Billy Strayhorn
Rosemary Clooney Discusses Making the Album "Blue Rose."
An excerpt from an 1997 City Arts and Lectures interview with Rosemary Clooney. (Rebroadcast of 2/11/1997).
Saxophonist and Arranger Michael Hashim Remembers the Work of Billy Strayhorn
Michael Hashim talks about and and shares a recent recording of a rare and newly discovered composition of Billy Strayhorn "Up There." The composition had previously been recorded as the tune "Skippy." Strayhorn was best known for his collaborations with Duke Ellington.
'White Christmas': A Holiday Concert With Rosemary Clooney
To celebrate Christmas, Fresh Air listens back to a concert given by the late singer and actress on Feb. 11, 1997. Clooney spoke about her childhood and working with Bing Crosby and Billy Strayhorn.
Billy Strayhorn's Personal Sacrifices Ensured a Stable Career
Biographer David Hajdu has just written "Lush Life: A Biography of Billy Strayhorn" (Farrar, Straus and Girous). The book explores the life of Strayhorn, a Duke Ellington collaborator who composed "Take the 'A' Train," "Lush Life" and "Something to Live For." Strayhorn was black and gay, but maintained a low profile while working with Ellington's band.