Billy May

William E. May, better known as Billy May (10 November, 1916 - 22 January, 2004) was a United States composer, arranger and musician.

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May was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He played trumpet professionally in big bands such as those of Charlie Barnet starting in 1939, but became best known as a talented arranger. His arrangement of the Ray Noble composition Cherokee became a major hit of the swing music era.

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May worked as an arranger for the bands of Glenn Miller and Les Brown before being hired as staff arranger first for the National Broadcasting Company radio network, then for Capitol Records. At Capitol his studio big band accompanied such artists as Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby, producing many hit records.

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His charts often featured brisk tempos and intricate brass parts. A distinctive feature of his style is his frequent use of trumpet mute devices.

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Billy May died of heart failure at the age of 87 in his home in San Juan Capistrano, California.

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10 November: REDIRECT November 10...

1916: 1916 is a leap year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar)...

22 January: REDIRECT January 22...

Billy May related Images and Photos (experimental)

May	May	Billy Boys	Billy Fury
Billy Dove	Billy Idol	Billy Zane	Billy Jack
Billy Idol	Billy Idol	Billy Fury	Billy Jack