DreamWorks acquires Strayhorn catalog

DreamWorks Music Publishing has acquired the catalog of gay composer Billy Strayhorn, according to Variety. The arranger and pianist is responsible for many of the most popular songs performed by the Duke Ellington orchestra, among them “Take the ‘A’ Train,” “Chelsea Bridge,” and “Something to Live For.” His compositions went on to be recorded by artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Donna Summer, and Queen Latifah. Chuck Kaye, the head of DreamWorks Music Publishing, explained the reasoning behind the acquisition by noting, “Billy Strayhorn’s music is already part of the fabric of American culture, but we believe we can help introduce a whole new generation to his work through its placement in film, television, and other global media.”