As Duke Ellington's co-composer, arranger, and right-hand man, Billy Strayhorn wrote some of the greatest American music of the 20th century. But as a gay man in the ’40s and ’50s, Strayhorn had to lead a discreet existence, while Ellington played to thunderous applause on center stage.
Directed by
Robert Levi
Year2007
Company CreditsWashington Square Films, Independent Lens
DistributorPBS / ITVS
Starring
Keith DavidDulé HillBill CharlapElvis CostelloTerrence Howard
Awards
2007 News and Documentary Emmy AwardsWinner, Best Documentary; Nominee, Music and Sound
2008 Peabody AwardsWinner, George Foster Peabody Award
Writers Guild AwardWinner, Best Documentary Screenplay