Lush Life (version Strayhorn)

Billy Strayhorn · 1961 · Written between 1933 and 1936; Strayhorn recorded it himself in Paris in May 1961, with the choir Paris Blue Notes (The Peaceful Side).

Context

Ballad written by Billy Strayhorn as a teenager, between 1933 and 1936, and premiered in public on November 13, 1948 at Carnegie Hall by Kay Davis with Ellington's orchestra. Strayhorn recorded it himself in May 1961 at the Barclay studios in Paris for The Peaceful Side (United Artists Jazz, 1963), on piano with the wordless chorus of the Paris Blue Notes. Ted Gioia ranks it among the most sophisticated ballads in jazz.

In the genealogy of jazz

This track belongs to Harlem: Henderson, Redman, Ellington, Vocal jazz, scat, vocalese. Among the origins and influences of Harlem: Henderson, Redman, Ellington: Chicago, Stride (Harlem piano).

Cited in 1 radio episode

• Oct 6, 2026: LUSH LIFE - STANDARD DE LUXE (Anatomie d'un titre, TSF Jazz, in French)

Sources

• EN: The Peaceful Side
• EN: Lush Life (jazz song)

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