“Billy Strayhorn: The Man and his Music”-Presented to the University of Louisville Jazz Studies Program.

Galen Demus, nephew of Billy Strayhorn and a University of Louisville alumni himself, connected with Professor Ansyn Banks and his grad level jazz studies class for a fun and informative hour sharing the story and some jazz history about the legendary arranger, composer, lyricist and pianist. Every other year, Professor Banks teaches a semester long class on Duke Ellington and has Galen come in as a surprise guest to give insight on Strayhorn’s musical life before and during the Ellington/Strayhorn collaboration. Thank you to Professor Banks and the U of L Jazz Studies program for providing this jazz education space for students to learn more about the history of these jazz giants and this great music during Jazz Appreciation Month.
Picture–Professor Banks (far left, front row, and the U of L jazz studies class).