Do you like to start your day with a lovely jazz song? As an ardent jazz fan, do you like to hum the lyrics of your favourite jazz numbers? Although we associate the period of jazz and swing with noted band leaders and singers, rarely do we try to know the writers of such beautiful tracks. Despite their immense talent, songwriters remained largely overshadowed by the formidable band leaders through 1930s and 1940s. However, there was one songwriter who became identified with the jazz standard for his amazing songwriting capabilities. If you have heard the track ‘Take the A Train’ on swing music radio, then you can guess who we are talking about. Yes, it is Billy Strayhorn, everyone’s favourite “Swee’ Pea”. Notwithstanding his celebrated partnership with Duke Ellington, Billy was able to create a distinct place for himself in the music fraternity. In this blog, we shall discuss Billy’s life, career, and journey to success. So, let us read more.
Early Life and Initial Works
Born in 1915, Billy Strayhorn did not receive formal music education until he was in high school. After moving to Pittsburgh from Ohio, Strayhorn developed a liking for classic musical, which, however, was completely dominated by the white musicians back in those times. However, at the age of 19, he was introduced to the work of Teddy Wilson, Art Tatum, and Duke Ellington that helped him shift his focus to the realm of jazz. Fond of playing with words, Billy wrote songs like “My Little Brown Book” and “Something to Live for” during his teen years. Moreover, Billy was only nineteen or something when he had written ‘Life Is Lonely’ which would be renamed and released several years later as “Lush Life”. Sung by Kay Davis, this score forms an integral part of collection of big band and swing music. Tune into the Swing Street Radio should you want to enjoy this track once again.
Meeting Duke Ellington and Turning Point in His Career
In 1938, Billy Strayhorn had the opportunity of not only attending one of the performances of Duke Ellington but also meeting and greeting the jazz legend in Pittsburgh. Like that was not enough, Billy had had the brilliant opportunity of showing to Ellington how he would have rearranged the band leader’s one of the creations. Ellington was not only impressed but he knew right away that he had spotted a gem. He was so thrilled by this amazingly talented twenty-one-year-old that the bandleader invited the latter to New York and hired him then and there. And the rest, as we know, is history!
Billy’s Work of Art and Great Creations with Ellington
Several years younger and junior to Duke Ellington, Billy was not only the writer of his orchestra but enjoyed a father-son bond with the big band leader. Although he thrived under the wings of Ellington, Billy was able to create a place for himself given his talent and artistry. One of the best creations of Billy, Take the A Train became a jazz standard and was accepted as the theme song of Duke Ellington Orchestra. This is not the end for the duo went on to create and release several other unforgettable melodies such as “Lotus Blossom”, “Chelsea Bridge”, “Blood Count”, and “Rain Check”. To enjoy these tracks on the go, you can tune into the swing music radio.
Moreover, the band leader gave full artistic leeway to Billy that helped the latter polish, refine, and add more appeal to Duke’s creations. Ellington and Strayhorn had further created and arranged the soundtrack for a Hollywood film, called “Anatomy of a Murder”, which earned several accolades from the music critics.
Conclusion – Billy Strayhorn was only fifty-one when he succumbed to oesophageal cancer. With exceptional writing skills, Billy changed American popular music forever. Even a musical stalwart like Duke Ellington was thoroughly impressed and convinced of his talent. A precious asset, Billy Strayhorn played a critical role in defining the success of Duke Ellington’s Orchestra, creating a priceless collection of big band and swing music, and making it the most influential jazz band of all time.
