In a Mellow Tone
"In a Mellow Tone", also known as "In a Mellotone", is a 1940 jazz standard composed by Duke Ellington, with lyrics written later by Milt Gabler. The song's chord changes are based on the 1917 standard "Rose Room" by Art Hickman and Harry Williams, which Ellington had recorded in 1932.
Ellington and his orchestra made the original recording of "In a Mellotone" on September 5, 1940. It features solos by bassist Jimmy Blanton, trumpeter Cootie Williams, and alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges, who plays in double-time. The recording is collected on The Blanton–Webster Band compilation.
The version with lyrics and the better-known alternate title was first recorded by The Mills Brothers in 1955. The song has gone on to be recorded more than 400 times.
Howard Stern used a recording of this song from Ellington's 1960 Blues in Orbit album as the opening theme to The [Howard Stern Show] from 1987 to 1994.
Other notable recordings
- Red Norvo
- Erroll Garner – Contrasts
- Clark Terry – Duke with a Difference
- Chico Hamilton with Eric Dolphy – The Original Ellington Suite
- Ella Fitzgerald – Ella Fitzgerald Sings the [Duke Ellington Songbook]
- Ben Webster – Ben Webster and Associates
- Count Basie – Breakfast [Dance and Barbecue]
- Lambert, Hendricks, & Ross – The Hottest New Group in Jazz
- Billy May – Cha Cha! Billy May
- Coleman Hawkins with Eddie Lockjaw Davis – Night Hawk
- Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington – The Great Summit
- Harry James – 1964 Live! In The Holiday Ballroom Chicago
- Oscar Peterson – Mellow Mood
- Paul Gonsalves – Humming Bird
- Buddy Rich – "Very Alive at Ronnie Scotts"
- Nick Brignola – L.A. Bound
- Art Pepper and George Cables – Goin’ Home
- McCoy Tyner - Revelations
- Maynard Ferguson – Live from London
- Marcus Roberts – Plays Ellington
- Bob Wilber and Dick Hyman – A Perfect Match
- Tony Bennett – Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool
- Clare Teal – Don't Talk
- Royce Campbell – A Tribute to Charlie Byrd
- Bill Wurtz –