Alumnus Ben Williams Returns to Ellington with a Powerful Musical Message
- DESA Communications
- May 6
- 1 min read
Ellington in the News🎵
Duke Ellington School of the Arts proudly welcomed award-winning jazz bassist and alum Ben Williams back to campus for a special residency during the launch week of his new album, Between Church & State.
In collaboration with Sound of Exchange, Ben led a weeklong workshop with our instrumental music students, offering insight into the creative and technical process behind a professional album. The experience culminated in a powerful live concert featuring our talented student musicians, sharing the stage with one of jazz’s most innovative voices.
The new album draws deeply from Williams’ family legacy of activism in both Black politics and the Black church — and his return to Ellington made the message all the more meaningful.
🎶 Read the full story and his interview 👉 CLICK HERE
