A Tribute to Duke

Reception

The Allmusic review by JT Griffith awarded the album 3 stars stating "This short, nine-track tribute to the legendary Duke Ellington packs more swing into its 36-minute length than you'd expect. The disc features guest performances from Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Tony Bennett, and Woody Herman...The instrumental "Main Stem" is a rollicking number that sadly fades out after five minutes. Crosby's "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" features some of his more adventurous vocalizations... A Tribute to Duke plays like a wonderful appetizer, readying your palette for more music. The only weakness of this disc is that it is too short.". Although he was to still record in the U.K., this marked the last occasion that Bing Crosby recorded in America.

Track listing

1. "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" (Bob Russell) – 3:13
2. "Main Stem" – 5:15
3. "In a Sentimental Mood" (Manny Kurtz, Irving Mills) – 3:56
4. "I'm Checkin' Out – Go'om Bye" (Billy Strayhorn) – 3:47
5. "Prelude to a Kiss" (Mack Gordon, Mills) – 2:31
6. "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" (Mills) – 4:54
7. "I'm Just a Lucky So-and-So" (Mack David) – 2:11
8. "What Am I Here For?" (Frankie Laine) – 5:03
9. "Sophisticated Lady" (Mitchell Parish) – 4:38

All music composed by Duke Ellington, lyricists indicated.

Performance