Eckstine, Billy

(William Clarence), also known as "Mr. B," African-American JAZZ singer and bandleader; b. Pittsburgh, July 8, 1914; d. there Mar. 8, 1993. Eckstine began singing as a teenager but was more interested in football as a possible career. After he broke his collarbone in a game, however, he decided to focus on music. In the early 1930s he moved to Chicago, where he got a job as vocalist with pianist EARL HINES'S band, remaining with him until 1943.

At that time, Eckstine's manager convinced him to form his own band, which became a breeding ground for young musicians who would go on to form BEBOP, including ART BLAKEY, CHARLIE PARKER, DIZZY GILLESPIE, MILES DAVIS, Kenny Dorham, and singer Sarah Vaughan. The band lasted until 1947, when Gillespie formed his own similar unit.

Eckstine himself favored BALLADS as a singer, and his low, booming voice was particularly suited to slower numbers. He had a number of hits between 1940s Jelly Jelly and 1959's Gigi, mostly in the pop ballad style. After his band broke up, he worked as a solo act with various accompanists, and continued to record through the 1960s, '70s, and '80s.