Billy Strayhorn

Billy Strayhorn (November 29, 1915 – May 31, 1967) was a musical genius. A composer, pianist and arranger, he wrote "Take the A-Train" when he was about 18 years old and had just arrived in New York City.

His relationship with Duke Ellington was complex. Ellington clearly loved this man as a brother and a son and a collaborator, but very often gave Strayhorn little or no credit for his work.

Strayhorn was gay, black and alcoholic. Tough combination. He was also loved by pretty much anyone who ever met him. Lena Horne insists that Strayhorn taught her how to sing.

I strongly recommend the Strayhorn Biography by David Hajdu. It is a terrific read.

No doubt the family values folk would have had him swinging from a tree.