"Solitude." "Mood Indigo." "It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing." Even Mary J. Blige covered "Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me." These are all standards composed, of course, by Duke Ellington, arguably the greatest American composer of the 20th century. Yet he did not write his band's theme song, "Take the 'A' Train." That composition is by Billy Strayhorn. For 29 years he worked with Duke, shunning the spotlight even as he created or co-created some of the Ellington's greatest moments on record. Strayhorn was only 51 when he died of esophageal cancer. His best-known song "Lush Life," which he wrote while still a teenager, continues to live on in versions by the likes of Queen Latifah. more ›

How’s this for excellent? Some dingbat walks into a South Side barbershop this morning around 8:30 and tries to stick up the joint with a handgun. Woe unto Thuggy McBadtiming, though, as the first chair is ocupado by an off-duty Chicago cop. While the not-so-smooth criminal is concerned with the back of the house, the police officer is able to retrieve his weapon, identify himself as a cop, and shoot the guy in the... more ›

In addition to MOBFest, one of the other "big stories" in music this weekend might be the inaugural shows at Meig...er, Northerly Island. (That name still reminds us of when Gary Harbor was renamed Buffington Harbor before they put Trump’s gambling boat in the water over there). Chicago plays two shows on Friday and Saturday with Earth, Wind and Fire while Brian McKnight drops some Smoove B style on the lakefront this Sunday. Since the... more ›

If you’re unable to find your local music geek today, try checking their bedroom.  They’ll likely be there with a monster set of headphones and listening to an album that is spoken of in the most reverential tones this side of your local monastery: Brian Wilson’s Smile.  The former Beach Boy’s “lost masterwork” goes on sale today for the first time since it was conceived of more than 37 years ago.  more ›