Lush Life: A Biography of Billy Strayhorn

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.

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

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

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.

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.

First rate. Wonderful insight to Billy Strayhorn.

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.

very informative read

A nicely written biography. I learned things about Strayhorn that I didn't know before. Made me want to know him personally.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

First rate. Wonderful insight to Billy Strayhorn.

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.

very informative read

A nicely written biography. I learned things about Strayhorn that I didn't know before. Made me want to know him personally.

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.

It is a thorough biography of Billy Strayhorn whose genius was hidden behind Duke Ellington. Billy Strayhorn wrote Take te A Train, Lush Life, Something to Live For, Chelsea Bridge and hundreds of other songs. Billy was a friend of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and encouraged & accompanied Lena Horne to go south to participate in the Civil Rights demonstrations.

Inside look at the life of a sophisticated genius. Great read

This book is excellent. It should be read by Jazz music lovers around the world. I think this should be required reading for every student of music. Now, I have a better understanding of the dynamic professional interaction between Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington.

This book was a real eye opener. Being gay and from Pittsburgh myself it was especially meaningful to learn about how Billy lived. The book was such a well researched, detailed an personal look into Strayhorn's life. It really made me wish I could have met him or been his friend. His life was indeed, lush.

Musicians love this book. . It is one of the greatest biographies for all musicians. I swear to this. Renee Evers

A well written book about one of the true geniuses of the music industry. Billy Strayhorn was highly respected by his peers in the industry but almost unknown by the general public. The book is a long overdue tribute to a brilliant musician and prolific composer.

Fascinating, well-written biography of an important figure in American 20th century music. A must read for anyone who enjoys learning!

Thank you for this wonderful biography with detail that is incredible. Highly recommended

more people should know his story

Very well researched and nicely told biography. Enjoyed it very much and learned a great deal.

A great read and insight to a very underrated jazz composer. This book really highlights Strayhorn's accomplishments with, and away from Duke Ellington.

Superbly written biography of a very interesting person.

Maybe a little too much detail into how he mixed certain cocktails, but a great insight into one of the great musicians and song writers of the century.

Great!

Anyone that likes the American Songbook Will enjoy this book

Quick, easy read. I read somewhere this was the best Jazz biography of the last decade. If "best" means quick and relatively pointless, this is probably true. I like biographies because you get insight into times and places; this definitely gives that, but the author's obsession with Strayhorn's sexuality seems overdone.

Wonderfully informative. I used the info for a podcast. http://1keyofgee.podomatic.com/entry/2015-02-09T03_26_26-08_00

This is a dry academic paper, more concerned about demonstrating to other academes that proper research protocol was followed than about shedding insight into the structure of the music. Instead of enhancing the experience of listening to this wonderful music, it sucked all the joy out of it.

Lush Life arrived efficiently and relatively fast, and was in obviously used shape, but nstill good shape; as promised. I have no complaints

one of the most interesting biographies I've ever read. When Billy Strayhorn was growing up in Pittsburgh he met Duke Ellington in the back of the theatre after a concert Duke performed at. He blew Duke away when Billy played the piano for him. Years later Duke would remember him and asked Billy to come out to NYC to see him. When Billy asked for directions Duke would write on a piece of paper, take the A train. While on the A train to Upper Manhattan to see Duke, Billy wrote the music for 'Take the A Train". So it goes the great collaboration between Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn would begin. Always in the background and never given the proper credit for all the music he wrote Billy Strayhorn would live a lush life. Travelling the world and meeting the kings and queens of the jazz world, he could be the life of the party but the applause for Duke Ellington's music would bypass him. Being black and gay back in those days was not acceptable behavior so Billy stayed in the background and Duke kept him. Billy wrote the music and Duke played it, his own personal muse. Billy loved the 3 am hour the best, it was the happiest hour of the day when you're too exhausted to care anymore and numb to everything else. A wonderful book.

I read this biography of Billy Strayhorn immediately after Hajdu's book about Joan Baez and Dylan, and am glad I did. After reading hundreds of pages about two very self-centered people...one of whom is apparently as nasty as he is talented... or at least behaved in truly appalling ways at one stage in his life .. it was refreshing and uplifting to read about a supremely talented person who was also generous,good-humored, and admired by everybody who knew him, I will try to live my own life by Strayhorn's credo, "Ever up and onward!".

I would read this along with Walter van de Leur's "Something to Live For," a more musicological treatise. Hadju's biography is well-written and very readable. If you are like me and into everything relating to Ellington and Strayhorn, I cannot see how you can pass this book up. Strayhorn gave new life to Ellington's orchestra. Of course, Ellington would have still been Ellington without him, but the two of them together went on to create some of the greatest music in jazz. Strayhorn was also a unique, fascinating character in his own right, and Hadju is good storyteller.

This book has a lot going for it. Do you like music, swing and jazz? Do you like intersting people? Did you live through the 30's, 40's and 50's? Do you enjoy reading about that era? Do you enjoy reading a well written biogratphy? If the answer to any of these is yes, you'll like this book, it the answer is yes to several of these questions then you'll LOVE this book. David Hajdu has done an exemplary job of documenting the life of Billy Strayhorn. I really felt like I knew the man after reading this. He has done his research and he also writes with a very smooth style that keeps you intersted. I love music and I've read bios of Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, BB King, Chuck Berry, Led Zepplin, Allman Bros. on and on. This is one of the best if not the best music bio I've read.

This is a good book on a character hitherto encountered only in Ellington biographies. What's silly are the insinuations that Strayhorn didn't get a byline for his work or that he was the creative mind behind the Ellington orchestra. The songs for which the byline has always been Strayhorn are compelling enough to stand by themselves (his accomplishments were remarked at my family dinner table when he passed away). And Ellington had already written many of his greatest songs prior to meeting Strayhorn. So the 'Behind the Music/Entertainment Tonight' angles are ludicrous. Read the book and buy the records and prepare to be amazed.

This was an excellent read and it was great to see that somebody finally came out with a biography on Billy Strayhorn. So why the 3 star rating? Well, the author actually attempts to overemphasize Staryhorn's importance to the Ellington band (hard as that is to do). The author unfortunately tries to paint a picture of Ellington as somebody that didn't appreciate Strayhorn's talent and put his name on Stayhorn's songs and basically didn't do much at all after the arrival of Strayhorn. This, of course, is a complete crock. Ellington wrote the vast majority of his most well known songs before Strayhorn even came into the picture ("Mood Indigo", "Sophisticated Lady", "It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing", "Rockin' In Rhythm", In A Sentimental Mood", and "Solitude" just to name a few). Are we really supposed to believe that all of a sudden Strayhorn comes and Ellington's compositional skills go down the drain and he relies on Strayhorn for everything thereafter? That's a little too much (actually way too much) to believe. Also, if Strayhorn was truly all the brains behind the post-1940 Ellington band, then how come Ellington was still writing great works after Strayhorn's death (New Orleans Suite anyone?)? It just doesn't add up. Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn were one of the greatest song writing teams of all time. Both were equally important players to the other's success after they joined together and each made his significant contributions. The author is probably a big Strayhorn fan and to make up for the lack of recognition that Strayhorn has received the author actually does a disservice to Strayhorn by overstating his importance to the Ellington band. Strayhorn accomplished so much it's just not necessary to do so. That being said, the book is still a great source for learning about the life of Billy Strayhorn and who he was and it's great that somebody finally wrote a book on his life.

Billy Strayhorn's contribution to the work of Duke Ellington is immeasurable--at last he is given his full due in David Hajdu's perceptive and insightful portrait of this largely unsung genius of 20th century music. Hajdu's sensitive biography, derived from countless interviews with friends, family and fellow musicians, reveals Strayhorn as a complex, creative individual who preferred to stay discreetly in Ellington's shadow throughout much of his life. It also provides a telling portrait of a man who lived his life as a gay African-American musician completely out in the open during a time in this country when it was both difficult and dangerous to do so. Hajdu has given us telling portraits as well of many of Strayhorn's contemporaries such as Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, Johnny Hodges, Ray Nance and the Duke himself who loved "Swea-Pea" (Strayhorn's nickname) as a part of himself. Not only a portrait of a creative, intellectual genius, "Lush Life" also gives us an insightful look into the world of jazz and African-american popular music that grew out of an age of racism and discrimination. The concluding chapters that chronicle Strayhorn's involvement in the civil rights movement of the early '60's and his friendships with Martin Luther King and Medgar Evans and his own battle with the throat cancer that cut his life short (at age fifty-one) are especially powerful. Throughout the book, Hajdu provides lively anecdotal writing while remaining a respectful journalist and chronicler of his subject. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in jazz history, popular culture, or purely for a portrait of an understated genius.

Hajdu really does a nice job of summarizing the life of a songwriter. He keeps his story moving with pacing, characters, travel, and yes, even drama! Racial prejudice, sexual prejudice, loneliness and alcoholism did nothing to stop this little man from Pittsburgh who knew he was destined to a "lush life" and wrote about it in his fantasies, such as the title song begun at age 19 in Pittsburgh. He grew up poor, effeminate, and misunderstood; but he loved the theater, and he knew where he belonged. Off to New York where his awesome talent so impressed Duke Ellington that he was immediately hired into the organization, where he would thrive and struggle and live and write for the rest of his life. He died of cancer, after penning and arranging much of Ellington's later work. The book tells his story with panache that would make him proud!

Fabulous writing & documentation. Best since the Mel Torme autobio.

The pure artistic genius of Billy Strayhorn literally jumps off the pages of David Hajdu's well-written biograqphy. Even those who knew and loved Strayhorn's music discover he was a composer of rare gifts, an artist so keenly sensitive to his surroundings that he could write to evoke the best of the individual stylings of his musical colleagues. This totally enjoyable narrative makes one wonder just how much of the work bearing Duke Ellington's name was actually composed by Strayhorn. Of course, we'll never know. But we can sit back and Take The A Train.