Take the A Train

Album: The Popular Duke Ellington (1941)
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  • Lyrics currently unavailable Writer/s: Billy Strayhorn
    Publisher: Wixen Music Publishing

Comments: 3

  • Harvey Wachtel from Kew Gardens, NyAs far as I can determine, from 1933 until around 1950 the C train also provided express service from Penn Station [which is where I assume Strayhorn arrived in New York from Pittsburgh] to Sugar Hill. I guess Duke advised the A train because the C would have left Billy on the lower level at 145th Street, a reasonable consideration for someone carrying his luggage and a musical instrument. Good thing; I don't think "Take the 'A' or 'C' train" would have made the cut.
  • Kim from Kearney, MoI believe Billy Strayhorn wrote the music and original lyrics - except the four measures of chords that introduce the big band version.
  • Pat from Meelick Thanks for information.
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