Independent Lens Season 8 Episode 14 Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life

In the 14th episode of season 8 of Independent Lens titled "Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life," the show highlights the life and work of a jazz legend, Billy Strayhorn. Through interviews with jazz musicians and scholars, as well as archival footage and photos, viewers get a glimpse into Strayhorn's extraordinarily innovative musical contributions to the genre, as well as his personal life and struggles.

Strayhorn was a highly talented jazz composer and arranger, known for his deep understanding of music theory and his ability to create complex, intricate compositions that were still accessible and beautiful. He famously collaborated with Duke Ellington, one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time, and their partnership resulted in some of the most beloved jazz works of the 20th century, including "Take the A Train" and "Lush Life."

The episode begins with a brief overview of Strayhorn's upbringing. Born in 1915 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he showed a natural talent for music from a young age. He began playing piano as a child and eventually became interested in jazz after seeing a performance by Duke Ellington's orchestra. In 1938, he became Ellington's assistant, and the two men quickly formed a close working relationship and friendship that lasted until Strayhorn's untimely death in 1967.

Throughout the episode, we hear from a wide range of people who knew and worked with Strayhorn, including jazz musicians like Terri Lyne Carrington, Wynton Marsalis, and Jason Moran, as well as scholars and historians of jazz music. They all speak in glowing terms about Strayhorn's musical brilliance and the profound impact he had on the genre.

In addition to his musical accomplishments, the show also delves into Strayhorn's personal life and struggles. Strayhorn was an openly gay man during a time when homosexuality was illegal in most parts of the country. He faced discrimination and harassment throughout his life, and his sexual orientation was likely a contributing factor to his relative lack of recognition and fame compared to Ellington.

Despite these challenges, Strayhorn never stopped creating and innovating. He continued to compose and arrange music until his death, and his legacy lives on through the countless jazz musicians who have been inspired by his work.

Overall, "Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life" is a moving tribute to a musical genius whose contributions to jazz are too often overlooked. Through interviews with those who knew him and performances of some of his most iconic works, viewers get a sense of the depth and complexity of Strayhorn's music, as well as the challenges he faced as a gay, African American man in mid-20th century America. It's a powerful reminder of the enduring power of music to inspire, uplift, and transform.