As Kathryn “Kay” MacDonald finished up the last two songs in her performance in Chicago, her eyes fixed toward the back of the auditorium. In walked a man surrounded by what in modern terms is referred to as an entourage. The year was 1944, and within moments she recognized what others around her already did— Duke Ellington had arrived. She left her place on stage and joined those down in the audience; pushing to get a closer look, when she finally reached him she was greeted with a question…

The Formative Years

Twiggs family c1912. Katherine Twiggs (Kay’s mother) far left

Early Training

The Man and His Band

Jet Magazine, Dec. 25, 1952

Kay Wimp, visiting relatives in Chicago viewing artifacts Shorefront found in her 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥hood home in 2006.