My grandmother played the piano, and I used to toddle over there and pick out little things that sounded good to me.

William Thomas "Billy" Strayhorn (November 29 1915 – May 31 1967) was an American composer pianist and arranger best known for his successful collaboration with bandleader and composer Duke Ellington lasting nearly three decades. His compositions include "Take the 'A' Train" "Chelsea Bridge" and "Lush Life.