Billy Eckstine

Billy Eckstine, born William Clarence Eckstine, was a legendary American jazz and pop singer and bandleader whose career spanned the swing and bebop eras. Known for his rich, operatic bass-baritone voice, Eckstine's smooth and distinctive vibrato captivated audiences and inspired a generation of singers, including Earl Coleman, Johnny Hartman, and Lou Rawls. His big band, which featured jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker, was a seminal force in the development of bebop. Eckstine's repertoire included timeless classics like "I Apologize," "My Foolish Heart," and "A Sunday Kind of Love," showcasing his deep, romantic sound. Posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, Eckstine's legacy as an influential bandleader and vocalist endures, making him one of the most celebrated figures in jazz history.