Duke Ellington takes the train
- Swing City
- Feb 5
- 1 min read
Musical inspiration and a refuge from segregation.
5th February 2026
African American musicians, including the most celebrated artists, endured racial injustice and cruelty while getting on with the job of entertaining white audiences.
Especially in America's southern states, it was common for performers to struggle to find places to eat and sleep while they were on tour.
Once he had the means, Duke Ellington would charter Pullman carriages to transport his band and their instruments so they didn't have to suffer the conditions of segregation. These private spaces offered a refuge where the musicians could relax, eat and sleep.
Ellington loved travelling by train. It gave him time and inspiration to compose, and he often sat up writing into the early hours as he and his band were carried through the night.
Check out this clip from the 1943 film Reveille with Beverly (link below) featuring Duke Ellington and his Orchestra playing on a train, with the gorgeous vocals of Betty Roche. There's a spot of dancing too.
Further exploration:
