StoryCorps Chicago: Billy Strayhorn’s niece: “He understood his gift and he shared it”
By Bill HealyStoryCorps Chicago: Billy Strayhorn’s niece: “He understood his gift and he shared it”
By Bill Healy
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Billy Strayhorn may not be as well-known as Duke Ellington, but for three decades the two were close collaborators and friends. Strayhorn was a prolific songwriter who helped pen some of Ellington’s most enduring music.
This year marks what would have been Strayhorn’s 100th birthday, and worldwide music lovers have been showing their appreciation. Strayhorn’s niece Alyce Claerbaut is a Chicagoan, and recently she stopped by the StoryCorps booth to talk about her uncle and the year-long celebration of his life.
StoryCorps’ mission is to provide Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to share, record and preserve their stories. These excerpts, edited by WBEZ, present some of our favorites from the current visit, as well as from previous trips.