After his acclaimed Newport appearance in 1956, Duke Ellington probably could have dedicated his attention to playing hits and doing what would have been expected of him.

But his restless creativity forced him to move forward with his artistic vision, whether it sold or not. Here, we focus on two unique projects titled “A Drum Is a Woman” and “Such Sweet Thunder” and wrap off today’s show with some coverage of his input for Ella Fitzgerald’s songbook dedicated to the music of Duke Ellington.

Rockin’ in Rhythm

Hey, Buddy Bolden

A Drum Is a Woman

Such Sweet Thunder

Lady Mac

The Star-Crossed Lovers

Suburban Beauty

Café Au Lait

Lush Life (with Ella Fitzgerald)

Day Dream (with Ella Fitzgerald)

Rockin’ in Rhythm (with Ella Fitzgerald)