Billy Stritch with Max von Esson at the Rittenhouse Grill
April 20, 2026
Billy Stritch is a composer, arranger, vocalist, and jazz pianist. For twenty-five years, he was best known as a confidant, music director, and piano accompanist for Liza Minnelli. Stritch and Sandy Knox composed the 1994 Grammy Award-winning country song, “Does He Love You,” recorded by Reba McEntire and Linda Davis.
A chance meeting with Liza Minnelli in March of 1991 resulted in her asking him to create vocal arrangements for the record-breaking extravaganza Liza Stepping Out at Radio City Music Hall. In addition to his 25-year collaboration as accompanist and opening act for Liza, Billy recently toured with the legendary Tony Bennett. A solo entertainer in his own right, he has performed his own shows (including tributes to Mel Tormé and Cy Coleman) in concert halls and nightclubs. He is the co-writer of the Grammy-winning song “Does He Love You,” recorded by Reba McEntire and Linda Davis. Billy has arranged music for many top performers and created the arrangements for “Minnelli On Minnelli” and “Liza’s At The Palace”. He was also seen onstage playing the role of Oscar in the Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of “42nd Street” in 2001. Billy can be seen most Mondays at Birdland’s Cast Party and at Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel on Sunday nights.
Billy will be at the keyboard on April 20 with Max von Essen at the Broadway Cabaret Rittenhouse Grill.
Awards
- Broadway World Cabaret Award for Best Musical Director in 2024,
- Grammy Winner: Best Country Song, Co-writer “Does He Love You” recorded by Reba McEntire and Linda Davis.
Billy Stritch – “Mountain Greenery” – Live at Birdland
Billy Stritch “No Moon at All” – recorded at The Bucks County Playhouse