Billy May (1916–2004) was a renowned American composer, arranger, trumpeter, and bandleader known for his vibrant big band sound and inventive orchestrations. Rising to prominence in the swing era, he collaborated with icons such as Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Peggy Lee, crafting arrangements that shaped the golden age of popular music. May’s distinctive flair—marked by bold brass lines, witty phrasing, and impeccable swing—earned him multiple Grammy Awards and lasting recognition as one of the most influential arrangers in 20th-century American music.