Billy May (1916–2004)
Billy May, born Edward William May Jr in Pittsburgh, was a trumpeter and arranger, initially for the bands of saxophonist Charlie Barnet (1938–40) and trombonist Glenn Miller (1940–2). His arrangement of Ray Noble’s tune ‘Cherokee’ became a major hit for Barnet and was adopted as his band’s signature tune. Work with Barnet, Miller and others gave him the opportunity to hone his arranging skills and be heard on recordings, but with Miller he was more prominent as a trumpeter, with only some of his arrangements being used.
From 1947 he concentrated on arranging and conducting for Capitol studio orchestras in Los Angeles. In the 1950s, and intermittently later, he recorded with his own studio bands. He also wrote arrangements and conducted orchestras for recordings by top stars such as Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, Anita O’Day, Nat ‘King’ Cole, Peggy Lee, Jeri Southern, Nancy Wilson and Bing Crosby. His arranging credit is on numerous albums by these and other popular and jazz singers, and he also collaborated as an arranger on albums by pianist George Shearing and comedian Stan Freberg.
May claimed that he was interested in arrangement and orchestration from the time he played tuba in his high school band. Certainly, he became one of the most sought-after writers for large orchestras that accompanied American singing stars in the recording studios. His credit is on very many of the most memorable jazz vocal albums of the 1950s and later.
Biography by Roger Cotterrell
A tribute
Pinky Winters’ account of a gathering in tribute to the late Billy May.
Billy May: Article 3
Image Details
| Interview date | 1st January 2004 |
|---|---|
| Interview source | Jazz Professional |
| Image source credit | |
| Image source URL | |
| Reference number | |
| Forename | Billy |
| Surname | May |
| Quantity | 3 |
Interview Transcription
I spent a lovely afternoon today, Sunday, at the Los Angeles Musicians Union where a horde of fellow musicians and friends paid tribute to Billy May who died recently. I did not know everyone who attended, but there were many, many folks who either played his arrangements, remembered his humor, and, in general, had a real respect for this special man.
An assembly of musicians, including Dick Nash, trombone, and Bob Hardaway, saxophone, (my former husband) were featured on many Billy May arrangements. I would name the others, but frankly, I didn't recognize most of them, since I was situated at the back of the room. Wonderful arrangements, appreciated by the gathered throng.
Many people shared stories of Billy, including Frank Sinatra, Jr., who was most eloquent, remembering when he, as a young lad, first laid eyes on Billy May, and also related stories from his father's (Frank Sinatra, Sr.) past, as related to Billy May. Terrific. Stan Freberg spoke and shared his happy memories of working with Billy. Clark Burroughs, who had performed with the Billy May Orchestra, favored the audience with his years-ago vocal techniques on a Billy May arrangement.
Kay Starr was present, but did not wish to speak. Others I saw were: Ruth Olay; Bill Holman, well-known as leader and arranger of his own fine orchestra; Uan Rasey, who, along with his lovely wife, put the whole thing together; Bill Miller (Frank, Sr.'s longtime accompanist); Ray Anthony, famous in his own right as a popular bandleader; Bob Comden, nephew of Betty Comden; Marilyn King, of the famous King Family, who as a teenager
sang with Billy's band; Peter Myers, arranger and friend/admirer of Billy May's; Ron Anthony, Mr. Sinatra, Sr.'s guitarist; Al Viola, guitarist for Mr. Sinatra, Sr.; Stan Levey, renowned drummer. I know I've left out lots and lots of people, but there was a genuine camaraderie and appreciation for the 3 hours plus!
It speaks well for the musical community when folks come together to pay tribute to a man who had the talent to arrange music in a most unique way for many, many singers and bands, but also a man who had the most terrific sense of humor, which is one of the reasons he'll always be in our memories. It will be very hard to find somebody of his ilk again. A class act, all the
way!
Pinky Winters
