Strayhorn: An Illustrated Life (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781932841985)

"This lush paean to the composer explores the challenges he faced of being both black and gay, and his commitment to his own four freedoms." --The New York Times

Strayhorn: An Illustrated Life is a stunning collection of essays, photographs, and ephemera celebrating Billy Strayhorn, one of the most significant yet under-appreciated contributors to 20th century American music. Released in commemoration of Strayhorn's centennial, this luxurious coffee-table book offers intimate details of the composer's life from musicians, scholars, and Strayhorn's closest relatives.

Perhaps best known for his 28-year collaborative role as Duke Ellington's "writing and arranging companion," Strayhorn has emerged in recent years as an even more meritorious force in shaping the jazz canon. Strayhorn begins by describing Billy's abusive upbringing and early success, and goes on to cover his music, family, intellectual pursuits, involvement with civil rights, and open homosexuality.

Strayhorn features contributions from Strayhorn's biographer David Hajdu, film director Rob Levi, music scholar Walter van de Leur, as well as commentary from jazz greats like Lena Horne, Clark Terry, Dianne Reeves, Nancy Wilson, Terell Stafford, Herb Jeffries, and more. With lush photography and rare memorabilia like handwritten scores, this is a book to be treasured by jazz aficionados and music lovers everywhere. Enthralling and visually captivating, Strayhorn: An Illustrated Life lauds a beloved jazz legend and captures a prodigious legacy that will influence generations to come.

Author: A. Alyce Claerbaut
ISBN-10: 1932841989
ISBN-13: 9781932841985
Publisher: Agate Bolden
Language: English
Published: 10/20/2015
Pages: 208
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 3.15lbs
Size: 11.30h x 9.40w x 0.90d

Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 11/15/2015 pg. 87
Booklist 11/01/2015 pg. 25
Shelf Awareness 11/22/2016