Billy May, the Grammy-winning composer, arranger and jazz trumpeter, died on January 22, 2004, at his home in San Juan Capistrano, California. May, who was 87 years old, died of heart failure.

Billy May was born in Pittsburgh, and played trumpet with Charlie Barnet's orchestra. While with the Barnet orchestra, May arranged the Ray Noble tune "Cherokee." His arrangement became Barnet's signature, and the recording was one of the biggest hits of the swing era.

May later played with the Glenn Miller Orchestra where he arranged "Take the 'A' Train" and "Serenade in Blue." He later worked with Les Brown and Woody Herman; in the 1950s he worked with Frank Sinatra on the "Come Fly With Me" album. Sinatra considered May one of his favorite composers/arrangers; May served as a pallbearer at Sinatra's funeral in 1998.

Throughout his career, he led his own band and arranged/conducted for many of the leading popular singers including Peggy Lee and Nat "King" Cole. He also wrote many pieces for radio and television.

May is survived by his wife, his four daughters, and his brother John.

Website:
Detailed obituary and discography at spaceagepop.com