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The magic of music at any age
Music has an incredible ability to transcend time and age, and for Eve Duke, a 100-year-old jazz singer, it serves as a powerful reminder of her vibrant past. Once a week, she takes the stage at the Jazz Café in Langara long-term care home, where she performs for her fellow residents.
This weekly ritual not only brings joy to her audience but also revitalizes her spirit. “It makes me feel good, because it means I’m actually doing something they like, and that’s good,” Duke shares, reflecting on the joy of performing.
A journey from Washington to Vancouver
Born in Washington, D.C., Eve’s journey into the world of jazz began in her early 20s when she was discovered by the legendary Duke Ellington. “I could barely stand up,” she recalls, reminiscing about the nerves she felt during her first gig with the iconic composer.
Ellington recognized her talent and invited her to sing in his orchestra, where she performed many of his beautiful songs under the stage name Yvonne Lanauze. Over the years, she toured and recorded with jazz legends, sharing the stage with greats like Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald.
Keeping the jazz spirit alive
After moving to Canada and settling in Vancouver, Eve continued to share her passion for music with the community. Now, as she celebrates her centennial birthday, her performances at the Jazz Café are a testament to her enduring love for jazz.
“It just brings her back to life,” says Lucy Thomas, a fellow musician who plays alongside Duke. When she starts playing, it’s as if she is transported back to her younger days, reliving the magic of the jazz clubs where she once performed.
For Eve, the greatest honor has been the connection she has made with her audience. “I had so many people who would come up and say how much they enjoyed it,” she reflects. The joy of sharing her gift with others continues to fuel her passion for music, proving that age is just a number when it comes to the power of art.
