Eckstine left Howard University after winning an amateur contest in 1933 and began singing in nightclubs and with dance . As a black man, Eckstine was not immune to the prejudice that characterized the 1950s. Jones is quoted in The Pleasures of Jazz: If hed been white, the sky would have been the limit. Set where you live, what language you speak, and the currency you use. . Eckstine was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; a State Historical Marker is placed at 5913 Bryant St, Highland Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to mark the house where he grew up. Genres: Vocal Jazz, Traditional Pop, Big Band. Eckstine's recording of "I Apologize" (MGM, 1948) was awarded the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999. . This browser does not support getting your location. Buy Billy Eckstine by Dempsey J Travis online at Alibris. In . Billy Eckstine was the subject of a three page profile in the 25 April 1950 issue of LIFE magazine, in which the photographer Martha Holmes accompanied Eckstine and his entourage during a week in New York City. While many of the items on Etsy are handmade, youll also find craft supplies, digital items, and more. This will differ depending on what options are available for the item. [9], Dizzy Gillespie, in reflecting on the band in his 1979 autobiography To Be or Not to Bop, gives this perspective: "There was no band that sounded like Billy Eckstine's. Billy Eckstine. From 1947 on, Eckstine was a successful popular singer; among his recordings were Caravan, Prisoner of Love, You Go to My Head, and That Old Black Magic. Eckstine posthumously received a Grammy Award for lifetime achievement in 2019. Nat King Cole - Mona Lisa [03:26] 02. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. He changed the spelling to Eckstine after a club owner said the original spelling was 'too Jewish'.Eckstine was an American jazz singer and bandleader who also played trumpet, valve trombone, . Check out our jazz billy eckstine selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. A legendary singer of jazz ballads and a bandleader of the swing era, Eckstine's smooth baritone and distinctive vibrato broke down barriers throughout the 1940s, first as leader of the original bop big-band, then as the . Heading to Chicago, Illinois, Eckstine joined Earl Hines' Grand Terrace Orchestra in 1939, staying with the band as vocalist and trumpeter until 1943. William Clarence Eckstine was an American singer of ballads and a bandleader of the swing era. Eckstine was a style leader and noted sharp dresser. As it was, he didn't have his own radio or TV show, much less a movie career. Turning off personalized advertising opts you out of these sales. Learn more in our Privacy Policy., Help Center, and Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy. His popularity also crossed over to the white recording market during the 1940s. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. Set Fashion Trends. Eckstine attended Peabody High School in Pittsburgh. Billy Eckstine's tracks All Of Me by Billy Eckstine published on 2022-12-27T06:54:14Z. The Billy Eckstine Orchestra was the first bop big-band group, and its leader reflected bop innovations by stretching his vocal harmonics into his normal ballads. Singer-bandleader Billy Eckstine, whose warm baritone graced a string of '40 s and '50s . He had also planned on a football career, though after breaking his collar bone, he made music his focus. Consistently earned 5-star reviews, shipped orders on time, and replied quickly to messages, Looks like you already have an account! The photo was first described as harmony or breaking racial barriers. The publication of the image caused letters of protest to be written to the magazine, and singer Harry Belafonte subsequently said of the publication that When that photo hit, in this national publication, it was if a barrier had been broken. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. A handsome fashion plate (he sported a jacket hung over his shoulders and a rolled shirt collar), Eckstine emerged as one of the first African American male sex symbols. The template Album ratings is being considered for merging . Though his speech improved in the hospital, Eckstine had a heart attack and died a few months later on March 8, 1993, in Pittsburgh, aged 78. His dapper good looks, majestic baritone, and air of self-respect made him a model for black pride long before the term was coined. He worked opposite Dizzy Gillespie's small bebop band at the Yacht Club on 52nd Street, in New York, and when the club closed in 1944 Eckstine formed his own big band, which was to last until 1947. Billy Eckstine's smooth baritone and distinctive vibrato broke down barriers throughout the 1940s, first as leader of the original bop big band, then as the first romantic Black male in popular music. Billy Eckstine. $18.34, $22.92 William Clarence Billy Eckstine (vocalist / bandleader) was born on July 8, 1914 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvannia and passed away on March 8, 1993 in Pittsburg at the age of 78. Legend has it that his refined appearance even had an effect on trumpeter Miles Davis. He was our singer. He was the subject of a three-page profile in the 25 April 1950 issue of LIFE magazine. He married his first wife June in 1942. Billy Eckstine, original name William Clarence Eckstein, (born July 8, 1914, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.died March 8, 1993, Pittsburgh), American singer and bandleader who achieved great personal success while fostering the careers of a number of younger jazz musicians. He also performed briefly . Although Eckstine continued to enjoy some commercial renown, the negative reaction that ensued showed that America was nowhere near ready for a popular black male singer whose appeal crossed racial lines. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. He also loved playing football but suffered a broken collarbone while in high school. Singer, bandleader. Dorsey: Miami's 1st Black millionaire who owned Fisher Island, a wealthy, On Liverpool's 1st Black resident and how the city's Black community became the, Little Africa, the Afro-Brazilian community where every enslaved African is free, What we know about Peles alleged secret daughter named in his will, Iowa community wants answers after man filmed fatally stabbing Black woman is let go, After record-breaking sales for her whiskey, CEO Fawn Weaver to raise $1M for underfunded HBCUs, Woman behind Miamis first Bahamian restaurant in 1929 gets street renamed after her. Do you know the locations of these Pittsburgh steps? Our attack was strong, and we were playing bebop, the modern style. Original Price $15.00 Eckstine suffered a stroke while performing in Salina, Kansas, in April 1992, and never performed again. 22 success in the UK Singles Chart.[1]. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. [16], In 1951, Eckstine performed at the seventh Cavalcade of Jazz concert held on July 8 at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles, produced by Leon Hefflin, Sr. Also featured were Lionel Hampton and his Revue, Percy Mayfield, Jimmy Witherspoon, Joe Liggins and The Honeydrippers and Roy Brown. He recorded several albums for Mercury and Roulette during the early 1960s, and he appeared on Motown for a few standards albums during the mid to late 1960s. I wanted to dress like him, talk like him, pattern my whole life as a musician and as a complete person in the image of dignity that he projected. As a black man, Eckstine was not immune to the prejudice that characterized the 1950s.[22]. Billy Eckstine, the handsome, dapper, bandleader and vocalist who turned out popular hits in the 1940s and '50s while playing a pivotal role in the formative years of be-bop, died Monday in . Imagination is a 1958 album recorded by Billy Eckstine. The New York Times described him as an "influential band leader" whose "suave bass-baritone" and "full-throated, sugary approach to popular songs inspired singers like Earl Coleman, Johnny Hartman, Joe Williams, Arthur Prysock, and Lou Rawls. He was one of the very first African American matinee idols, singing first with Earl Fatha Hines orchestra, then veering off with his own band. [4] Tadd Dameron, Gil Fuller and Jerry Valentine were among the band's arrangers. 9. Hines gave Eckstine an additional job in the trumpet section, and Eckstine also learnt to play the valve trombone.In 1940 Eckstine sang his blues 'Jelly, Jelly' on one of Hines's records and had his first hit. He died in Pittsburgh in March 1993. We've sent you an email to confirm your subscription. By that time, he had 11 gold records to his credit. Blue Moon Billy Eckstine. 16-bit FLAC. Great! Etsy uses cookies and similar technologies to give you a better experience, enabling things like: Detailed information can be found in Etsys Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy and our Privacy Policy. Billy Eckstine (8 July 1914 - 8 March 1993), born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA as William Clarence Eckstein. From the 1940s, Billy Eckstines smooth baritone and distinctive vibrato broke down barriers, initially as the leader of the original bop big band, then as the first romantic black male in popular music. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. Year should not be greater than current year. (30% off), Ad vertisement from shop AutographSuperstore, Sale Price $12.75 Old Pittsburgh photos and stories | The Digs, January 1978: A winter's worth of weather in a single month, The tale of a 10-year-old boy who shot his father to protect his mother, 'Senseless accident that didn't have to happen' takes away lives of kids, kills Sen. Heinz. Try contacting them via Messages to find out! He was noted for his rich, almost operatic bass-baritone voice. The pop side of Billy Eckstine was emphasized during his period wit . We close out this edition of Afterglow with something from the last album Eckstine ever made-a 1987 collaboration with veteran saxophonist, composer, and Eckstine contemporary Benny Carter in a performance of "September Song. Eckstine made numerous appearances on television variety shows, including on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Nat King Cole Show, The Tonight Show with Steve Allen, Jack Paar, and Johnny Carson, The Merv Griffin Show, The Art Linkletter Show, The Joey Bishop Show, The Dean Martin Show, The Flip Wilson Show, and Playboy After Dark. And despite the . We have new and used copies available, in 1 editions - starting at $13.91. His last hit was "Passing Strangers", a duet with Sarah Vaughan released in 1957. Everything I Have Is Yours Billy Eckstine. After working his way west to Chicago during the . We know that Myra S Eckstine, Brinda Roberson, and seven other persons also lived at this address, perhaps within a different time frame. Billy Eckstine was an African-American singer who reshaped the boundaries of jazz, bebop, and ballad singing. [citation needed] Eckstine's grandparents were William F . He attended Armstrong High School, St. Paul Normal and Industrial School, and Howard University. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? Eckstines grandparents were William F. Eckstein and Nannie Eckstein, a mixed-race, lawfully married couple who lived in Washington D.C.; both were born in the year 1863. Though several of Eckstine's first hits with Hines were novelties like "Jelly, Jelly" and "The Jitney Man," he also recorded several straight-ahead songs, including the hit "Stormy Monday." But the band's legacy as a modernist vanguard endures to this day. Hits included Blue Moon, Caravan, I Apologize, My Foolish Heart and Everything I Have is Yours. By 1949, he was the top male vocalist in Metronome magazine and the most popular singer in Down Beat magazine. He was also frequently rumored to be in consideration for film roles, possibly co-starring with Lena Horne. Won Talent Contest. The Johnson Treatment, Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program designated employers list, american legion v american humanist association summary. Tracks WordPress Theme by Compete Themes. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. There was also a little thing going on between B and me. 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He was born in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania a State Historical Marker is placed at 5913 Bryant St, Highland Park, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania to mark the house where he grew up. He had to fight the system, so things never quite fell into place. William was born in Prussia (Germany), and Nannie in Virginia. Send me exclusive offers, unique gift ideas, and personalized tips for shopping and selling on Etsy. Though his speech improved in the hospital, Eckstine had a heart attack, and died a few months later on March 8, 1993, aged 78. His recording of "I Apologize" (MGM, 1948) was given the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999. Shop now. After recording sparingly during the 1970s for Al Bells, Stax/Enterprise imprint, Eckstine (although still performing to adoring audiences throughout the world), made his last recording, the Grammy-nominated Billy Eckstine Sings with Benny Carter in 1986. However, it is possible to get some idea of how good the band sounded from 'Opus X' and 'Blowin' the Blues Away'. He designed and patented a high roll collar that formed a B over a Windsor-knotted tie, which became known as a Mr. B. Collar. He cut a swath through America before Nat King Cole came to the scene. With powerful tools and services, along with expert support and education, we help creative entrepreneurs start, manage, and scale their businesses. Under Add your personalization, the text box will tell you what the seller needs to know. He was also quite popular in Britain, hitting the Top Ten there twice during the '50s -- "No One But You" and "Gigi" -- as well as several duet entries with Sarah Vaughan. "[24], For the Canadian pianist and composer, see. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. Please reset your password. Though he was forced to give up the band in 1947 (Gillespie formed his own bop big band that same year), Eckstine made the transition to string-filled balladry with ease. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. We were proud of him because he was the first Black popular singer singing popular songs in our race. Signing with MGM, he rose to superstar status, sold millions of records, marketed his own line of "Mr. B." shirt collars, and inspired an army of female admirers, known as "Billy-soxers." Eckstine fought all his life for recognition and respect in his quest to become America's first black romantic singing idol, but he faced hardships in the . Before the black pop male sex symbol was a seemingly permanent fixture of American culture, long before Teddy Pendergrass, Prince, and R. Kelly, there was Billy Eckstine.In the early years of Eckstine ' s career it was still a novelty for black and . The collars were worn by many a hipster in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Good news! Selected discography. A few years later, he had other hits with Prisoner of Love and Cottage for Sale.. (his high-rolled collar and tie . To enable personalized advertising (like interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. B.". Family members linked to this person will appear here. Turning off the personalized advertising setting wont stop you from seeing Etsy ads or impact Etsy's own personalization technologies, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive. Far more successful than his band recordings, these prefigured Eckstines future career. Access the complete album info (14 songs) 2002 The Verve Music Group, a Division of UMG Recordings, Inc. He was one of the very first African American matinee idols, singing first with Earl "Fatha" Hines orchestra, then veering off with his own band. Read Billy Eckstine's bio and find out more about Billy Eckstine's songs, albums, and chart history. Our journalists will try to respond by joining the threads when they can to create a true meeting of independent Premium. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. Eckstines sex appeal and suave singing made him one of the earliest black stars to be loved by white female fans, despite the strong racial tensions of the 1950s. Please try again later. Yet they proved to be a mixed blessing, for Eckstine did quite well with them commercially. Billy Eckstine with The Lee Gordon Singers - Orchestra conducted by Nelson Riddle: 1953: Broadway Bell-Hops: Days of Wine and Roses: Billy Eckstine: January 1964 [Unknown Studio Artists] Dedicated to You: Billy Eckstine and Sarah Vaughan - Orchestra conducted by Joe Lipman: May 1950: Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy - Vocal Chorus by Pha Terrell . He recorded several albums for Mercury and Roulette during the early '60s (his son Ed was the president of Mercury), and he appeared on Motown for a few standards albums during the mid-'60s. 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