Billy Strayhorn (1915-1967) is said to have written his iconic “Lush Life” at the age of 16. Some dispute that, but there’s no doubt that Duke Ellington’s first recordings of Strayhorn’s work were made when Strayhorn was only 23 years old. In this centenary year of Billy Strayhorn’s birth, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis concludes its 2015-16 season by celebrating his life and career, joined by renowned vocalist and pianist Johnny O’Neal, who throughout his career worked with regularly with Clark Terry, Ray Brown, and Art Blakey, among others. Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater, Time Warner Center, 10 Columbus Circle, Broadway at 60th St. Jun. 10-11, 8 p.m., with pre-concert discussions beginning at 7. Tickets are $40.50-$130.50 at jazz.org.
