The Resume

(November 29, 1915-May 31, 1967)
Born in Dayton, Ohio
Jazz composer, pianist and arranger
Collaborated with Duke Ellington
Best known songs include 'Take the A Train,' 'Satin Doll,' 'Chelsea Bridge' and 'Lush Life'

Why he might be annoying:

Members of Ellington's band nicknamed him 'Weely' and 'Sweet Pea.'
He stayed in the background.
He drank heavily.
He was falsely reported to have died in Lena Horne's arms, probably to cover the fact that he died in the presence of his life partner, Bill Grove.

Why he might not be annoying:

His father was an abusive alcoholic.
His mother could not afford a piano, so he worked odd jobs in grade school to buy his own.
He introduced classical elements to Ellington's songs.
By staying out of the spotlight, he was able to live an openly gay life.
Ellington called him 'my right arm, my left arm, all the eyes in the back of my head.'

Credit: C. Fishel

Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

• Allegedly Gay Men
• B.O. and B.S.
• C. Fishel's Profiles [Series 30]
• I Died in 1967 (Ranked: 51)
• I Have Esophageal Cancer
• I was Cremated
• Jazz Artists
• Linda Ronstadt Covered My Song
• Look at Me, I've Been Caught Smoking
• My Dad was Violent/Abusive
• Profiles 29501-29750 (Ranked: 29661)

Year In Review:

In 2023, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
In 2022, Out of 4 Votes: 25.00% Annoying
In 2021, Out of 8 Votes: 62.50% Annoying
In 2020, Out of 3 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
In 2019, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
In 2018, Out of 3 Votes: 100% Annoying
In 2017, Out of 10 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2016, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
In 2015, Out of 5 Votes: 40.0% Annoying
In 2014, Out of 12 Votes: 41.67% Annoying
In 2013, Out of 18 Votes: 61.11% Annoying
In 2012, Out of 13 Votes: 46.15% Annoying
In 2011, Out of 196 Votes: 72.45% Annoying
In 2010, Out of 149 Votes: 69.80% Annoying