, as a genius and highlights the performances by Delores Parker and Johnny Hodges, who sings in the alto range during pivotal parts of the song.

"Take Love Easy was a song Duke Ellington wrote in the show called Beggars Holiday. The lyrics were by John LaTouche, who he regarded as a genius."
— Mercer Ellington [09:41]

[10:22] The lyrics of "Take Love Easy" are performed, capturing the essence of Duke's songwriting and the emotional depth of the piece.

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Social Security Information

[04:18] Hal Jackson transitions to the program's informational segment, providing listeners with essential details about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for couples. He outlines eligibility criteria, emphasizing that couples must both be:

• 65 years or older, or
• Blind or disabled with little to no income.

He further clarifies asset limitations, stating that jointly owned assets convertible to cash should not exceed $2,250. However, owning a home and a reasonably valued car is permissible. Hal reassures listeners that the government will not place a lien on their homes, making it a viable option for those in need.

"For the couple to be eligible they must both be 65 or older or blind or disabled with little or no income."
— Hal Jackson [04:18]

[09:05] Post-performance, Hal reiterates the importance of SSI and encourages listeners to reach out to Social Security offices for personalized assistance.

"I hope that my few words about Supplemental Security Income were helpful to you or to someone you may know."
— Hal Jackson [09:05]

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Performances

Throughout the episode, Mercer Ellington and his orchestra deliver heartfelt performances of Duke Ellington's classics:

1. "Mood Indigo" – A sophisticated and streamlined rendition that honors the original while showcasing the orchestra's unique interpretation.
2. "Take Love Easy" – A soulful presentation featuring Delores Parker and Johnny Hodges, capturing the song's emotional nuances.

These performances not only celebrate Duke Ellington's musical genius but also bridge the past with the present, allowing new generations to appreciate timeless classics.

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Conclusion

As the episode draws to a close, Hal Jackson and Mercer Ellington express their gratitude to listeners. They emphasize the availability of further information and support through the Social Security Administration, encouraging ongoing engagement and well-being.

[13:42] Hal Jackson:

"By the way, it's time for Merce and me to say goodbye, but this program will be back soon with more good advice and more sweet Ellington tunes."

"When you think of the future, think of Social Security."

[13:54] Mercer Ellington:

"This is Mercer Ellington saying ciao, and we'll see you real soon. And remember, until next time, stay well and stay happy."

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Notable Quotes

• "For the couple to be eligible they must both be 65 or older or blind or disabled with little or no income."
  — Hal Jackson [04:18]

• "Mercer Ellington and his orchestra with Duke's Mood Indigo. A honey of a tune and a honey of a performance."
  — Hal Jackson [09:05]

• "Take Love Easy was a song Duke Ellington wrote in the show called Beggars Holiday. The lyrics were by John LaTouche, who he regarded as a genius."
  — Mercer Ellington [09:41]

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Final Thoughts

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully intertwines a tribute to Duke Ellington's enduring legacy with practical information on Social Security benefits. Through engaging discussions, soulful performances, and informative segments, listeners are both entertained and empowered. Whether you're a long-time fan of Duke Ellington or new to his music, this episode offers a rich and meaningful experience that honors the Golden Age of Radio and its cultural significance.

Transcript

[Mercer Ellington]

Hi everybody, this is Mercer Ellington. Welcome to our show.

[Hal Jackson]

The genius of Duke, Hal Jackson here speaking to you on behalf of the Social Security administration and this station, we're extremely proud to present this tribute to one of the giants of American music, Mr. Duke Ellington. With us today is Mercer Ellington, the Duke's son and a well known composer and bandleader in his own right, talking about and playing some of the Duke's all time great hits. And if you happen to know some older people who may need help to make ends meet, you stay tuned. You may be able to give them a little good advice after I lay it on you in a few minutes. First off though, here's Mercer Ellington.

[Mercer Ellington]

Back in the 40s you may have been able to use a 2 cent stamp. And back in the 40s there was also the 3 cent stomp by Duke Ellington that was in the ballroom specialist back in the 40s. And in those days you had to appeal to what Fats Waller used to call the petal extremities, the feet, the tootsies or whatever. Jordi Baker Tyree Glenn, Ray Nance and Oscar Pettiford are featured here. And Oscar's admiration for Jimmy Blandon is very obvious. On base, that is.

[Unknown]

It's.

[Hal Jackson]

Three cent stump with the Duke in command. Now then, I promised you some information and here it is. You know, even though the money for Supplemental Security Income payments comes out of general tax revenue, the Social Security Administration is administering this program and making the payments. They're also answering all the questions I'm asking so I can pass the information along to you. I asked them about Supplemental Security Income payments for couples and they said that for the couple to be eligible they must both be 65 or older or blind or disabled with little or no income. The things they own that can be turned into cash can't be worth more than $2,250. But they can own a home and a car of reasonable value. And as I've mentioned before, the government won't put a lien on their home. So if you know a couple who are both 65 or older or blind or disabled and in financial need, tell them to get in touch with any Social Security office for more information about Supplemental Security Income payments. Mercer, I understand that you're gonna play us your treatment of one of your dad's tunes. Which one is it?

[Mercer Ellington]

Mood Indigo was one of pop's biggest hits, 20 minutes in its concession, and in it he showed how he understood the virtue of simplicity and how to apply that knowledge. The version coming up was made in 1939 by a band under my leadership. Except for the rhythm section, all the musicians in it were in my father's orchestra at one time or another. The clarinet player is Jimmy Hamilton. Also arranger.

[Unknown]

Sam Sa Ram.

[Hal Jackson]

Mercer Ellington and his orchestra with Duke's Mood Indigo. A honey of a tune and a honey of a performance. I hope that my few words about Supplemental Security Income were helpful to you or to someone you may know. Those Social Security people are there to help you. So if you'll pick up your telephone and give them a call, they can always answer all of those questions that affect your personal Social Security problems. They want to help you, and they can. Remember, Social Security is for you, and you owe it to yourself to find out all about it. Mercer the mic is yours.

[Mercer Ellington]

Take Love Easy was a song Duke Ellington wrote in the show called Beggars Holiday. The lyrics were by John latouche, who he regarded as a genius. The singer here is Delores Parker. Johnny Hodges sings it, too, on alto in the first chorus and the last.

[Unknown]

SAM Take love easy easy, easy Never let your feelings show make it breezy, breezy, breezy easy Come in easy go Never smile too brightly, brightly when your heart is riding high Let your heart break oh so slightly when your baby says goodbye that well known flame is mighty hot as all of us have learned so handle it with velvet gloves and you won't get your fingers Bird Take love easy easy, easy, easy on the free and easy plan and if you can take it easy Take it easy as you can.

[Hal Jackson]

Sa.

[Unknown]

Me as you can, baby and if you can take it easy Take it easy as you can.

[Hal Jackson]

The Duke Ellington treatment of his Take Love Easy. That was Dolores Parker singing. By the way, it's time for Merce and me to say goodbye, but this program will be back soon with more good advice and more sweet Ellington tunes.

[Mercer Ellington]

Right, Hal? This is Mercer Ellington saying ciao, and we'll see you real soon. And remember, until next time, stay well and stay happy.

[Hal Jackson]

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.