Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Billy Strayhorn

Role / Field:

Jazz composer, pianist, and arranger known for his work with Duke Ellington.

Born:

1915-11-29

Died:

1967-05-31

Century / Era:

1915s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

William Thomas Strayhorn (November 29, 1915 – May 31, 1967) was an American jazz composer, pianist, lyricist, and arranger who collaborated with bandleader and composer Duke Ellington for nearly three decades. His compositions include "Take the 'A' Train", "Chelsea Bridge", "A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing", and "Lush Life". Strayhorn was born in Dayton, Ohio, United States. His family then moved to the Homewood neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His mother's family came from Hillsborough, North Carolina, and she sent him there to protect him from his father's drunken rages. Strayhorn spent many months of his childhood at his grandparents' house in Hillsborough. In an interview, Strayhorn said that his grandmother was his primary influence during the first ten years of his life. He became interested in music while living with her, playing hymns on her piano and listening to records on her Victrola record player. Strayhorn returned to Pittsburgh while still in grade school.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He worked odd jobs to earn enough money to buy his first piano and took lessons from Charlotte Enty Catlin. He attended Westinghouse High School...

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• 1915 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1915
• November 29 (11-29) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 29
• 1967 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1967
• May 31 (05-31) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 31

Frequently Asked Questions about Billy Strayhorn