Billy Eckstine

(Jul. 8, 1914, Pittsburgh, PA - Mar. 8, 1993, Pittsburgh, PA)

"Mr. B."; Grew up in Pittsburgh and Washington DC. Vocals/Trumpet/Valve Trombone; Vocalist and trumpeter in the Earl Hines Orchestra based in Chicago; Formed own big band in 1944 featuring Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Fats Navaro, Sarah Vaughn, Gene Ammons, Kenny Dorham, Art Blakey, Dexter Gordon etc.; Regarded as the first African American singing idol and maintained an international reputation as a solo vocalist for decades.

Last updated: March 14, 2005

Return to About the Copasetics
Return to Copasetics Connection Home