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.

Beautiful ballad. Frank murdered it. Johnny Hartman's version is the ultimate. I appreciate your musical knowledge I had it down as written in the minor key. Wonderful to hear Mr Strayhorn. You play very well.

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

I completely agree that Queen Latifah's version of Lush Life is amazing. It's the best I've found, and I've listened to many. The fact that Billy Strayhorn wrote this as a teenager blows me away. It is so sophisticated and world-weary sounding. Truly lush!

I’ve fell in love with this song immediately when I heard Fujii Kaze’s sang as his opening song at his first US your last month. Kaze is not power house singer but he is an incredible song writer and pianist with strong jazz background. His voice always touches my heart as well. I went to his concert at Apollo theater in New York. He performed as he told the story of Billy Strayhorn with his own seasonings and the brilliant arrangement ❤❤❤❤ hope you will have a chance to listen while many fans posted the performance in KZfaq 😊

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!

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.

Have to agree, I have a few recordings of this beautifully crafted song, always loved Ella and the Duke's version and Linda Ronstadt's but Queen Latifah's is absolute perfection, the arrangement, her phrasing, that wonderfully rich voice, the stings, even that little touch of the accordion at the week in Paris, I don't play any instruments etc, but was brought up with jazz due to my parents so have a very gifted ear for music, all kinds of music, loved your analysis of Lush Life.

Queen Latifah’s version is also my favorite, but that’s likely because I enjoy broadway style performances of songs I like, which this is and which she is good at

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.

Queen Latifa is actually a very good Jazz and Blues singer. She's an extremely talented individual who exceeded in multiple genres of entertainment.

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.

killer thumbnail dude! I also see people loving and appreciating your story

I have always loved this song since I heard it played by Rickie Lee Jones in the early '80s. This is brilliant: I've learned the history with an explanation of how its composition presents the color of a life. Thank you.

I appreciated the Queen's version.

Clifford Jordan’s recording of this tune is my favorite of all time from his album SpellBound

I'd like to see your analysis of "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most" - I have a thing for moody songs with dense harmonizations.

My favorite interpretation of this song is by Rickie Lee Jones - on the EP "Girl at her Volcano", performed live at Perkins Palace, LA. We are lucky to have it on Spotify these days.

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

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 😁🎹👍👌

Really excellent video, thoughtful presentation. Thank you, have a nice day

I was looking for more info on this song. Thank you for making this video!

Excellent video Josh. The music… the story telling… the editing. It’s all very well done. You’re on your way to 100k subs.

Wow. I think this is my favorite video you’ve made. The lyrics do reveal all the harmonic choices. Beautifully presented 👏

Strayhorn was hors concours ❤

This would be a great idea for a series. I haven't heard a standard analysed this way before

A beautiful piece. The version with Trane and Johnny Hartman have the definitive version, in my opinion....this was a great analysis

Amazing video! Maybe i m old school, but ella s version is my favourite, in fact one of my fav among the diva s entire career

Great video thanks for helping me understand this song. The harmony is very mysterious to me, but very beautiful.

Just watched your amazingly interesting and insightful video of Lush Life, one of my favorite standards of all time. Being a huge Ronstadt fan, I've always loved her version, but found you through clicking on the version by Queen Latifa. Not sure why it popped up on my KZfaq list, but OMG! I'm simply blown away. I totally agree with you that it just may be one of, if not, the definitive version of the song. Has she been hiding her voice, or am I just out of the loop? LOL. WOW- Just stunning. Thanks for your fascinating explanation, as well. I'm not a musician, but was really struck at how intentional the musical notes, lyrics, and meaning of the song are. I guess I always understood that, but so much clearer after your presentation.

Rare Silk has the best version of this song.. beautiful harmonies. For the longest time, I actually thought that Lush Life was a Rare Silk original

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.

That was my uncle...and I'm a shareholder of the music catalog

Great video! If you have not read his biography, "Lush Life," it's worth your time. Cheers!

Strayhorn’s a giant among giants! Cheers, Daniel

Ricky Lee Jones. Her version is my all time favorite. Have a listen.

Lady Gaga's version is good too 👌🏻🩶

Lady Gaga did an excellent rendition of Lush Life!

Natalie cole has the best version❤❤❤❤❤

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

The queen latifa take was a W take.

I like Kurt Elling's version of the tune ❤

First…

Hello Josh, I have in my possession a recording of Billy Strayhorn live with his orchestra, tape dated October 10, 1981, do you know if anyone might be interested? I want to sell it