RIP Billy Strange, 1930-2012
Am heartbroken to found out that legendary guitar player Billy Strange died in late February. Strange was accomplished across many fields. He was a songwriter, arranger, and session man having written a number of songs for Elvis Presley, played on Pet Sounds, and supported Nancy Sinatra on a number of recordings, including arranging the single version of “You Only Live Twice.”
For some fantastic spy guitar, I’d recommend Goldfinger: The Big Sound of Billy Strange, his Guitar & Orchestra (though not a spy theme, his version of Riz Ortolani’s “More” on this album is among my favorite instrumentals ever) and Secret Agent File, which is a remastered version + additional tracks by another artist of his 60s work of the same title.
Strange, in addition to arranging and playing on the Sinatra single version of “You Only Live Twice,” also did his own version, for Secret Agent File. Give it a listen:
Condolences for Billy’s family can be left on the message board where he graciously shared time with his fans, friends and family.
