Eckstine, William Clarence

▪ 1994

      ("BILLY"), U.S. singer and bandleader (b. July 8, 1914, Pittsburgh, Pa.—d. March 8, 1993, Pittsburgh), was a superb stylist whose caressing bass baritone exuded the essence of romance in such standard ballads as "Everything I Have Is Yours," "Fools Rush In," and "I Apologize." Nevertheless, his velvety vocals and astonishing range were often overshadowed by his band (1944-47), one of the most artistically talented bebop configurations in the history of jazz, boasting such legendary figures as Dizzy Gillespie (q.v.), Charlie Parker, Sarah Vaughan, Miles Davis, Art Blakey, Fats Navarro, Gene Ammons, and Dexter Gordon. Eckstine, who was largely self-taught, not only sang but excelled as a trumpeter, valve-trombonist, and guitarist. A handsome fashion plate (he sported a jacket hung over his shoulders and a rolled shirt collar), Eckstine emerged as one of the first black male sex symbols; his popularity also crossed over to the white recording market during the 1940s. "Mr. B.," as he was affectionately known, launched his singing career in 1933 and worked in nightclubs until he was hired by Earl Hines in 1939 as a vocalist. Eckstine helped Hines recruit Gillespie and Parker and, after Eckstine left that band in 1943, they followed him when he organized his own orchestra in 1944. Eckstine's band revolutionized popular music as the first great bebop ensemble; however, dance patrons resisted the new sound, and the group was a commercial failure. Eckstine then reestablished himself as a singer and made numerous recordings, including "None but You," "Gigi," and "Passing Strangers." He also made cameo appearances in two films, Skirts Ahoy (1952) and Let's Do It Again (1975), and he toured internationally until 1992.

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