Best Wishes (Duke Ellington song) explained

"Best Wishes" is a 1932 Duke Ellington song, one of his own tunes, with words by Ted Koehler.^[1] The tune was first recorded 17 May 1932. However, in 1933 on a visit to England, Ellington claimed that "Since I have been in England I have composed a new number entitled Best Wishes, which was played and broadcast on June 14 (1933) for the first time." Ellington also stated that he had dedicated the song "the title not the lyrics", to Britain, that the tune would give British listeners "a better insight into the Negro mind".^[2]

Notes and References

1. Naomi Musiker, Reuben Musiker - Conductors and Composers of Popular Orchestral Music 1135917701 2014 "These compositions were followed by 'Mood Indigo' (1931), 'Creole Love Call' (1932) and 'Best Wishes' (1932)"
2. The Duke Ellington Reader - Page 89 Mark Tucker, Duke Ellington - 1993 "I have been in England I have composed a new number entitled Best Wishes,4 which was played and broadcast on June 14 for the first time. The lyric is by Ted Koehler, one of the writers of Stormy Weather..."