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.

How old was Billy Eckstine when he passed?

Billy Eckstine, an influential band leader and a suave bass-baritone whose full-throated, sugary approach to popular songs inspired singers like Joe Williams, Arthur Prysock and Lou Rawls, died yesterday at Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was 78.

When was Billy Eckstine popular?

The Billy Eckstine Orchestra was the first bop big-band, and its leader reflected bop innovations by stretching his vocal harmonics into his normal ballads. Despite the group’s modernist slant, Eckstine hit the charts often during the mid-’40s, with Top Ten entries including “A Cottage for Sale” and “Prisoner of Love”.

Is Billy Eckstine black?

As a black man, Eckstine was not immune to the prejudice that characterized the 1950s. Jones is quoted in The Pleasures of Jazz as also saying of Eckstine: If he’d been white, the sky would have been the limit. As it was, he didn’t have his own radio or TV show, much less a movie career.

What did Billy Eckstine play?

It’s not well known that Eckstine played pretty good jazz trumpet and fair valve trombone; what most people remember him for is his rich, smooth singing, which he displayed on a couple of hit records with the Earl Hines big band, Stormy Monday Blues and Jelly, Jelly.

Who Wrote passing strangers?

“Passing Strangers” is a popular song, written in 1957 by Mel Mitchell, Stanley Applebaum and Rita Mann.

Who did Sarah Vaughan duet with?

The Jazz Duets -Sarah Vaughan and Billy Eckstine – Album by Billy Eckstine | Spotify.

How was Sarah Vaughan discovered in 1942?

Sarah Lois Vaughan was born in Newark, New Jersey, on March 27, 1924. … After being dared to enter, she won the 1942 competition with her rendition of “Body and Soul.” She also caught the attention of another vocalist, Billy Eckstine, who persuaded Earl Hines to hire Vaughan to sing with his orchestra.

What was Sarah Vaughan vocal range?

Sarah Vaughan She was capable of singing classical arias and had a huge 4 octave range. (An average vocal range for a women is 2 to 2.5 octaves.) She was a talented pianist as well. Ella Fitzgerald called her the world’s “greatest singing talent.”

Did Sarah Vaughan play piano?

Vaughan was the daughter of amateur musicians. She began studying piano and organ at age seven and sang in the church choir. After winning an amateur contest at Harlem’s famed Apollo Theater in 1942, she was hired as a singer and second pianist by the Earl Hines Orchestra.

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Did Sarah Vaughan write songs?

TitleWritten byOriginal dateSassy’s BluesSarah Vaughan, Quincy Jones1963

What happened to Sarah Vaughn?

Diagnosed with lung cancer she underwent chemotherapy treatment. Sadly, she died on April 4, 1990. Jazz artists and critics have described Sarah Vaughan as a musical innovator whose voice reached the level of the finest jazz instrumentalists.

What was Ella Fitzgerald's vocal range?

Her vocal range spanned three octaves. Ella was known for her purity of tone, near faultless phrasing and intonation, and improvisational ability.

Was Sarah Vaughan married?

Miss Vaughan married and divorced four husbands: trumpeter George Treadwell, former pro football player Clyde Atkins, Las Vegas restaurateur Marshall Fisher, and musician Waymon Reed.

What band was Sarah Vaughan in?

After leaving Eckstine, Sarah worked briefly in the John Kirby band, and thereafter was primarily a vocal soloist. Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie often sang her praises, assisting her in gaining recognition, particularly in musicians’ circles.

How old is Sarah Vaughan?

Sarah Vaughan, a singer who brought an operatic splendor to her performances of popular standards and jazz, died of lung cancer on Tuesday at her home in the Los Angeles suburb of Hidden Hills. She was 66 years old.