Lush Life: A Biography of Billy Strayhorn

I don't think I can add much more than what other reviews have said. Incredibly well-researched and well-written. I learned so much more about the life and struggles of one of my composition heroes, including the complexity of his relationship with The Duke. Incredible read, time well spent, and I'll be going back to the book periodically.

I’d just produced a radio program of Strayhorn compositions and came across this wonderful bio by David Hajdu. I regret that I hadn’t read it before. A true genius and a unique and singular individual. He defied societal norms and expressed the human spirit through some of the most sublime compositions of the 20th century. I can offer no greater compliment to the author than the tears I cried at book’s end.

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.

Excellent book about Billy Strayhorn I found his life to be at times very sad but for the most part he lived a Lush Life. I felt transposed back in time reading this book and wished I had seen him live play his music. Great book!!

Very well written book. The author is sympathetic to the subject's difficulties while keeping the question open of Strayhorn's responsibility for his self-destructive habits. As such, it raises broader philosophical questions beyond it's musical foundation.

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

A truly fascinating man is revealed in this well-researched and well-written biography. Strayhorn's pioneering work in music is framed by illumination into his pioneering journey through life.

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.

全米図書批評家サークル賞にノミネート ビリー·ストレイホーン（1915年から1967年）は、アメリカの音楽の歴史で最も偉大な作曲家の一人だった。 生みの親of 「列車で行こうし」。 ストレイホーン氏は、エリントン·オーケストラのエース・ソングライターやアレンジャーとして三十年のために働いた人。 彼の友人や協力者デューク·エリントンの影に隠れた。 ジャズの巨大なパッチワークとジャーナリズムの数十年に「決定的」是正（USAトゥデイ） ラッシュ·ライフはストレイホーンや他のジャズミュージシャンがハーレムとパリにつながった「豊かな生活」の活気を吸収のアカウントです。 この世紀の最も豪華なアメリカ音楽の一部を構成しながら、ストレイホーンは エリントンが彼の仕事のための弓を取ったことにより、複雑な契約の下で働いた。 彼の人生は悲劇的にがんやアルコールの乱用によって短縮された。 jazzmenの一つが公然と同性愛者であることのように、小さな、シャイな黒い作曲家は、特異なスタイルと優雅さで彼自身を運んだ。 ラッシュ·ライフは、ビリー·ストレイホーンの仕事への興味の熱狂的な復活を巻き起こしています。それは、すでにジャズの古典として知られています。

A fascinating read, very informative whether you're into the music of Billy Strayhorn or not, which I am, and even more so now. I've always loved Lush Life as a jazz standard and am now searching for more of his work. Just ordered the Ellington CD 'and his mother called him Bill' which are all Strayhorn compositions and looking for a copy of his 'The Peaceful Side'.

Superb book, excellent service

As a fan of all things connected to Duke Ellington's music, I was already well aware of the importance of Billy Strayhorn to the Ellington Orchestra. Although it is impossible to separate the individual inputs of Strayhorn and Ellington into the legacy of the band once Billy joined, David Hadju seems to have successfully managed to tackle the task and written a balanced, warm and sympathetic look at a hugely talented individual.

Cool and interesting guy. Strange that he is so underrated. He just didn't have that ability to push himself out front.