Ellington vs Sousa: should American music swing or march?

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DUKE ELLINGTON vs SOUSA go head to head — and every jab is rooted in real history.

DUKE ELLINGTON

Music should breathe, bend, and swing—if it ain't got that, it don't mean a thing.

SOUSA

But a nation finds its footing in cadence, sir; my marches put a spine in the citizen and a flag in the heart.

DUKE ELLINGTON

Your beat commands the feet, John—mine sets the whole body free to answer it however the spirit moves.

SOUSA

Freedom without formation is merely noise; I gave millions a rhythm to belong to.

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