Billy Strayhorn: The Man and His Music, presented at the University of Louisville Jazz Studies program

Every other year, Professor Ansyn Banks with the University of Louisville Jazz Studies program teaches a class on Duke Ellington, centered around the 1993 book by John Hasse-‘Duke Ellington: Beyond Category’. U of L alum and Jazz Education Coordinator for the Billy Strayhorn Foundation Galen Demus comes in to give some added history to the life and musical legacy of arranger, composer, lyricist and pianist Billy Strayhorn. The presentation/discussion adds insight for the grad students regarding Strayhorn’s musical journey before meeting Ellington, their 28 year collaboration producing some of the greatest jazz music of the 20th century, and the various orbits that Strayhorn existed in outside of the Ellington Orchestra. Appreciation goes to Professor Banks and the Jazz Studies students who make the hour long presentation a great time with questions and their thoughts about one of the great eras and personalities in jazz.