Billy Strayhorn (1915–1967)
Hillsborough, Orange County, North Carolina
Marker Inscription
Billy Strayhorn 1915 1967. Jazz composer & pianist. Wrote "Take the A Train" and other songs for Duke Ellington Orchestra. Boyhood home site 1/4 mi. W.
Erected by North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
The Story
Billy Strayhorn spent part of his boyhood in Hillsborough before growing into one of the most gifted composers in American jazz. As Duke Ellington's close collaborator, he wrote enduring standards including "Take the A Train," a signature of the Ellington Orchestra. His elegant, sophisticated melodies helped define the sound of an era.
Why it matters
Strayhorn's music is woven into the fabric of the Great American Songbook, and his partnership with Ellington produced some of the twentieth century's most beloved jazz.
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Related people
- · Billy Strayhorn
- · Duke Ellington
Themes & tags
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