...And His Mother Called Him Bill

Ellington recorded the album as a tribute to Billy Strayhorn, who died of cancer in May 1967.[1][2] Strayhorn was a composer, arranger, and one of Ellington's closest friends.[1]

The album was recorded in August and November 1967.[2] The material is Strayhorn's compositions, including some that had not previously been recorded.[1] Ellington chose the songs to demonstrate Strayhorn's versatility and range, as well as to pay homage to the qualities that he most admired in his late writing partner.[1]

"Blood Count" was Strayhorn's last composition, written for the Ellington Orchestra's 1967 concert at Carnegie Hall. Another piece with a medical-related title is "U.M.M.G.", short for 'Upper Manhattan Medical Group'.[2] The 1951 composition "Rock Skippin' at the Blue Note" showcases Cootie Williams, Jimmy Hamilton, and John Sanders.[1]

...And His Mother Called Him Bill won the Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album in 1969.[3] The AllMusic reviewer wrote that, "For a man who issued well over 300 albums, this set is among his most profoundly felt and very finest recorded moments."[1]

All compositions by Billy Strayhorn except where noted

Side A

1. Snibor - 4:13
2. Boo-Dah - 3:26
3. Blood Count - 4:16
4. U.M.M.G. - 3:13
5. Charpoy - 3:06
6. After All - 3:51

Side B

1. The Intimacy of the Blues - 2:57
2. Raincheck - 4:35
3. Day Dream - 4:23 (Strayhorn-Ellington)
4. Rock Skippin' at the Blue Note - 3:01
5. All Day Long - 2:56
6. Lotus Blossom - 3:54
7. Acht O'Clock Rock - 2:21 (Ellington)

Bonus Tracks

1. Raincheck (Take 4) - 5:22
2. Smada (Take 3) - 3:20 (Strayhorn-Ellington)
3. Smada (Take 4) - 3:18
4. Midriff - 4:34
5. My Little Brown Book - 4:11
6. Lotus Blossom (Trio Version) - 4:55

• Duke Ellington – piano
• Mercer Ellington – trumpet
• Cat Anderson – trumpet
• Herbie Jones – trumpet
• Cootie Williams – trumpet
• Clark Terry – flugelhorn
• Lawrence Brown – trombone
• Buster Cooper – trombone
• Chuck Connors – bass trombone
• John Sanders – valve trombone
• Johnny Hodges – alto saxophone
• Russell Procope – clarinet and alto saxophone
• Jimmy Hamilton – clarinet and tenor saxophone
• Paul Gonsalves – tenor saxophone
• Harry Carney – baritone saxophone
• Aaron Bell – double bass
• Jeff Castleman – double bass
• Steve Little – drums
• Sam Woodyard – drums[4]