The story of jazz’s most TRAGIC standard.

Lush Life, by Billy Strayhorn is one of the most hauntingly beautiful, and sad jazz standards ever written. In this video we explore the harmony and melodic concepts that amplify the meaning of the lyric.

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00:00 - Introduction
01:00 - Billy Strayhorn
02:26 - The Harmony of Lush Life
07:10 - Notable Performances

[pnojazz]

Queen Latifah’s version in that film was the best version I’ve heard. And the entire soundtrack of the film was fabulous! George Fenton did the music.

[fretlessblunder]

Beato has “what makes this song great”, but your presentation here I would label “what makes the story of this great song great”. I find your presentation far more compelling. The key is your attention not only the lyrical narrative of the story but to the harmonic narrative as well. Absolutely fascinating. You’re on to something with this approach and your detailed appreciation of a great jazz standard.

[pnojazz]

Genius he was! Great background on the song!❤

[patricemitchell]

Love Regis. I’m glad somebody did this. Perfect! And Queen Latifa/Dana Owen’s piece is the best version I heard and that was one good movie. Saw it when it came and her version of Lush Life is one I play over and over again. Thank you.

[TheBaritoneCrooner]

My favorite versions include Nat Cole, Natalie Cole, Dana Owens, Johnny Hartman. It was the only song to beat Sinatra. He tried to record it with a gorgeous arrangement by Nelson Riddle (possibly Gordon Jenkins) but the complex melody frustrated Frank, never to be released by ol’ Blue Eyes.

[MarkTarmannPianoCheck_it_out]

You didn't say much here i haven't already thought, having lived with this song for 30plus years, having heard it done by Coltrane and Hartman 1000s of times, and having played it 1000s of times more myself, at home and on gigs. All your analysis and commentary lines up perfectly with mine. You're obviously a clever lad, like me self.. It's such a sophisticated and unpredictable work; it took me, a slow learner. years, literally, to memorize the form and changes with still occasionally getting lost at the squirelly, surprising parts, the end of the B section and the D section. Great vid and bit of deep musical and compositional education for anyone trying to understand the song, how it was composed, how staggeringly ingenious Strayhorn was, esp. on this tune, and how brilliantly the lyrics and the music work together. Bravo.

[PabloVestory]

Amazing exploration ofsuch a Legendary Composition, thank you very much!!

[tonjareneehall]

Love your channel & so many great singers have sung this incredible song with beautiful emotion. Queen Latifa, Sarah Vaughan, Lady Gaga, Samara Joy....to name a few of my personal faves. Thanks for your work!

[mintah]

Your compelling presentation here, sir, is a poignant and illuminating chord-tracked storytelling of a singular life. Much appreciated!

[amenfolks]

Thank you. Been a favorite for so long and I didn’t know the story.

[hezigler]

Much more interesting than the Real Book's version of Lush Life is the one in The New Real Book. It has John Coltrane's chords. I've been working on it on and off for decades.

My favorite is Johnny Hartman, with Trane, of course.

[alighieroalighieri]

Nice video! My favorite version of Lush Life is by John Coltrane.

[warrenwilson]

I really enjoyed how you tied the harmonic elements to the emotional elements of the song: a simple plaintive melody above the subtle, shifting enormity of the underlying harmony. Thanks for taking the time to analyse this and share your thoughts.

[SeanPerrizo]

Outstanding presentation sir! Loved it

[martynramsden]

Hi Josh, totally engaging post on Billy's life and music. Fascinated to listen to your story and the artists who strove to sing this beautiful harmonic song. Liked your approach to this and you've now inspired me to go and listen to more Strayhorn and recordings too. Certainly a master and a struggle for him in life - more of the same please 😁🎹👍👌

[matthewgoldberg]

At 7:30, not Cole Porter. Nat King Cole. Also, don’t forget Billy Eckstine

[jimthompson]

It took Blossom Dearie years to master it. Sammie Davis did a good job with it.

[Shellison]

Excellent presentation, but I am a little surprised Ella's renditions were not mentioned. Very different from Queen Latifa's and perhaps actually closer to Strayhorn's quieter delivery, no belting. I am no jazz expert, so would be interested to read what others think.

[snakefinger]

Very nice ! I’ll never get enough of this song. Thank you !