Thursday, February 23, 2012

Billy Strange, Musician, Songwriter, R.I.P.

Billy Strange, a songwriter, guitarist, and arranger who aided the hit-making efforts of Elvis Presley, Frank and Nancy Sinatra, and the Beach Boys, passed away in Nashville on Wednesday at age 81.

Mr. Strange wrote the musical arrangement for the Nancy Sinatra hit "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'."  He directed standup bass player Chuck Burghofer to play the song's signature sliding descent.

Billy helped arranged "Somethin' Stupid," a hit duet for Nancy and her pop Frank.

As for Elvis, he contributed hit compositions including "A Little Less Conversation" and "Memories."

Billy also wrote the Chubby Checker hit from 1962 "Limbo Rock."

No comments: