Honoring Legacy and Vocal Brilliance: Candice Hoyes Revives Duke Ellington’s Nordic Connection

For generations, African American artists have ventured to Nordic creative communities in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark, finding spaces that embraced innovation and unity through music. These environments nurtured the groundbreaking artistry of legends like Duke Ellington, whose influence continues to inspire. Vocalist Candice Hoyes honors this legacy with her latest release, a reimagining of a Swedish traditional song famously recorded by Ellington and Alice Babs in 1978.

Hoyes’s rendition, arranged for soprano and jazz octet by GRAMMY-winner Ted Nash, is a masterful showcase of her exceptional vocal talent. Her voice effortlessly blends technical precision with emotional depth, breathing new life into the piece. The song features original lyrics written by Hoyes, reflecting on the enduring significance of Black ancestral history in 2025. “My single ‘Far Away Star’ is a tribute to Ellington and a celebration of free expression and justice, as eternal as the North Star,” she shares.

As a 2025 Du Bois Fellowship recipient, Hoyes has immersed herself in the musical legacies of icons like Josephine Baker, Abbey Lincoln, Lena Horne, and Ella Fitzgerald. Her research and artistry shine through in her performances, which have graced prestigious stages such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and international venues in Paris, London, Detroit, and Chicago. With her unparalleled vocal artistry and dedication to honoring Black musical heritage, Candice Hoyes continues to elevate the art form to new heights.