Though celebrations in honor of the famed Jazz composer Billy Strayhorn have been taking place all year long, this month will see events kick into high gear as we approach Strayhorn’s birthday on the 29th. Check out a recap of events that have already taken place and what celebrations are still forthcoming!

Celebrations kicked off at the top of the year at the Jazz Education Network Conference in San Diego:

Lady Gaga and Tony Bennet’s Cheek To Cheek, which features the Strayhorn classic “Lush Life”, won the Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Album:

https://youtu.be/AZu484l6l2s

The Smithsonian honored Strayhorn during Jazz Appreciation Month:

Pre-teen piano prodigy Joey Alexander released his debut album, My Favorite Things, featuring a piano cover of “Lush Life”. The album debuted in the top 5 on the Top Jazz Albums chart:

Strayhorn’s family started a petition to grant a posthumous Medal Of Freedom in recognition of his contributions as a great American composer, his involvement in social justice, and his support of those in need.

The city of Chicago launched a city-wide festival with performances, screenings, parties and other festivities taking place over three months.

Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble performed an original arrangement of the Strayhorn-Ellington classic “Take The ‘A’ Train” at a September performance in Toronto’s famed Massey Hall:

In conjunction with the launch of the coffee table book Strayhorn: An Illustrated Life, an exhibit honoring Strayhorn opened in New Rochelle, NY featuring never before seen photographs and artifacts from the composer’s life. The exhibit will be on display through the end November 25th: