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 Time Goes By
Billy Eckstine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A sigh is just a sigh, the fundamental things apply,
As time goes by
An' when two lovers woo, they still say "I love you,"
On that you can rely, no matter what the future brings,
As time goes by
Hearts full of passion, jealousy an' hate,
Woman needs man and man must have his mate,
That no one can deny
It's still the same old story, a fight for love an' glory,
A case of do or die, the world will always welcome lovers,
As time goes by
It's still the same old story, a fight for love an' glory,
A case of do or die, the world will always welcome lovers,
As time goes by
"As Time Goes By" is a timeless track by Billy Eckstine, usually performed at weddings and anniversaries. The song is about how some things will never change, even as time goes by, and it highlights the beauty of true love. Eckstine sings about how the fundamentals of love, such as a kiss and a sigh, will always remain the same, no matter how much time passes. He further explains that a couple in love will always affirm their love for each other, and this is something that will never change.
Eckstine continues the song by singing about how love songs and moonlight never go out of fashion, and how love can elicit both passion and jealousy. He emphasizes how a woman needs a man, and a man needs a mate, and no one can deny these facts of life. However, with love comes struggle and the fight for glory, and sometimes it's a case of do or die. But the world will always welcome lovers, and this will never change, as time goes by.
Overall, the song is an ode to love's enduring nature, and it reminds us that even though time may pass, the fundamental aspects of love will always remain constant. It's a beautiful song that captures the essence of true love, and it still touches the hearts of people today, many decades after its release.
Line by Line Meaning
You must remember this, a kiss is still a kiss,
No matter what changes in the world or in a relationship, a kiss will always remain the same.
A sigh is just a sigh, the fundamental things apply,
Despite the ups and downs of life, the basic things always matter, like a simple sigh of contentment or relief.
As time goes by
Regardless of what happens over time, the things that are fundamental and eternally true will remain the same.
An' when two lovers woo, they still say "I love you,"
Even though the way people court one another may change, the ultimate expression of love remains the same.
On that you can rely, no matter what the future brings,
Love is something constant and reliable, something to anchor us even in uncertain times.
Moonlight an' love songs never out of date,
Some things are timeless, like the romantic imagery of moonlight and love songs.
Hearts full of passion, jealousy an' hate,
Love can be complicated and intense, with powerful emotions like passion, jealousy and hate often coming into play.
Woman needs man and man must have his mate,
Despite the many changes that society has undergone, deep down we still have a need for human connection and companionship.
That no one can deny
This is a universal truth that applies to all people.
It's still the same old story, a fight for love an' glory,
Throughout the ages, people have fought over love and all of the glory and heartbreak that comes with it.
A case of do or die, the world will always welcome lovers,
Even though love can be difficult and painful, it is something that is always welcome in the world.
As time goes by
This is a refrain that reminds us that despite all of the changes in life, love remains a constant and immutable force.
Lyrics © CONSALAD CO., Ltd., BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Sentric Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Herman Hupfeld
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mrmaxxx94
One of the baddest ever,that brother was the musical truth
@jeanfleming9702
I’m 83 yrs old and I still have my mr B fan club card which I got when I was 15 yrs old loved the man xx
@acajudi100
i was born in 1942, but the greats were played in my home. R.I.P.Everyone.❤️💕🇺🇸
@thomascloran8474
One of the finest male vocalists of the 20th century
@franciscraft4999
This gentleman should have been much more famous and legendary. His voice, ah, his voice, he was blest.
@zuzu2716
I had hear billy as a child .born in 57 i was just looking through china cabinet with little china lol but lots of goodies.i saw my daddys 45" record in its little jacket.thx youtube i got to hear him again.peace all.
@michellejackson8012
My Dad lived to be 96. He loved his music... I miss my Hero..
@sandraestlow1338
My father loved Billy Eckstine and sang his songs much to our delight. Such a deep, rich and sensual voice.
@cliffordmarkell40
76 years old my music before rock and roll
@user-yr8kd4iu5b
One of our greatest bass-men of all time😊