When Sinatra, Nat Cole, or Ella wanted the swinging-est Big Band charts around, they turned to Billy May -- a major arranger of the swing and pop eras known for coining the much copied "slurping sax" sound. Besides leading his own band, he worked for Charlie Barnet and Les Brown. May was famous for how fast he worked and he often cranked out superior big band charts moments before a recording session began.
