Take the ‘A’ Train

"Take the 'A' Train" is a jazz standard composed by Billy Strayhorn in 1939. It became the theme song for Duke Ellington's orchestra. Strayhorn, who collaborated closely with Ellington throughout his career, wrote many other notable pieces, including "Lush Life" and "Chelsea Bridge." While Strayhorn was also a talented pianist, his compositional work became so intertwined with Ellington's that their individual contributions were often indistinguishable. "Take the 'A' Train" is one of the most recognizable and enduring pieces in the jazz repertoire.12