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Billy Strayhorn

1915 - 1967

American

Summary

Born in Dayton, OH, on 29 November 1915, the young composer and pianist Billy Strayhorn offered his composition Lush Life to Duke Ellington in 1938; less than a year later Strayhorn had become an arranger and pianist with the Ellington band, a collaboration that was to last until Strayhorn's death in 1967. His classical and jazz training, combined with sophisticated taste, was appreciated by Ellington, who described him as "my listener, my most dependable appraiser [and] critic."

Among the works that Strayhorn composed alone or with Ellington are the classics Take the A Train, Chelsea Bridge, Passion Flower, and Johnny Come Lately.

Several of these works are available in orchestral settings from the G. Schirmer, Inc. rental library, including:
  • Chelsea Bridge (1941)
    Duration: ca 5'
    arr. by Chuck Israels
    21+ca.22/4331/timp.2perc/hp/str

  • Happy Go Lucky Local, from 'Deep South Suite'
    Duration: 4'
    arr. by Chuck Israels
    2222/4331/timp.2perc/str

  • The Essential Ellington: The Music of Ellington and Strayhorn
    Duration: 12-14'
    arr. by Jeff Tyzik
    2222/4331/timp.3perc.eb/pf.hp/str
    Come Sunday (Introduction) * Take the A Train * Lush Life * Satin Doll * Perdido *Come Sunday * Things Ain't What They Used to Be

  • Satin Doll (vocal version) (1953)
    Duration: 3'
    arr. by Chuck Israels
    Voice; 2222/4331/timp.2perc/hp/str

News

Performances

4th November 2026

PERFORMERS
Erie Philharmonic Mvt. 2 only
CONDUCTOR
Daniel Meyer
LOCATION
Warner Theatre, Erie, PA, United States of America

5th November 2026

PERFORMERS
Erie Philharmonic Mvt. 2 only
CONDUCTOR
Daniel Meyer
LOCATION
Warner Theatre, Erie, PA, United States of America

21st November 2026

PERFORMERS
Lynchburg Symphony Youth Orchestra
CONDUCTOR
Gina DiCarlo
LOCATION
Heritage High School, Lynchburg, VA, United States of America

27th November 2026

SOLOISTS
Raven McMillon Fort Worth Kantorei
PERFORMERS
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Mvt. 1 Overture only (4')
CONDUCTOR
Harris Han
LOCATION
Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America

28th November 2026

SOLOISTS
Raven McMillon Fort Worth Kantorei
PERFORMERS
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Mvt. 1 Overture only (4')
CONDUCTOR
Harris Han
LOCATION
Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
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