The Metropolitan Transportation Authority paid homage Sunday to a famous jazz musician on what would have been his 100th birthday.
The agency partnered up with Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Transit Museum to celebrate Billy Strayhorn.
Musicians kicked off a day of musical performances at the 145th Street station in Harlem, where they played a medley of Strayhorn's tunes, including the 1939 hit "Take the A Train."
Organizers say the song was inspired by Duke Ellington's directions for Strayhorn to get to Sugar Hill.
"We have Music Under New York and Jazz at Lincoln Center, and together they are collaborating just as Strayhorn collaborated with Ellington and others, and so it's really symbolic to be here," said MTA Arts and Design Director Sandra Bloodworth.
"This is just a magnificent event, more people should celebrate Strayhorn, he's a masterful musician - 'Lush Life,' 'A-Train,' 'Satin Doll,'" said one celebrant.
The tribute continued with performances aboard a 1930's A train, at the 59th Street Columbus Circle-Station and at Dizzy's at Lincoln Center.