“[Joya] did such a good job on “I’m Beginning to See the Light” that we have been playing it ever since. It is a tribute to her diction and articulation, too, that when I ask them to join in singing it with us, audiences all over the world seem to know the words.”
– Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress
Joya Sherrill
[20 August 1924 – 28 June 2010]
Joya Sherrill and Duke Ellington on the cover of the November 1945 issue of Metronome magazine. (With thanks to David Fletcher)
November 1945 issue of Metronome magazine. (With thanks to David Fletcher)
Audio, but no video, of Duke Ellington’s 30 August 1970 appearance on Joya’s Fun School (Thanks, Mike!)
The recordings heard on this podcast episode:
Black, Brown & Beige (CD: Bluebird 6641-2-RB)
I’m Beginning to See the Light
(All of a Sudden) My Heart Sings
Kissing Bug
Everything But You
Tell Ya What I’m Gonna Do
The Wonder of You
Blue Jay (CD: “Classic Capitol Jazz Sessions” Mosaic Records MD12-170)
Recorded 26 January 1945, Los Angeles
Joya Sherrill – vocal; Rex Stewart – cornet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Al Sears – tenor sax; Harry Carney – baritone sax; Eddie Heywood – piano; Ulysses Livingston – guitar; Jr. Raglin – bass; Keg Purnell – drums.
The Blues (CD: “My People – The Complete Show” Storyville Records 1018430)
Recorded 20 August 1963, Chicago
Joya Sherrill – vocal; Bill Berry, Ziggy Harrell, Nat Woodard, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Booty Wood, John Sanders – trombone; Russell Procope, Rudy Powell, Harold Ashby, Pete Clark, Bob Freedman – reeds; Billy Strayhorn – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Louie Bellson – drums; Juan Amalbert – conga.
Joya Sherrill Sings Duke (CD: Verve 547 266-2)
Mood Indigo/Kissing Bug
Recorded 12 January 1965, Chicago
Joya Sherrill – vocal; Cootie Williams – trumpet; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Ernie Harper – piano; John Lamb – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.
A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing/Day Dream/I’m Beginning to See the Light
Recorded 20 January 1965, New York City
Joya Sherrill – vocal; Ray Nance – violin, cornet; Billy Strayhorn – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Shep Shepherd – drums.
— Our closing music —-
It’s Something You Ought To Know (Paul Gonsalves – “Ellingtonia Moods and Blues,” RCA Victor / RCA63562)
Recorded 29 February 1960, New York City
Paul Gonsalves- tenor sax; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Ray Nance – cornet; Mitchell “Booty” Wood – trombone; Jimmy Jones – piano; Al Hall – bass; Oliver Jackson – drums.
Ellington Reflections 
Just finished your last podcast on Joya Sherrill. I listened to all of them. They are a wonder. I learned so much and enjoyed so much. Thank you for doing them. I was a Duke fan before but gained a lot more insight. I have especially been excited about all the private recordings he made in the 60s. They are amazing. So modern, so adventurous, so creative. More reason why Duke is the 20th century’s Haydn.
Anyway I hope you’re well. Tough times for musicians. Are you planning to do more podcasts? I think you could do a series on Strayhorn, his own compositions, his playing, and his role in Duke’s music. Whatever you do this has been one of my pandemic joys. (I’m a 72 year old white retired history teacher living in Palmdale. I have two Black sons and two Black grandbabies that I hope to introduce to the Duke before I go!) Stay safe and let me know when you perform.
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Thank you! I have been busy working on the book, but I plan to have a new episode available by the end of the month.
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