Lush Life: A Biography of Billy Strayhorn
Billy Strayhorn (1915-1967) was one of the most accomplished composers in American music, the creator of such standards as "Take the 'A' Train", yet all his life he was overshadowed by his friend and collaborator, Duke Ellington. Through scrutiny of Strayhorn's private papers and more than five hundred interviews, Hajdu revives Strayhorn as one of the most complex and tragic figures in jazz history.
Reviews (49)
Fabulous book
Billy Strayhorn is a genius and this book does him justice. A well-researched, well-written book, the author of Lush Life does not make the mistake of including too many boring, mundane details as some biographers do, apparently to indicate how much research they've done. However, Hajdu's thorough research shines through in the tiny details that color the descriptions of Strayhorn's family life as well as the New York scene. Hajdu takes an unflinching look at how Strayhorn's decision to be an openly gay man in a world and a time that was unaccepting, and how that decision affected his career. Strayhorn might not have written any less, but perhaps would have played more and would have been known in his own right if he had decided to hide his lifestyle. This is a touching, informative portrait of a musical genius whose star will one day achieve its properly high place in the firmament of jazz. Musicians of his time always knew his accomplishments. Certainly Hajdu's book will help the public to appreciate Strayhorn. I can't wait for the movie.
One of the great jazz biographies
I've read a lot of jazz BIOS and this the storyline is broad incorporating Strayhorn and the Black intectual crowd,artistic endeavor and Strays sexual identity durring a different era.Hadju's presentation and level of prose is top notch
"Ever Up and Onward" Billy Strayhorn
Lush Life is the award-winning watershed biography of the life of Billy Strayhorn (1915-1967). In 2011, the book was selected by New York Times Magazine as one of the top 100 non-fiction titles of all time. Billy Strayhorn's story is compelling, especially in this day and age. He is best known as the collaborator with the great Duke Ellington. His best-known works are "Take The 'A' Train" (the Ellington theme song) and "Lush Life". Hajdu's biography tells of his life from the perspective of those who knew him. Hajdu did more than 400 interviews of people including musicians, friends, family, noted celebrities and other entertainment professionals who had personal knowledge of Strayhorn's life and career. A black, gay musician in the 1940's Strayhorn chose to live his life openly. There was a price to pay. Many forces sprang into play that caused his legacy to be nearly invisible. One factor involved the complicated relationship with Ellington who was not only his collaborator but also had the total power of publishing his works. There were many works for which Strayhorn was not credited and/or where Ellington's name was added. In addition, Ellington's publicist, known to be homophobic, instituted practices that served to keep Strayhorn's genius out of the spotlight. Some involved removing his name from playbills/program notes, etc. Billy Strayhorn died prematurely on May 31, 1967 from cancer at the age of 51. Strayhorn, whose catalog consists of a magnitude of titles, is best known as the most unfamous significant musician of the 20th century. Recent research, including Hajdu's LUSH LIFE, has served to remove the historical cloud and to reveal a life story so rich, so sad, so tragic, and so amazing--a "page turner" that brings the magnificent fruit of a hard life to full view. It is not necessary to know anything about music or to be a jazz buff to be inspired by this book. A. Alyce Claerbaut
... the definitive Billy Strayhorn biography and it is truly excellent. It is a fascinating book about a fascinating ...
This is the definitive Billy Strayhorn biography and it is truly excellent. It is a fascinating book about a fascinating person and one of the best books I have ever read about a major figure in music. Billy Strayhorn was complex and brilliant and this book offers the best view ever inside the life and times of a tremendously talented person.
Excellent!
It is a must-read...providing tremendous insight into the life of this true musical genius and incredible human being! It is a book that thoroughly captured my attention, and one that I'm so grateful I read. Mr. David Hajdu, thank you.
Well done.
First rate. Wonderful insight to Billy Strayhorn.
An American triumph, an American tragedy
So of course Duke Ellington wrote his signature "Take the A-Train"? This guy wrote it from the subway instructions on his way to becoming a hidden planet. If you are interested in biography, music, tales of genius, black history, gay history, tragedy: Relentlessly reported, beautifully written.
education
very informative read
Swee Pea
A nicely written biography. I learned things about Strayhorn that I didn't know before. Made me want to know him personally.
Extraordinary
The backbone of Duke Ellimgtons music was his association with Billy Strayhorn. Where such genius came from emanates from poverty and rather ordinary family roots. This is a fascinating and beautifully documented story that completes any previous knowledge of the beauty that is Ellingtons music. Strayhorn was obviously an unrecognized genius deserving of notoriety and equal prominence.
Comments
Post a Comment