Ten Years To Lush Life
Ron Gill

David Hajdu’s biographical story of Billy Strayhorn, Lush Life, published in 1997, was a culmination of five years or more of research. For those who missed reading this deep reflection of Billy Strayhorn get a taste of it in the current Independent Lens program of the same name on PBS.

Of course, what brings it to life more are the singers and musicians who bring the songs that Billy composed without Duke Ellington for people to hear. He was a remarkable musician and composer.

As I have told many audiences in my performances and on my website, I was introduced to Billy Strayhorn the composer in 1977 at a performance at the New England Conservatory in a program dedicated to Billy Strayhorn. Only a very few people were paying attention to his work at that time, and I give credit to Ran Blake at the Conservatory for doing what he did and I thank him for including me in that endeavor. It changed my life.

My culmination of twenty years of research came to fruition in 1997 at a performance at Boston’s Museum Of Fine Arts. The recording “Ron Gill Sings The Songs Of Billy Strayhorn” followed later that year. Ten years since that time, I have dedicated most of my musical life to Strayhorn’s work, at times including Ellington, and I cannot find a more rewarding experience. The audiences have been great, and have in many cases taken on Billy’s work as well in their endeavors.

When I recorded Strayhorn one comment I made was “ maybe by my doing this it will encourage others to sing his material”. That has happened but not enough in my estimation. Even in this TV presentation they have only just touched on the familair songs he has done. Perhaps others will take on more of his songs.

I have to continue to thank the generosity shown me by the Strayhorn family who continue to be supportive in any way they can. I want to thank my musicians who have been willing to share in this experience with me with their incredible musicianship.

And, last but not least, WGBH and the colleaques there who have supported me as well in this musical journey, ‘Strayhorn’.