The legendary songwriter and guitarist Billy Strange, who in partnership with Mac Davis co-wrote a selection of popular Elvis Presley tracks, has died at the age of 81.
Perhaps Strange’s best known work with Elvis Presley is the original 1968 single ‘A Little Less Conversation‘, whose subsequent Junkie XL remix became a smash hit in the UK in 2002. He also composed the soundtrack for two of Elvis’ films – Live a Little, Love a Little and The Trouble with Girls. During his career, Strange worked with many other classic artists, including Frank and Nancy Sinatra and The Beach Boys on their seminal album ‘Pet Sounds‘.
Billy Strange enjoyed a successful working relationship with Nancy Sinatra during the peak of her fame, and arranged her enduring Sixties hit ‘These Boots Were Made For Walking‘. When writing on Twitter, Sinatra has said her ‘heart was shattered’ by the news of his death.
Strange died in Nashville, Tennessee yesterday (February 22nd), he is survived by two children from previous marriages. As yet, a cause of death has not been disclosed.
Billy Strange had TWO sons. Jerry and Rusty.