As the Depression worsened….the recording industry was in crisis….while dropping over 90% of its artists by 1933….that is when Ivie Anderson was hired as the Duke Ellington Orchestra’s featured vocalist in 1931….as she is the vocalist on “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” in 1932….while Sonny Greer had been providing occasional vocals….and as radio exposure helped maintain Ellington’s public profile as his orchestra began to tour…..other records of this era of Duke’s career would follow….with the like of “Mood Indigo” in 1930…. “Sophisticated Lady” in 1933….“Solitude” in 1934….“In a Sentimental Mood” in 1935…..and “Those Who Are Lonely Too” (as sung in this video herewith) in 1938.
While the band’s United States audience remained mainly African-American in this period….the Duke Ellington Orchestra had a significant following overseas….evidenced by the success of their trip to England and Scotland in 1933….and their 1934 tour to the European mainland…..while the British visit saw Ellington win praise from members of the serious music community….including composer Constant Lambert, which gave a boost to Ellington’s interest in composing longer works.
