3 Generations of Jazz Behind "Night Train"

Duke Ellington composed the original piece “Happy-Go-Lucky Local” in 1946 as part of his Deep South Suite, depicting a train journey.

Jimmy Forrest adapted Ellington’s melody into an R&B hit called “Night Train” in 1951, transforming the orchestral piece into a bluesy saxophone feature.

Oscar Peterson recorded his famous version of “Night Train” in 1962, using Forrest’s arrangement and making it the title track of his landmark trio album.