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American jazz composer, pianist, lyricist, and arranger, best known for his nearly three-decade-long collaboration with bandleader Duke Ellington.Born in Ohio, Strayhorn showed early musical talent. He met Duke Ellington in 1938 after Ellington heard his composition "Lush Life." Strayhorn quickly became Ellington's close collaborator, principal arranger, and alter ego, composing and arranging many of the orchestra's most famous works, including its signature theme "Take the 'A' Train." Despite facing discrimination as a Black, gay man in mid-20th century America, his sophisticated harmonies, intricate arrangements, and lyrical melodies profoundly shaped the Ellington sound and jazz itself. He worked with Ellington until his death from esophageal cancer.

• Strayhorn was openly gay among his close circle, a significant risk during a time of pervasive homophobia and legal persecution. His romantic relationships were largely kept private.
• His death at age 51 was attributed to esophageal cancer, widely believed within the jazz community to be linked to heavy smoking and the immense stress of his often uncredited role.
• While "Take the 'A' Train" became the Ellington orchestra's theme, Strayhorn initially wrote it based on directions Ellington gave him to get to his apartment in Harlem.
• Strayhorn was a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement. He composed the powerful "Strange Fruit" inspired by the Billie Holiday song (though Ellington initially rejected it for the orchestra) and later the optimistic "King Fit the Battle of Alabam" for the Ellington album marking the centennial of the Emancipation Proclamation.