n December 1927, Ellington presented one of the most famous openings in jazz history. During the time of the Harlem Renaissance, everyone had different opinions on the new style of music. Some enjoyed listening to the new style of music while others had a taste for the old, more familiar styles. Ned Williams, who became Ellington's publicist, commented on Ellington's first performance at the Cotton Club, "I can't say I was too much impressed with the Ellington crew on that visit. It definitely didn't have the form and polish it acquired later on." (Collier, 80)
             The Cotton Club was the ideal setting for the Duke Ellington Orchestra. It's "jungle" atmosphere was perfect for the style of music Ellington was expecte
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