Billy Strayhorn Inducted into the International Tap Dance Hall of Fame

The American Tap Dance Foundation and Artistic Director Tony Waag proudly announce the induction of Billy Strayhorn into the International Tap Dance Hall of Fame. Best known as Duke Ellington’s longtime collaborator, Strayhorn was also a founding member of The Original Copasetics, the legendary group formed in 1949 to honor Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and help revive the art of tap dance. His contributions to both music and movement solidified his place as a pivotal figure in tap’s golden era.

Strayhorn’s musical brilliance and steadfast support of tap dance continue to inspire generations. Presenting this prestigious honor is Mercedes Ellington, carrying forward a legacy rich in rhythm, artistry, and innovation. The event will be held Thursday, September 11th, at the Bruno Walter Auditorium, located within the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, 111 Amsterdam Avenue (at 65th street) in Manhattan.

Strayhorn’s induction marks a powerful addition to the Hall of Fame’s tribute to the artists who have defined, advanced, and elevated the form of tap dance.

The Music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn with the Novel Jazz Septet

Celebrate Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn on Wednesday, August 6th, at 7pm, at the Trinitarian Congregational Church in Castine, Maine. The Novel Jazz Septet is on a mission to keep the music of Ellington and Strayhorn “alive and swinging.”

Between them, Duke and Strays wrote several thousand compositions over their musical careers. The septet will perform standard tunes from the Ellington/ Strayhorn repertoire plus newly arranged compositions that they have unearthed from original recordings, as well as manuscripts from the Ellington Archives of the Smithsonian Museum of American History and the Strayhorn Collection at the Library of Congress. Novel Jazz members have dusted these pieces off, rearranged them for the septet, and given them a 21st century sound, all of their own, according to the press release.

Visit castinearts.org for more information or email info@castinearts.org. To find out more about the band, navigate to mainejazz.net. Remember, “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing! So, bop on over to Trinitarian Congregational Church for some classic jazz by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn!

(Picture: Penobscot Bay Press)

In Remembrance:William E. Strayhorn

It has been almost 2 years since the passing of Billy Strayhorn Songs Inc. Vice President, William “Bill” Strayhorn. Using his expertise in business contracts, Bill provided decades of trusted, professional guidance to the BSSI. Board of Directors.

Bill’s sister and current Billy Strayhorn Songs Inc. Vice President Deborah Strayhorn gave these words of praise: “Bill was respected for his ability to interact seamlessly with BSSI board members and business associates. He also established new relationships with regards to promoting the legacy of composer and arranger Billy Strayhorn’s music.”

Bill is missed daily by his wife, children, siblings, other family members, his faith congregation, and the many friends and others whose lives he touched.

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