Billy May Orchestra

Billy May Orchestra was the band led by composer and arranger Billy May, known for its energetic and sophisticated jazz and big band sound. Active mainly in the 1940s and 1950s, May's arrangements blended swing, jazz, and popular music, featuring tight orchestration and inventive brass and reed sections. The orchestra often backed famous vocalists like Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole, contributing to the golden era of big band music. With a reputation for innovation and precision, Billy May's ensemble remains influential in the history of American jazz and orchestral pop.