TRANSCRIPT:
I’m Mark Rapp, and this is Rapp on Jazz.
Billy Strayhorn was more than Duke Ellington’s collaborator—he was a singular musical voice. Known for his sophisticated harmonies, intricate arrangements, and lyrical melodies, Strayhorn composed masterpieces that could stand alone as brilliant works of art. Songs like Lush Life reveal his poetic sensibility, weaving complex chord changes with hauntingly beautiful melodies.
Strayhorn’s music demonstrated a deep understanding of jazz structure and emotional expression. His compositions often blurred the line between classical elegance and jazz improvisation, earning him recognition as a composer of extraordinary depth.
Though Ellington’s fame sometimes overshadowed his work, Strayhorn’s influence is unmistakable. His solo compositions continue to be studied, performed, and celebrated, proving that his genius extended far beyond the big band, leaving an enduring mark on jazz history.
This has been Rapp on Jazz, a co-production of ColaJazz and SC Public Radio, made possible by The ETV Endowment of South Carolina.