Duke Ellington Popular Song Rankings [2025]

IsfahanDuke Ellington8rank/position

Isfahan (Remastered 1988)

Duke Ellington, known as a master of jazz, led an orchestra famed for elevating jazz to the realm of high art.

This piece, co-written with his right-hand man Billy Strayhorn, is an instrumental ballad perfectly suited to the wistful mood of autumn.

The sweet yet poignant tone of Johnny Hodges’s alto saxophone evokes the twilight air drifting through a distant ancient city, immersing listeners in a nostalgic reverie.

The track appears on the acclaimed album The Far East Suite, released in June 1967, and it also inspired a stage production.

It’s a masterful performance best savored on a quiet night of contemplation.

It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)Duke Ellington9rank/position

Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington “It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)”

A classic born from the phrase that pierces the essence of jazz: “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.” Crafted by Duke Ellington, this piece is defined by an irresistibly buoyant rhythm that makes your body sway without thinking.

It invites you to stop overthinking and simply surrender to the pleasure of the music.

First recorded in February 1932, it stands as an emblematic track in jazz history; on the landmark album “The Great Reunion,” it also features a collaboration with Louis Armstrong.

More recently, a cover by Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga was memorably used in an H&M campaign.

It’s the perfect song for lifting your spirits or filling your room with a cheerful vibe.

Jingle bellsDuke Ellington10rank/position

Jingle Bells Duke Ellington & His orchestra

Duke Ellington, the pianist synonymous with big band jazz.

He received enthusiastic musical training from childhood, and his graceful bearing earned him the nickname “the Duke.” Even the immensely famous “Jingle Bells,” in his hands, turns into a swinging, feel-good big band jazz number.

Satin DollDuke Ellington11rank/position

Satin Doll (Remastered Version)

A classic by Duke Ellington, a jazz pianist from Washington, D.

C.

, who was active mainly from the 1930s onward.

He adopted the stage name “Duke,” an epithet meaning a noble title, reflecting his impeccable appearance, and, true to that moniker, he delivered numerous performances that were elegant and refined.

Satin DollDuke Ellington12rank/position

Duke Ellington – Satin Doll

He handles the piano as if it were part of his body.

There’s even a sense of humor in his relaxed playing at times.

The piece isn’t particularly dynamic, but the sound seems to emanate from Ellington himself, and in this too I savored the full-bodied charm of jazz.

Sophisticated LadyDuke Ellington & His orchestra13rank/position

Sophisticated Lady – Duke Ellington and his orchestra

Composed in 1932 by Duke Ellington.

It is said to have been inspired by Ellington’s junior high school teachers—people who taught during the winter and toured Europe in the summer.

Lyrics were added the following year by Parish.