Billy Eckstine
Billy Eckstine
Full Name and Common Aliases
Billy Eckstine was born William Clarence Eckstein on July 1, 1914, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is often referred to as the "Father of Modern Jazz" due to his significant contributions to the genre.
Birth and Death Dates
July 1, 1914 – March 8, 1983
Nationality and Profession(s)
American singer, trumpeter, composer, and bandleader
Early Life and Background
Eckstine grew up in a musical family. His mother, who was of African American and German descent, sang gospel music at home, while his father played the drums. Eckstine began playing the trumpet at age 10 and later dropped out of high school to pursue a career in music.
Major Accomplishments
Formed the Jazz Combo, one of the first interracial jazz groups, featuring musicians such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie
Led his own big band from 1944 to 1953, recording numerous hits, including "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" and "Everything I Have is Yours"
* Served in the US Army during World War II, entertaining troops with his music
Notable Works or Actions
Eckstine was a prolific composer, writing over 50 songs for films and television. He also appeared in several movies, including _Paris Follies_ (1950) and _The Benny Goodman Story_ (1955).
Impact and Legacy
Eckstine's music influenced generations of jazz musicians. His big band's unique blend of swing and bebop paved the way for future ensembles. As a vocalist, he was known for his smooth, soulful delivery.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Billy Eckstine's contributions to jazz are immeasurable. He not only performed but also composed and led his own band. His legacy can be seen in the many musicians who followed in his footsteps.
Quotes by Billy Eckstine
When you're playing music, say for instance, you're playing a part of the band and you're looking at your music, your horn is down into the stand. This way, it's up and it goes right on out to the audience, you know?
You know, times change and the elements change along with it. The elements of success. And my son’s very successful. He’s doing very well. And I have a younger daughter who sings.
I was so enamored with the idea of being in show business so everything was bright to me. I mean, I didn’t think of it as being tough and things like that.
When you’re playing music, say for instance, you’re playing a part of the band and you’re looking at your music, your horn is down into the stand. This way, it’s.
Today the kids that are out now they make a hit record and they put them right out on the stage with 10,000 people out there and they don’t know anything about the business yet.
I just went to Harvard a little while, because I graduated from Armstrong High School in Washington and then I went up there but I didn’t stay that long because I went into show business.
My view is that you cannot close your mind and say I don’t want to listen to this or that. Because if you can’t appreciate the bad for being bad, you can’t appreciate the good. If you turn a deaf ear to everything but one style, pretty soon it’s not going to work out.