The legendary Duke Ellington was one of the top bands in the golden age of jazz and swing. His signature song, "Take the A Train," composed by frequent collaborator Billy Strayhorn, was first recorded on February 15, 1941, on Victor Records. Ellington opened his appearances with the song, which refers to the New York City subway line (also called the 8th Avenue Express) running the length of Manhattan and beyond. The story goes that Strayhorn was invited to Ellington's home in the Sugar Hill area of Harlem, and was told to "take the A train" to get there. A true classic.
