This mural honors legendary pianist and jazz composer Billy Strayhorn (1915-1967). In the 1920s, Strayhorn spent summers here in Hillsborough with his grandparents Jobe and Lizzie Strayhorn, who lived on the west side of town. This is where he developed his love of music and also where he gave his first musical performance. His talent was recognized by his parents, and when they moved to Pittsburgh, they enrolled him into the Pittsburgh Music Institute, which refined his skills and set him onto a road of success. Strayhorn was later recognized as a musical prodigy; best known for “Lush Life” and “Take The A Train”, which he wrote with his musical trio. He became a legendary instrumental jazz composer, collaborating with Duke Ellington for over three decades.

As well as being Black, Strayhorn was also openly gay, which took courage in a homophobic society. However, he managed to defy the odds and have an incredibly successful career. His song “Lush Life” earned him the Trustee Grammy Award in 1968, along with Duke Ellington. Strayhorn persevered through the racism and homophobia he faced and created a successful musical career that impacted the jazz genre and Hillsborough.

This mural was inspired by Strayhorn’s music. Max Dowdle painted the mural on the side of the building and titled the mural “Take the A Train,” referencing one of Strayhorn’s most successful compositions.