Billy Strayhorn : NPR

Songs to believe in: A Juneteenth playlist

USA. Mississippi. Tunica. 1985. © Eli Reed/Magnum Photos hide caption

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The Picture Show

Songs to believe in: A Juneteenth playlist

June 16, 2022 • This Juneteenth, pianist Lara Downes remembers the freedom that has been hard fought and hard won.

Songs to believe in: A Juneteenth playlist

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Billy Strayhorn (right), spent the majority of his career as a composer and arranger for Duke Ellington (left) and his orchestra. David Redfern/Getty Images hide caption

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Jazz Night In America

The Lush Life Of Billy Strayhorn

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

November 3, 2016 • The composer was remarkable not only for his harmonically rich collaborations with Duke Ellington, but for living as an openly gay black man in the 1940s.

The Lush Life Of Billy Strayhorn

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100 Years Of Billy Strayhorn, Emotional Architect Of Song

Billy Strayhorn (right), born 100 years ago, spent the majority of his career as a composer and arranger for the Duke Ellington Orchestra. David Redfern/Getty Images hide caption

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Music

100 Years Of Billy Strayhorn, Emotional Architect Of Song

November 29, 2015 • The composer and arranger spent the bulk of his career in service to the Duke Ellington Orchestra. He wrote some of the most popular songs of the 20th century — without ever hiding who he was.

100 Years Of Billy Strayhorn, Emotional Architect Of Song

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Review

Basic Jazz Record Library

Duke Ellington: 'Such Sweet Thunder'

August 1, 2001 • Such Sweet Thunder combines two master artists: Duke Ellington and William Shakespeare. A twelve-part suite based on the Bard's plays and sonnets, the album brings Lady Macbeth to life as a ragtime melody.

Duke Ellington: 'Such Sweet Thunder'

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Take Five: A Jazz Sampler

Jazz In Bloom: May Flowers

90.5 WESA

May 19, 2008 • Everyone knows the expression, "April showers bring May flowers." The beauty of flowers inspires songs of color, happiness, love, and passion, with a hint of the summer yet to come. In honor of the season, here's a small bouquet of jazz with a floral flair.

Duke Ellington's compositions present a timeless contribution to American music's legacy. Victor Drees//Evening Standard/Getty Images hide caption

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Victor Drees//Evening Standard/Getty Images

NPR's 'Jazz Profiles'

Duke Ellington: The Composer, Pt. 2

November 26, 2008 • The scope and breadth of Duke Ellington's compositions were far-reaching, drawing many influences together to create a cohesive and diverse sound. Composing consumed Ellington around the clock, and his musical legacy is a timeless contribution to American music.

Duke Ellington: The Composer, Pt. 2

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Music Interviews

How Ellington Took 'The A Train'

February 15, 2009 • "Take the A Train," the signature tune of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, was recorded on this day in 1941. Host Liane Hansen looks at the story behind the song.

How Ellington Took 'The A Train'

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Music Interviews

Billy Strayhorn: Jazz Composer Gets His Due

February 6, 2007 • "Take the A Train" was the Ellington Orchestra's signature tune. But the composer was Billy Strayhorn. Forty years after his death, a new documentary examines the life of the unassuming pianist and composer.

Billy Strayhorn: Jazz Composer Gets His Due

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Music

'Lush Life,' a Self-Portrait in Song

February 5, 2007 • Songwriting genius Billy Strayhorn is the subject of a new documentary, as well as a fine companion CD. Both are titled Lush Life, after Strayhorn's enduring composition.

'Lush Life,' a Self-Portrait in Song

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Duke Ellington in 1971. Louis Panassié/Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons hide caption

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Louis Panassié/Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The NPR 100

'Take The A Train'

June 12, 2000 • "Take the 'A' Train" started the lasting collaboration between Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington.

'Take The A Train'

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