Billy Strayhorn: The Genius Behind the Duke Ellington Orchestra
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." Despit...