Breaking down the facts behind Billy Strayhorn—check out what experts are saying.

1. Billy Strayhorn has died on May 31, 1967 ( age 51).
2. Birthday November 29, 1915.
3. Birth Sign Sagittarius.
4. He spent most of his life in Ellington’s shadow, but jazz aficionados regarded his compositions Lush Life, Take the “A” Train, and Chelsea Bridge as classics.