We ran across this clip unearthed by YouTube user 'Reminiscing in Tempo' of a world premiere radio performance of Such Sweet Thunder from the "Shakespearean Suite" with music by Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn* from July 1, 1957. While double checking to verify the recording we found a note buried in the archives is a letter from the booking agent confirming that it’s the first public performance, mentioning that he hopes one of the radio networks will pick it up for national broadcast, which given that we have this recording; CBS did! He also adds a jab at our weather: “Now if there was a way we could get a guarantee that it would not rain, I think we are in business.” Enjoy!
*unable to verify Billy Strayhorn's involvement via program notes.