Product DescriptionDella Reese was born Deloreese Patricia Early on July 6, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan and began singing in her local church from an early age. In late 1953 Della signed on with The Erskine Hawkins Orchestra and moved to New York and soon had a recording contract with Jubilee Records.
Duke Ellington really needs no introduction, being considered by many as the greatest American composer of the 20th Century. His orchestra, over its 50 plus years of
performing and recording, launched the careers of many of jazz's greatest stars. The line up for this 1962 performance still featured such respected alumni as Ray Nance, Johnny Hodges and Paul Gonsalves.
This unique live concert broadcast featuring Della Reese and The Duke Ellington Orchestra was recorded on February 13, 1962 in New York City as part of a radio series specifically designed to promote a National Guard recruiting
effort.