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Selected submissions will be posted here regularly, so visit again to read more
comments.
04/25/2008
In 1952 my grandparents and father arrived from Scotland, to Ellis Island. Wanting to fit into the American quilt better, they accepted the suggestion from some official during the in-take process, that the family change our difficult to pronounce surname for a more anglicized last name. Thus we became Strayhorn, at the time when America was quite a bit more introspective during the height of the Cold War. My grandfather, while not sure whether or not to trust the "Irishman", he never regretted having moved forward with the change. My father went on to discover why the name Strayhorn was chosen by the "Helpful" official, he believes it may very well been a joke played upon our family. I'm happy for it, and am quite pleased with the association, albeit round-about, with a great music innovator. It would seem that the vast majority of Americans with this family name are African-American, with a small number of Native-Americans. I believe the latter are the "White Indians", Cherokee, of the Carolina's, many forcible relocated during Pres. Jackson's the 'Trail of Tears' march long before our family came here. By the way, many Native People, Cherokees, don't carry $20 bills because Jackson is on it.
03/13/2008
UNDOUBTALY MR. STRAYHORN WAS A MUSICAL GENIUS.AND YOUR RESEARCH SUPPORTS THE HISTORY OF THE MANY MISHAPS THAT EVOLVED DURING THE RENIAISSANCE OF JAZZ/BIG BANDS/ROCK& ROLL,ETC. HOWEVER,I'M STILL PUZZLED BY THE DICISIONS THAT HE(STRAYHORN)MADE DURING THE DECLINING YEARS OF HIS CAREER.
02/19/2008
Lee Rosner
Arlington, VA
The Strayhorn: Lush Life film was excellent except in one way. The whole point of the Strayhorn documentary was how the guys behind the scenes (like Strayhorn) dont get recognized. So then the documentary does the same thing to its own performers: the credits fly by so quickly & illegibly that it is impossible to know who did what. In particular, that wonderful female vocalist was never given credit as far as I could see. Even when I finally found the short video on this web site, her name was too small & illegible. Thanks, however, to a "Talkback" Texan who revealed that it was Dianne Reeves, a totally fabulous singer who I did not recognize.
6/19/07
Paul J. Marshall
Sugar Land, Texas
For those that care - Diane Reeves is the "black woman with glasses and hair pulled up" in "BLLY STRAYHORN: LUSH LIFE" covering the composer's composition works in the film.
BILLY STRAYHORN: LUSH LIFE is one of the best life story of a Jazz composer. The film fairly chronicles the Billy Strayhorn journey as a composer, musician, human being. John Legend is another Ohio born gifted pianist musician with a passion to write good charts and songs.
Independent Lens, this was a labor of love to produce. GREAT JOB...
5/9/07
Dan Dickstein
NY, NY
Regarding uncertainty about the use of the word "gay" as code for homosexual, it was
definitely in use between 1933 and 1936, when Billy Strayhorn wrote Lush Life. In the 1938
film "Bringing Up Baby," Cary Grant, asked why he's wearing Katharine Hepburn's frilly
dressing gown, replies, "I've suddenly turned gay!" Since the adolescent Strayhorn was a
voracious reader of any and all "sophisticated" materials available to him in Pittsburg,
and undoubtedly intrigued by his own (closeted) sexuality, it is not implausible that he
could have been familiar with the secondary definition of gay quite early. Moreover, since
the song was unpublished, unrecorded, and unknown except to those who heard Strayhorn
perform it in private, he may have continued to make revisions well into the 1940s. The
first recording of Lush Life was made by Nat King Cole in 1949.
4/25/07
Eugene Mckeiver
Maryland
I was flicking the remote late one night and just happened to land on this documentary. I
knew a little bit about Mr. Strayhorn, but was blown away by the revelation of who this
great man was who really didn't get the credit he so richly deserved. To the person who
wrote concerning not getting the full treatment of the music, get the CD!!!! I know I
will!!!
3/13/07
Hood river, Oregon
I was reading the radio program notes on Lush Life from the March 11 program introducing
the film on PBS. I noticed the remarks by Mr. Bey about the song. It was interesting that
he determined that the comopser may have used of the term "gay" the way we use it today.
What I found curious was that Quincy Jones, who knew Strayhorn, says in the Independent
Lens film that the song was written when Strayhorn ws SIXTEEN years old. And as far as
composition, Lush Life was the "Holy Grail" of composition. That's probably about as much
as we know about it and more true than Mr. Bey's remark. I don't know that they used that
word that way then.
3/13/07
Max Womack
I hoped after the hours dedicated to Motown's geriatrically challenged performers you
dedicated some time to jazz. Letdown is understatement. Knowledgeable talking heads but
the focus on a negative focus on Ellington and Strayhorn's sexual orientation. Not one
complete musical piece.I gave up after the first hour. Shame!
2/26/07
Margo R. Cary
McLean, Virgina
Thank-you so much for this forum. I had read his biography "Lush Life" and had been struck
by his genius and modesty. His composistions are something special- and so was he. I'm so
glad that other people are discovering his magic.
2/16/07
David
Orlando, Fl
Excellent. I don't know much about Ellington and never heard of Strayhorn but now I feel
like I knew him personally. Kudos to IL and I do so hope that I can purchase the dvd as
well as the soundtrack. Thanks!!!
2/13/07
Ann McCleary
Claremont, CA
We enjoyed the Billy Strayhorn show so much. The story of Ray Eberle and his years with
Glenn Miller would be great. His contribution to the success of the Miller band has never
been recognized properly, but I suppose there aren't many pictures to make up a story.
2/13/07
Mandell Klemmen
Los Angeles
This was wondeful documentary about a very important figure in jazz history whom I was
completely ignorant about until seeing your wonderful film.
2/12/07
Alan Owens
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Strayhorn produced music that was traded or presented by Duke Ellington.BLOOD COUNT, LOTUS
BLOSSUM and A-TRAIN are all music that Srayhorn wrote but Ellington was the boss.
LUSH LIFE is about the life Strayhorn got out of jazz music. The show LUSH LIFE was about
the life that Duke Ellington ran but but it was Strayhorn who was doing all the
living.
Strayhorn produced the product as jazz music but Ellington sold the product. People who
dance or listen to Duke Ellington could care less about Billy Strayhorn.
2/12/07
Sam Jones
Chicago
What a terrific film. You come away realizing what a unique artist Strayhorn was, which is
a real tribute to the film makers. And I agree with all of those who loved the
performances by the contemporary artists, particularly Dianne Reeves.
2/12/07
Bruce Kennan
River Edge New Jersey
Thanks for the great Strayhorn film. One of the best features I've seen on PBS in years.
Should become a classic. Reminds me to keep supporting PBS.
Kudos to all who gave us the look at Strays and Duke.
2/12/07
C.G. Mulkey
Houston, Texas
It was enlightening to view this presentation from Independently Lens. It is a shame that
our rich music history had to be distorted simply because of race. Such an American genius
should be as well known as Duke Ellington, not just a later addendum.
2/12/07
New York, NY
All the pieces that I love have Billy's hand in them - what a genius of a musician! This
romantic notion we tend to have of the world of jazz musicians is, in reality, not as rosy
as it seems. I felt that this film captured a side of this period in history that many
documentaries have failed to do. Thanks!
2/12/07
LaMonte C. Summers
Silver Spring, MD
Kudos to Robert Levi for making an exceptional film documenting one of the unsung geniuses
of 20th century American music. Levi's unflinching and candid treatment of the multiple
facets of Strayhorn's life and collaboration with Ellington, as well as Ellington's
control/love/exploitation of Strayhorn, is a tour de force. The film's musical selections
and presentations were absolute gems that stayed with me long after the closing credits
had ended. Well done.
2/12/07
Carver T. Green
Baltimore, MD
Q1. Yes I agree. Many times you have to do things in the background hoping one day someone
will recognize what you do and that being gay had nothing to do with having plain, good
old natural talent and genius, especially if you have the double whammy of being b lack
and gay. Lord! Heaven help you. I am gay and grew up in that 1940 period where Billy was
just a quiet genius.
Q2. Thank God! History has put it right qnbd that the truth has emerged. Oh that Billy
Strayhorn could just be here to get his just recognition. Ellington is Ellington because
Billy was Billy and by his side.
Q3. I thik that over the years the whole world community has had to pay attention to the
gay communi
ty because we have certainly come
into our own, a long, long, lobg way to go to the total thing burt certainly some of the
world community has evolved, well except the black religious community. But then, Hope
springs eternal for them as well.
2/12/07
calvin r roberts
los angeles cal
'INDEPENDENT LENS 'a HERO of mine MALCOLM X had a saying and that saying was too MAKE IT
SIMPLE so i will do that by saying a THOUSAND THANK YOU'S for the GREAT bio of this GREAT
ARTIST done by some GREAT film makers PLEASE give us more .
GREAT MUSIC
GREAT ART
IN MINE
PEACE
2/12/07
Michael Ebert
Levittown, NY
What a nice addition to the jazz musicological canon! I'm a diehard fan (and armchair
scholar) of the Strayhorn-Ellington oeuvre, and I think Mr. Levi and PBS did a fantastic
job here. I'm looking forward to purchasing the soundtrack CD!
2/12/07
Henry Letcher
NY
The 'background', 'shadow', 'spotlight' nor 'fame' were created or controlled by either of
these men.
It took two lifetimes and 50 years of one night stands to produce this body of work. There
were countless contributors to the lexicon of this improvository music as it first
appeared on earth. This was a good beginning in the understanding of the most influential
and important offering, ever in American music.
All repressed communities, that survie are inadvertantly strengthened by their oppressors.
2/12/07
Steve Lockwood
Los Angeles, CA
Yes, it's true that Ellington and Strayhorn used each other. I was quite surprised to
learn that Strayhorn wrote the score for "Paris Blues". It had to have been painful for
Strayhorn, but Jon Hendrix said in this film, "I think he was like all artists, a prisoner
of love." I think Hendrix got it right here. Strayhorn probably thought that to make
trouble about the various unrealized credits would've been detrimental to the
relationship. So he hung in there and gave America some of its greatest music. And America
and the world is better for it.
This is a great and poignant film. These people who created this music in the generations
before and after the war are American heroes. People should who they were.
2/9/07
Julie Guest
Morrison, COLORADO
Fabulous Film ~ Mr. Billy Strayhorn is one of the most under estimated musician, writer,
artist genius of our time. Mr. Strayhorn were alive today, the masterpieces he would have
created would just be remarkable and timesless.
2/9/07
Louis Tavecchio
Amsterdam
"When we speak of Duke Ellington's vast body of work, we are really speaking of the
product of a collaborative process of creation, which Ellington shared over the decades
with many of his musicians, and especially with Billy Strayhorn. Every one of those
individuals is a part of the musical legend and the legacy we refer to as Duke Ellington.
Without any one of them, that body of work would be different; without Strayhorn it would
be vastly different and missing some crucial pieces. But without them all, there would
still be Ellington himself and his undeniable urge to create, and there would still be an
Ellington body of work, different but distinctive and personal. He was the prime mover and
the focus of all the creative energy. He did not just give his name to a musical sound, he
shaped it and defined it and caused it to happen".
The above quotation stems from one of the earliest websites devoted to Duke Ellington,
conceived by Robb Holmes in 1996. I cannot think of a b
etter appraisal of the world of Ellingtonia�. It also makes clear that Duke Ellington did
not need� Billy Strayhorn. He had created some of the most beautiful music America has
ever known long before the arrival of Billy Strayhorn (in 1939), and he continued to do so
for years after Billy�s untimely death in 1967. But I totally agree that some of the
greatest Ellington� music ever written stems from the fertile and creative genius of Billy
Strayhorn. We are blessed that these two great men met each other and worked together for
so long.
2/9/07
Joyce
Lithonia Ga
I loved the documentary. Did not appreciate the aspersions heaped upon Duke Ellington for
being a "cheat and a "rogue". Give credit where credit is due. Mr. Levi told it like it
was. They were collaborators and liked each other. It was okay for Frank sinatra to try to
horn in on the action. Billy Strayhorn made it clear that he liked and respected Duke. So
do I. What about the way Duke's music was exploited by his manager. Billy and Duke were
great together. LEAVE IT THAT WAY. BACK OFF MEDIA
2/9/07
Gregg Kimball
Visalia, CA
GREAT film, as usual for INDEPENDENT LENS! Any chance of an album project with Miss
Reeves, Mr. Costello, ...?
2/9/07
Iris M. Gross
Edmond, Oklahoma
First of all, I congratulate the filmmaker on this exquisite portrait. I have read and
gifted David Hajdu's book, and I'm glad he was included in this production. At first I was
worried; I thought this was going to be one of those films where Billy Strayhorn was going
to miraculously be alive again and narrating his own story, which would have plunged the
film into a goofiness from which it would have never recovered. Excellent idea getting the
great Dianne Reeves to periodically punctuate the film, much like she did in "Good Night
and Good Luck"; as soon as I saw her I couldn't wipe the smile off my face! Also, I wish
Ms. Lena Horne could have spoken for herself, rather than through her daughter, Gail,
about her relationship with "Strays"; she is, to my knowledge, still around as of this
writing.
To address the "Talkback" questions, especially the first one, I find it hard to believe
that jazz music is any less driven by marketing than the more lucrative genres like
"popular" music. They simply wouldn't have known what to do with Billy Strayhorn. What
were they going to do, give him an album titled "Music for Lovers" and put his face on the
cover?! I know of at least one other case in which a black performer's sexual orientation
would have caused problems in the marketing department given the market for a lot of this
music are white women! Jazz may be the American classical music, but even today the record
labels are incapable of selling music without suggestive sex appeal, usually the opposite
sex! So, in my view, no, Billy Strayhorn was right to stay out of the spotlight; however,
whether he was right to stay with Duke Ellington is another matter, given that other
people were obviously interested in having Strayhorn write and arrange for them. I think
that was Strayhorn's one true creative mistake; putting all his eggs in one basket.
2/9/07
R. Smith
New York, NY
Thank you for this very thoughtful and poignant documentary. I learned so much. Watching
this truly absorbing portrait, I was particularly struck by the deeper appreciation for
complexity in both these men. I think this story has often been told in black and white,
with Duke Ellington being the total villian and Billy Strayhorn being a total saint. This
film showed that neither is true. Both were complex human beings - both USED each other
for personal gain but both also loved each other. And I give Duke Ellington credit (sorry
for the choice of that word considering) for embracing an openly gay musician into his
world the way he did, especially back then, and letting the world know how important Mr.
Strayhorn was to him. Yes he could have done better. But remember the times. Anyway, that
moment when he is playing Lotus Blossom, marveling at its complexity and the brilliance of
its composer, is priceless.
2/8/07
Lena Simmons
Norfolk Virginia
It was a living parable about "putting your life under a bushel.' There are so many people
today that hide behind another person's shadow. His story parllels the role of the woman
behind the great man. Einstein applied and took credit from his first wife. Homosexuality
is a moot point in regards to his role.
Billy had the option to work with Frank Sinatra. Mr. Ellington put a stop to that option.
Yet Ellington was slow to give full credit. I see this as a universial story about the
need for love and acceptance overiding financial rewards and fame.
It is the human story of seeking love at all costs.
2/8/07
Bill Patten
Chicago, IL
I thought the film was excellent. Brilliant exploration into the life of a very complex
genius. Of particular interest was the relationship between Stryhorn and Duke Ellington. I
am not a big jazz fan, but I loved the movie.
2/8/07
Honey
Bloomington, IN
Wow!!! this was most excellent! Loved everything about it, the interviews of people who
were there made this facinating to watch. I was moved by the genius of Strayhorn, and I
was never aware of Ellington's methods and selfishness when it came to keeping all that in
his back pocket. I will tape this, share it and watch it again and again!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, I love Independent Lens!!!
2/8/07
Marie
Austin TX
I was blown away with this documentary. Thank you for the opportunity to witness this
tribute to Billy Strayhorn.
2/8/07
Bryant McInnis
Brooklyn,NY
My 3 -year old daughter was pressing the cable box and stopped at PBS. That was Divine !
The documentary was
absolutely awesome. I learned so much about one of the greatest composers ever (Billy
Strayhorn). I'm a little disappointed with Mr. Ellington, but I still admire his
accomplishments. The archival footage and music made the film a must see-again. Keep up
the Great work.
2/8/07
Nancy Wilson
Bronxville, NY
I enjoyed this program so much that I watched it twice (on 13World). What a genius....I
didn't know anything about him...am glad he's getting his due. My parents' song was "Take
the A Train". The first time I watched I thought Duke E. was taking advantage...after 24
hours and a second watching, I thought maybe it was more symbiotic. But, with Billy's
early life circumstances, maybe he needed the security; also, maybe he left the limelight
to Duke and purely wanted to compose.
Anyway...thanks for a great show, Mr. Levi!
2/8/07
joe Orlando
Boston Mass
Thank you for this tender, dark and luminous epiphany.Billy Strayhorn an alchemist of jazz
and love.
2/8/07
Kenneth Yas
Thousand Oaks, CA
I was up at 4am in a Princeton, NJ motel, on a business trip, and caught this on the local
PBS affiliate. The next thing I knew it was 6am.
I did my best to shake off the reverie this astonishing documentary induced and face the
cold day, but it has been difficult, if not impossible, to force to the background the
sublime impression this reverent but unflinching piece of work has left on me.
Lush Life is distinguished by the transcendant quality of the music, the pathos, good
humor and tragedy associated with its creation and the generosity of the filmmaker in
making room for the story to emerge as completely as it did.
I thought the Scorsese documentary on Dylan was about as good as it gets. Lush Life takes
the genre to a whole new level.
2/7/07
George
Sacramento, Ca
At the end of the program, during the credits, someone in the show was listed as having
passed away
sometime recently ( after 2004). Who was this person? PS An excellent program. I am glad
that BS is
getting the credit he truly deserves.
From filmmaker Robert Levi:
Billy Strayhorn's youngest sister, Lillian Strayhorn Dicks, was born 1930. She passed
away in 2005,
shortly after filming her interview with us in New York. We dedicated the film to her.
2/7/07
Sam Rivera
Moore, Oklahoma
I just wanted to say THANK YOU for the wonderful programming. I was listening to Neil
Conan today &
was intrigued by the story of Billy Strayhorn. I couldn't wait to log on to NPR.ORG to
read more.
What a genius & how brave he was to embrace his life style during an intolerant time. I
look forward
to the PBS special & will definitely see the movie.
2/7/07
Trudy
Prescott, AZ
I was totally amazed and enlightened. Mr. Strayhorn was a very talented and humble man. I
will watch
this program over and over, just in case I miss something. He so much deserved the
recognition that
was due to him while he was alive and for Duke Ellington to omit him during key moments
was very
selfish..
2/7/07
David Crooks
Prescott, AZ
Thank you for giving us this show (via Phoenix KAET). It was the best 1 1/2 hours TV my
wife and I
have seen this year and perhaps for a couple of years, about the most enjoyable and
thrilling
documentary we can recall - perhaps even better for us than your 2002 tribute to Kurt
Mazur, your
June 2003 Bob Fosse special, and perhaps even your May 2004 Balanchine documentary.
2/7/07
Craig Kois
Evanston, Illinois
How wonderful to finally get a more complete exploration of the life of Billy Strayhorn. I
was
impressed by the range of musicians and relatives who were interviewed and that David
Hajdu was a
part of the conversation. I think the relationship between Strayhorn and Ellington, though
not ideal
(what relationship is) did serve the respective needs of each and in doing that made it
easier to
maintain the ralationship than to walk away from it. The positives must have outweighed
the
negatives most of the time. Thanks for a wonderfully enlightening and instructive film.
2/7/07
Leinani Lind
Kailua, HI
I have enjoyed the film very much. However, the people discussing Strayhorn were not
identified well
or consistently. I can't get upset about the possible suppression of Strayhorn's
contributions to
jazz music attributed to Ellington. He was an adult male and made those decisions himself.
It was
very common for women to contribute to their husbands' artistic triumphs in the past. Now
this is
the past. Both African American males and females of all races are being honored for their
own work.
2/7/07
Pamela Ray
SLC, UT
Just stayed up way past my bedtime watching Lush Life (on Billy Strayhorn). Couldn't leave
it! How
very well done, emotional, and fascinating this was. Such an amazing talent. This was the
most
interesting television bio I've seen in a very LONG time, and great music besides. Thank
you so
much.
2/7/07
Lawrence Mooney
Sandpoint, Idaho
I was moved by this tribute--this study of an American musical genius. I have long known
of the
talent of Billy Strayhorn--Lush Life if probably my favorite song of all time--but didn't
know the
extent of the anguish in his life, and his subservience to Duke. To answer the first
question, I
guess it must have served his purposes, or he would have changed things, and he certainly
wouldn't
have returned to the orchestra after tasting freedom. As for the second, I think it's all
too often
true that the wrong doesn't get righted. Other "great" men have profited from the work of
others,
Edison, Westinghouse. It was gratifying to see Nicolai Tesla get at least some recognition
for his
numerous inventions. And third, Americans with Disabilities organization comes to mind. As
does just
about every minority community, including women.
2/7/07
Charlton Prce
Kansas City, MO
The Strayhorn program is and will always be a triumph, in many ways unprecedented --
because of the
balance of the script, the use of the appropriate people, the honesty and attention to
detail, the
attention to contexts -- contexts including the Ellington orchestra, Ellington's persona
and their
relationship with its changes, the nature of the music business,and above all, constant
attention to
the music -- much more verisimilitude and sophistication throughout than the Ken Burns
jazz series,
or than other attempts to bring this broad area of modern American music to TV. Please
make this
program available on DVD, so that it can be used in music, the arts, political science,
sociology,and other educational programs.
Editor's note:
For inquiries about future DVD availability of BILLY STRAYHORN: LUSH LIFE, contact:
lushlifedvd@mac.com
2/7/07
Jon Margolis
Rapid City SD
A thoroughly enjoyable and inspirational film. The archival footage was music to my ears.
Man these
cats could play. And the cuts to contemporary musicians playing Billy's music also
wonderful. As
always the musicians receive not enough credit. The credits wizzed by at the end, too
small to read
anything on my TV. And there is precious little on this here website. I think we all know
who Elvis
Costello and Quincy Jones are. Some fabulous musicians played their hearts out and I
wonder who some
of them are.
Editor's note:
The full list of performers can be found on the Film Credits
page of this Web site.
2/7/07
Beverly Nelson
Chicago IL
I don't know how to thank you for bringing this story to life. I am a baby boomer who grew
up very
few Black Gay Role models. Sadly, in the Black community the subject is still selectively
taboo.
When I think of the people who were and are blessed with many God given gifts but are
afraid of
being found out or have not been giving proper credit, it pains me. The sad part is these
people may
have the minds or gifts to cure some of the world's worse diseases. But we'll never know
because the
world still is not ready.
2/7/07
Dean Roberts
Portland, Maine
Regardless of what you think of the man's private life, the fact remains that publicly he
was a
musical genius. That's a distinction that is reserved for the elite artists of that era,
especially
in the African American community. You don't need to think about is lifestyle when you're
in the
comfort of your home or with company enjoying the sweet sounds of Coltrane and Hartman
performing
Lush Life. Thank you, PBS, for introducing this man to me. Because I, like many others,
would have
never known who he was or the fact that this beautiful music that I listen to is because
of him; may
his spirit and musical genius live on.
2/7/07
Mike Weston
Evanston, IL
I've listened to Strayhorn's and Ellington's works for many years and have read Hajdu's
excellent
bio of the former. The film seemed like a fair depiction of Strayhorn's life and his
contributions
to music. I especially liked the discussion of his arranging/voicing/chording, which
produced so
much of the unique sound of the Ellington band.
Two minor complaints. The "re-enactments" added nothing, and simply lent a patina of
phoniness. Dule
Hill is a fine actor but what was served by his appearance? Second, Gunther Schuller's
comments at
the end about what might have been had Stray outlived Duke were utterly without point.
Strayhorn's
work stands on its own as it is; to imply that he was somehow held prisoner (creatively)
by
Ellington is fair to neither man. Ellington provided a universe in which Strayhorn could
extend his
ideas. Strayhorn's ideas extended the repertoire and genius of the Ellington sound.
2/7/07
Nancy Hopps
Hinton, WV
WOW!!! Thank you so much for doing this much-needed film of Strayhorn.
2/7/07
Wendy Gerrish
Moccasin Ca
After Nova I left the tele on..and ended up watching the story of Billy Strayhorn and
heard some of
the most stunningly beautiful compositions that I've ever heard in my life. My thanks to
the
filmmaker for revealing such genius-thank you PBS.
2/6/07
James McKissic
Chattanooga, TN
I am so looking forward to this show. Lush Life is one of the most stunningly beautiful
songs ever
written -- definitely in my top 5. Can't wait to learn more about Strayhorn!
2/7/07
CFM
Evanston, IL
Great film! Wonderful exposure of Billy Strayhorn�s genius!
It appears that Strayhorn saved Ellington aplenty when Ellington could not finish his own
compositions in a crunch. No doubt that Strayhorn helped elevate Ellington�s prominence.
For
Ellington is was being at the right place, and knowing the right man, at the right time.
Yes, it was
largely in part of Strayhorn�s homosexuality that that match between he and Ellington was
made.
Strayhorn was a musical master and Ellington was his protector, and front man. For
Strayhorn it was
enough, sometimes, to hear his music played to the world, but I find it hard to believe
that if the
two were as one as far as music is concerned, why not share more of the credit.
2/7/07
Robert Galperin
East Brunswick, NJ
After viewing the program, I felt that Strayhorn was Mozart to Ellington as just a
glorified
conductor. Ellington had wronged Strayhorn, not giving him credit, and not compensating
him
adequately. I think a case could be made that this helped drive Billy to destructive
behavior that
ultimately led to his untimely death. I think that the Ellington Estate should rectify the
situation
by re authoring the music that rightfully belongs to Strayhorn, and paying back some back
royalties.
A further gesture of taking some of this money to go to a fund for struggling composers in
Strayhorn's name would also be a find gesture.
2/7/07
Julius Stanley
I was moved at the genius of this artist, his creativity and soul were made evident
through the
music he created. We, as a culture, have benefit from his art. America stands as a power
in the eyes
of the world; it is easy to forget that America is the collective struggle of its
citizens, with
human expressions and thoughts. Because of the global industries and military power we
represent,
the individual American can be veiled by this global perceptiion. Mr. Strayhorn's music is
an
expression of our humanity that will never be silenced. Thank you for being the Voice of
America, in
your airing of this film.
2/7/07
Alice Sparberg Alexiou
Bellmore, NY
Thank you for this wonderful documentary. The story is about so many things--race,
sexuality,
musical genius, and, most of all, the endlessly complicated relationship between two great
artists--and they all matter. What struck me most of all is how exquisitely the writer of
this film
controlled the material. The story has so many details and angles, yet the writer(s) never
lost the
take. The film was smooth and seemed effortless, which, ironically, shows how very, very,
very hard
everybody involved in this production had to have worked to pull it off.
(I'm a writer so I know about the process!)
A-Train is one of my favorite tunes, and now it means so much more to me than before I
viewed "Lush
Life."
Again, thank you. Alice Sparberg Alexiou, author, Jane Jacobs, Urban Visionary (Rutger
Univ. Press
2006)
2/7/07
Marshall, NC
Houston, TX
I enjoyed this very good program. Thank you.
2/7/07
Anthony G
Houston, TX
Beautiful, just the fact that we keep learning about extraordinary influences that were
either gay
or questionable changes my thinking. The MAN was a treat to listen to. Yes it is hard to
tell if it
was Sweet Pea or Duke but it is easier to tell Duke from Sweet Pea (lol).
2/7/07
Kansas City, Mo
Oakland, NJ
1. Somewhat. In one aspect, he needed a portion of his life to exist in the background
only,
unfortunately Duke was aware of this and exploited it.
2. While contending with racism during the 30s and 40s lab technician Vivien Thomas works
with Dr.
Alfred Blaloch to correct the narrowing indentation of the left side of the aortic arch
(Blue
Babies).
In both stories where there existed an opportunity to promote the other they chose not too
for
selfish reasons whether for fame or monetary.
3. Holland - What comes to mind is Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a symbol of international debate on
the plight
of Muslim women against the Koran's harshness toward these women including genital
mutilation.
Editor's note:
View the Talkback questions.
2/7/07
Dave Sandler
Oakland, NJ
This was simply one of the finest documentaries i have ever viewed. Kudos to all involved.
Put his
life and work in context. The selection of highlighted pieces from lush Life thru Chelsea
Bridge and
the Nutcracker was right on target. Much as i revere Ellington, the body of work must be
viewed as
joint for the entire period they worked together. Too bad he was taken much too
soon.
On the question - yes, I do believe Ellington exploited Stray. But he also gave him
exposure and an
opportunity to grow that never would have otherwise materialized. If it was in him to let
go, he
would have moved on.
2/7/07
Harold Ramse
NY. NY
An ultimate treat for all people. I learned of the broadcast from jazzbeat mag.
2/7/07
Vinina
I truly enjoyed this PBS program that acknowledged the genius of Billy Strayhorn. May this
tribute
to Strayhorn introduce a new generation to his brilliance and continue to shine light on
his
contribution to all genres of music.
2/7/07
DT
Smithtown, NY.
The Strayhorn special reminded me of the beauty he brought to the world and of how a few
notes put
together the right way can define a feeling.I feel like I can get up tomorrow and face
another day.
Thank you.
2/6/07
James McKissic
Chattanooga, TN
I am so looking forward to this show. Lush Life is one of the most stunningly beautiful
songs ever
written -- definitely in my top 5. Can't wait to learn more about Strayhorn!
1/23/07
Charlie
Brockton, MA
I have some mixed feelings on the music and life of Billy Strayhorn. On the one hand I
feel that his
creativity and musical genesis should have been showcased and he given his rightful
credits. On the
other hand homosexuality unlike today was generally unacceptable except by a few
contemporaries
Perhaps of that prejudice and possible notoriety his genesis might have been stymied. In
any event
thanks for bringing his works to this generation of music lovers and no doubt enlighten to
their
lives.
1/23/07
Charlie
Brockton, MA
I have some mixed feelings on the music and life of Billy Strayhorn. On the one hand I
feel that his
creativity and musical genesis should have been showcased and he given his rightful
credits. On the
other hand homosexuality unlike today was generally unacceptable except by a few
contemporaries
Perhaps of that prejudice and possible notoriety his genesis might have been stymied. In
any event
thanks for bringing his works to this generation of music lovers and no doubt enlighten to
their
lives.
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