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Today in Jazz: Billy Eckstine
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Billy Eckstine, free image
Yesterday was the birthday of one of the giants of the Jazz and Swing eras, the great Billy Eckstine. Best known for his performances of the songs Tenderly and A Fool in Love, Eckstine was also renowned as the leader of the first bop-styled big band, and was instrumental in launching the careers of some of bop's greatest stars, including Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Charlie Parker.
Eckstine was born in Pittsburgh on July 9, 1914, and raised in Washington D.C. He began singing at the age of seven and caught his first big break when he joined the Earl Hines Orchestra in 1939. He stayed with the Hines organization until 1944, when he formed his own band, which was to bring him much greater fame.
The Eckstine Orchestra was the first bop-styled band, as opposed to the swing orchestras that ruled the popularity charts at the time. Eckstine's group also featured rising vocalist Sarah Vaughn, along with the aforementioned musicians. He also included drummer Art Blakey, who would go on to found his own famed group the Jazz Messengers. Eckstine mixed in his own smooth vocals, and was able to make the music charts despite his unusual style. During his time leading the band, Eckstine played guitar, trumpet and valve trombone as well as performing the majority of the male vocals.
Despite his group's hits, Eckstine was not able to maintain his band's popularity with the general public, as he saw himself surpassed by later perfromers, such as Nat Cole, but he remained popular within the muscial community, frequently performing both as a solo act and with other musicians. Long after his own band had folded, Eckstine continued to record, producing such hits as his 1960 live album No Cover, No Minimum and his 1957 duet with Sarah Vaughn, Passing Strangers. Eckstine also was a regular guest on the variety show circuit in the 1950s and 1960s, frequently appearing on such shows as those of Ed Sullivan, Dean Martin and many others.
Eckstine recorded his last album in 1984, and made his final single, Billy Eckstine Sings with Benny Carter in 1986 with jazz saxophonist Benny Carter. As luck would have it, the tune was nominated for a Grammy award, though Eckstine did not win. Eckstine died in Pittsburgh in 1993.
Billy Eckstine may not have the fame today that some other jazz artists enjoy, but as a mentor of young talent and as an innovator, he deserves mention. He was also one of the first male black singers to cross over into popularity with the general public, paving the way for later stars such as Nat Cole. Happy Birthday, Billy Eckstine!
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