An Evening at the White House with Duke Ellington

April 29, 1969:: President Richard Nixon threw a 70th birthday party for Duke Ellington at the White House, where he awarded the maestro the Medal of Freedom. The Voice of America’s Willis Conover organized the band and performers for the occasion, which included Bill Berry, Clark Terry, J.J. Johnson, Urbie Green, Paul Desmond, Gerry Mulligan, Jim Hall, Billy Taylor, Hank Jones, Dave Brubeck, Earl Hines, Milt Hinton, Louie Bellson, Joe Williams and Mary Mayo. Ellington himself performed an original called “Pat,“ in honor of the President’s wife. Narrated by Willis Conover. **The program was filmed and produced by the United States Information Agency. From the archives of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. For educational and research purposes only.** The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum Situated on nine rolling acres in Yorba Linda, California, the Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum offers visitors an insider’s glimpse into the e