Deaths on January 22

Billy May, American trumpet player and composer (b. 1916)

Edward William May Jr. (November 10, 1916 – January 22, 2004), universally known as Billy May, was a towering figure in American popular music. A prodigious talent, he distinguished himself as an innovative composer, a highly sought-after arranger, and a skilled trumpeter whose career spanned the vibrant Big Band era through to Hollywood's golden age of film and television scoring. His distinctive orchestral sound, characterized by playful brass figures and lush harmonies, left an indelible mark on countless recordings and productions, making him one of the most influential musical architects of the 20th century.

Early Career: The Big Band Years as a Trumpeter

Billy May's journey in music began on the trumpet, where he quickly established himself as a prominent player in the dynamic Big Band scene of the 1940s. His instrumental prowess led him to perform and record with some of the era's most celebrated ensembles. Notably, he contributed his trumpet skills to Glenn Miller and His Orchestra, appearing on tracks such as "Measure for Measure", "Long Tall Mama", and "Boom Shot". He also played a significant role with Charlie Barnet and His Orchestra, recording memorable pieces like "The Wrong Idea", "Lumby", and "Wings Over Manhattan". These early experiences honed his understanding of orchestral dynamics and jazz improvisation, laying crucial groundwork for his future as an arranger and composer.

The Maestro of Arrangement: Crafting Sounds for Legendary Voices

While his trumpet playing was notable, Billy May's legacy is most profoundly defined by his extraordinary work as an arranger. His unique "Billy May sound"—characterized by distinctive "slurping" trombones, sharp, "screaming" trumpets, and a swinging, often humorous approach—became instantly recognizable and highly coveted. He became the preferred arranger for many of the biggest names in popular music, elevating their performances and shaping the sound of an entire generation.

• Frank Sinatra: May arranged several iconic albums for Sinatra, including "Come Fly with Me" (1957), "Come Dance with Me!" (1959), and "Come Blow Your Horn" (1961), which perfectly showcased Sinatra's vocal prowess against May's swinging, sophisticated backdrops.
• Nat King Cole: His collaborations with Nat King Cole produced timeless recordings like "Just One of Those Things" and "Candy," demonstrating his versatility across various vocal styles.
• Ella Fitzgerald: May's arrangements for Ella Fitzgerald, particularly on her "Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Song Book" (1959), brought a fresh, vibrant energy to classic tunes.
• Peggy Lee: He worked extensively with Peggy Lee, notably on her albums like "Blues Cross Country" (1962), contributing to her signature cool and elegant sound.
• Other Notable Collaborations: His extensive roster of collaborators also included vocal giants such as Anita O'Day, Vic Damone, Bobby Darin, Johnny Mercer, Louis Prima, Keely Smith, Jack Jones, Bing Crosby, Sandler and Young, Nancy Wilson, Rosemary Clooney, The Andrews Sisters, and Ella Mae Morse. These collaborations cemented his reputation as a master craftsman, capable of tailoring his arrangements to perfectly complement each artist's unique style while retaining his unmistakable signature.

Composing for the Screen: Iconic Film and Television Scores

Billy May's versatility extended significantly into the realm of film and television scoring. His ability to create evocative and memorable themes made him a sought-after composer in Hollywood. He infused his signature orchestral flair into numerous popular productions, leaving an enduring legacy of catchy and dynamic scores.

• Television Themes:
  • The Green Hornet (1966): While the main theme is famously by Al Hirt, May composed much of the incidental music for the action-adventure series.
  • The Mod Squad (1968): He created the distinctive, groovy theme and score for this groundbreaking counter-culture police drama.
  • Batman (1966-1968): Beyond his contributions to the series' overall score, May famously composed the iconic "Batgirl Theme" (1967), which perfectly captured the character's energy and became a beloved part of the show's musical identity.
  • Naked City (1960): May composed for this gritty crime drama, providing a soundscape that matched its realistic, urban setting.
• Film Orchestration and Collaboration:
  • Pennies from Heaven (1981): May collaborated on this unique musical film, which utilized popular songs from the 1930s. His expertise in arranging and orchestrating period music was invaluable to the film's distinctive sound.
  • Cocoon (1985) and Cocoon: The Return (1988): He lent his considerable talent as an orchestrator to these popular science fiction films, transforming the composers' original musical ideas into rich, full orchestral scores that enhanced the films' emotional depth and wonder.

Beyond the Mainstream: Distinctive Albums and Comedy Collaborations

Beyond his prolific work for singers and the screen, Billy May also cultivated a successful career with his own recordings, showcasing his unique orchestral arrangements and compositions. In the 1950s, he released several acclaimed albums that further defined his inimitable style.

• Hit Single "Charmaine": With his own band, Billy May achieved a notable hit single with the instrumental "Charmaine," a lush, romantic instrumental that demonstrated his flair for popular melodies.
• Signature Albums: His albums like "Sorta-May" and "Sorta-Dixie" (both released in 1955) were celebrated for their innovative blend of traditional big band sounds, Dixieland jazz influences, and his signature orchestral quirks. These recordings allowed him to fully explore his inventive arranging techniques and demonstrate his compositional prowess.
• Collaborations with Stan Freberg: May's diverse talents also found an outlet in comedy. He collaborated extensively with the satirist Stan Freberg on several classic comedy music albums throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Their work together, which included parody songs and sketches, leveraged May's musical genius to enhance Freberg's sharp wit, creating timeless pieces of audio comedy that are still revered today. This collaboration underscored May's versatility and his willingness to push musical boundaries, even into the realm of satire.

Legacy and Enduring Influence

Billy May's career was a testament to his immense talent, versatility, and tireless dedication to music. From his early days as a big band trumpeter to his influential role as a premier arranger for vocal legends and a prolific composer for film and television, he consistently pushed the boundaries of popular orchestral music. His distinctive sound, technical mastery, and boundless creativity ensured his place as one of the most respected and innovative figures in 20th-century American music, influencing generations of musicians and captivating audiences worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions about Billy May

What was Billy May best known for?

Billy May was primarily renowned for his innovative and highly distinctive orchestral arrangements for legendary singers like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Ella Fitzgerald. He was also a prolific composer for film and television, including iconic themes for shows like Batman (specifically the "Batgirl Theme") and The Mod Squad.

What made Billy May's arranging style unique?

His unique style, often dubbed the "Billy May sound," was characterized by its driving swing, playful and often humorous use of brass (especially "slurping" trombones and "screaming" trumpets), and a sophisticated yet accessible orchestral texture that blended jazz, pop, and classical elements seamlessly.

Did Billy May play an instrument?

Yes, Billy May was an accomplished trumpeter. He began his career playing trumpet in renowned Big Bands during the 1940s, including those led by Glenn Miller and Charlie Barnet, before focusing more on arranging and composing.

What were some of Billy May's famous solo recordings?

As a bandleader, Billy May had a hit single with the instrumental "Charmaine." He also released successful albums showcasing his unique orchestral sound, such as "Sorta-May" and "Sorta-Dixie," which explored a blend of swing and Dixieland jazz.

Did Billy May compose the main theme for Batman?

While he contributed significantly to the incidental music and composed the famous "Batgirl Theme" for the 1960s Batman television series, the well-known main theme for the show was composed by Neal Hefti.