Eckstine was an American jazz singer and bandleader who also played trumpet, valve trombone, and guitar. He also performed briefly as Billy X. Stine. His nickname was Mr. B. Although best known as a singer, his openness to new music made him a strong influence on modern jazz, particularly bebop, as he gave employment to many of the musicians who founded the style.
After singing with the Earl Hines band from 1939 to 1943 he led his own band from 1944 to 1947. The band featured at various times a large number of rising jazz stars, including:
Saxophones: Gene Ammons, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Stitt, Lucky Thompson, Charlie Parker, Wardell Gray, Budd Johnson, Leo Parker
Trumpets: Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Kenny Dorham, Fats Navarro
Drums: Art Blakey
Singers: Lena Horne, Sarah Vaughan
Eckstine later formed an octet, then went solo, becoming a popular ballad singer while remaining an important figure in jazz. His huge, distinctive baritone made him one of the first African American singers to have mainstream success. He was the composer of the blues classic "Jelly, Jelly" and also recorded the R&B top hit "Stormy Monday Blues" in 1942 (not to be confused with T-Bone Walker's 1947 "Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday Is Just As Bad)"). Most of his success as a singer came with ballads, including "Everything I have is Yours", "Blue Moon", "Caravan," "Prisoner of Love," "You Go to My Head," and "That Old Black Magic". His last hit was "Passing Strangers", a duet with Sarah Vaughan released in 1957.
Eckstine was a style leader and noted sharp dresser. He designed and patented a high roll collar that formed a B over a Windsor-knotted tie, which became known as a Mr. B. Collar. In addition to looking cool, the collar expanded and contracted without popping open, which allowed his neck to swell while playing his horns. The collars were worn by many a hipster in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
In 1984, Eckstine recorded his final album, I Am A Singer, featuring beautiful ballads arranged and conducted by Angelo DiPippo.
As Long as I Live
Billy Eckstine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You'll always be part of me
You'll live in the heart of me
As long as I live
As long as I love
I'll share it with you, my own
And want to be loved
How sure am I
Of all the things I say
As sure as night
Will fall at close of day
You're all that I need
So answer this love I give
And whisper "I'm yours"
As long as I live
The song "As Long As I Live" by Billy Eckstine is a classic love ballad that expresses a deep and everlasting love for someone. The lyrics convey a sense of permanence and devotion, as the singer promises to keep his loved one close to his heart for as long as he lives.
The first verse states, "As long as I live, you'll always be a part of me." This line suggests that the singer's love for the person is so strong and enduring that it will continue to live on even after death. The line, "You'll live in the heart of me," reinforces the idea that the person will always hold a special place in the singer's heart.
The second verse expresses the singer's desire to share his love with his beloved and to be loved by them in return. The line, "And want to be loved by you alone," reveals the depth of his commitment and the exclusivity of his love. The final lines of the song ask for a response from the person, urging them to accept the love that is being offered and to whisper "I'm yours" in return.
Overall, this song is a beautiful tribute to love and the enduring power of human connection. It speaks to the universal desire for a deep and lasting bond with another person, and the strength that comes from knowing that love will endure through all of life's challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
As long as I live
No matter how long I live, you will always be a part of me and will live in my heart.
You'll always be part of me
You will always be a significant part of my life, and I will never forget you.
You'll live in the heart of me
You will always occupy a special place in my heart and memories, and I will cherish you forever.
As long as I live
No matter how long I live, you will always be a part of me and will live in my heart.
As long as I love
As long as I feel love, I will share it with you, my own, and no one else.
I'll share it with you, my own
I will always express my love to you, and you will be the only one with whom I share my love.
And want to be loved
I will always yearn for your love, and nothing else can replace it.
By you alone
You are the only one I want to love me, and I want your love above all else.
How sure am I
I am certain and confident about the things I say and how I feel.
Of all the things I say
I am confident in every word I say, and I mean exactly what I say.
As sure as night
I am as certain as the nightfall at the end of the day.
Will fall at close of day
Just as night is inevitable at the end of each day, my love for you is unquestionable and unwavering.
You're all that I need
You are everything I need in my life, and my love for you is unconditional.
So answer this love I give
Please accept and reciprocate the love I give to you with utmost sincerity.
And whisper "I'm yours"
Confirm that you are mine and express your love back to me.
As long as I live
No matter how long I live, I will always love you and cherish your love for me.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Roy Acuff
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nick Zoohowza
on Jelly, Jelly
The “meaning” of Jelly Jelly seems to have been written by ChatGPT. Surely “jelly”, like “jelly roll” was intended in this song to refer to sex/genitalia, and not something to spread on toast.
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on Kiss Of Fire
Absolutely Absolutely Absolutely Amazing Grace his voice was"GOD"gift to us class jazz lovers listeners u'dig now can you dig dat baby,baby from da'conductor nelfoster from chocolate cle city ohio chocolate rocks...