Ellington and Strayhorn: How Two Jazz Legends Transformed a Holiday Classic
Two pioneering arts organizations, two visionary artists, one magical evening. As Jazz St. Louis and Saint Louis Dance Theatre join forces this December, we honor another legendary partnership—that of Duke Ellington (1899-1974) and Billy Strayhorn (1915-1967). Our collaboration mirrors their extraordinary artistic alliance, bringing together the sophisticated pulse of jazz and the evocative grace of dance theatre. At the heart of this evening lies Ellington and Strayhorn's innovative 1960 album “The Nutcracker Suite,” a masterful reimagining of Tchaikovsky's beloved ballet through the transformative lens of jazz.
Duke Ellington & Billystrayhorn
Their musical synergy went far beyond typical composition and arrangement. Ellington’s orchestra was more than a collection of instruments; it was a gathering of distinct musical personalities. He crafted each piece with an intimate understanding of his musicians' individual sounds, tailoring compositions to highlight their unique tones and even anticipate their improvisational styles. Strayhorn quickly adopted and enhanced this personalized approach, leading to arrangements that were, in Ellington's own words, "beyond category"- a sophisticated fusion of jazz and classical techniques that put the human element at the
heart of their sound.
"Billy Strayhorn was my right arm, my left arm, all the eyes in the back of my head, my brain waves in his head, and his in mine," Ellington once said of their seamless creative connection. Their musical styles blended so completely that it often became impossible to discern where one's work ended and the other's began.
For nearly three decades, Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn created some of the most enduring music of the 20th century. Their partnership began in 1938 when Strayhorn, just 22 years old, met Ellington after a performance. Impressed by the young musician's talent, Ellington invited him to New York, where Strayhorn would become an essential part of the Duke Ellington Orchestra and one of the most significant collaborations in jazz history was born.
Together, they pushed the boundaries of jazz composition. Strayhorn's "Take the 'A' Train" became the Orchestra's signature song, while collaborations like "Deep South Suite" (1947), "Such Sweet Thunder" (1957), and "Far East Suite" showcased their ability to create ambitious, large-scale works that elevated jazz to new artistic heights.
“Strayhorn does a lot of the work but I get to take the bows!””
Their partnership extended beyond mere musical collaboration. Both men were active supporters of civil rights, with Strayhorn maintaining a close friendship with Martin Luther King Jr. Their work "King Fit the Battle of Alabama" (1963) and suites like "Jump for Joy" (1950) and "My People" (1963) addressed the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans during the civil rights movement.
It was Strayhorn who first proposed adapting Tchaikovsky's beloved ballet The Nutcracker into a jazz suite. While Ellington toured, Strayhorn took the lead in crafting the arrangements, conferring with Ellington by phone to realize their shared vision. The resulting 1960 album showcased their genius for reimagining classical works through a jazz lens, creating something entirely new while honoring the original composition.
Their collaboration left an indelible mark on American music. Ellington's genius would be recognized with 14 Grammy Awards, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a posthumous Pulitzer Prize for music. Yet his deepest legacy may be the extraordinary partnership he forged with Strayhorn, transforming everything they touched - including Tchaikovsky's beloved ballet - into something daringly new.
This season, as Jazz St. Louis and Saint Louis Dance Theatre unite on stage, we carry forward the spirit of artistic partnership that Ellington and Strayhorn embodied. Their “Nutcracker Suite” wasn't just an arrangement - it was a reimagining that proved what's possible when visionary artists come together. Now, in the heart of our city, we're creating our own tradition. This is more than a performance - it's a celebration of collaboration, creativity, and the magic that happens when St. Louis artists dream big.
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This article draws from the following historical archives and musical collections:
