Billy Stritch

Billy StritchBilly Stritch is one of the premier singer-pianists on the New York and national jazz and cabaret scene. He began his career in Houston, Texas, where he formed the vocal trio Montgomery, Plant and Stritch. The trio performed all over New York and Europe from 1983 until they disbanded in 1990.  A chance meeting with Liza Minnelli in March of 1991 resulted in her asking him to create vocal arrangement for the record-breaking extravaganza Liza Stepping Out at radio City Music Hall. In addition to his 25-year collaboration with Liza, Billy recently toured with the legendary Tony Bennett as Tony’s pianist and musical director. A solo entertainer in his own right, he has performed his own shows (including tributes to Mel Torme and Cy Coleman) in concert halls and nightclubs across the country. Billy also serves as music director for such leading vocalists as Linda Lavin, Christine Ebersole, Paulo Szot and Marilyn Maye. He is also the co-writer of the Grammy-winning song “Does He Love You” recorded by Reba McEntire and Linda Davis. When he is not on the road, he is the pianist for Jin Caruso’s Cast Party open mic night every Monday in New York’s legendary Birdland Jazz Club and he and Jim hold court Sunday nights at Bemelman’s Bar in Manhattan’s fabled Carlyle Hotel.