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.
Here
Billy Eckstine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Funny, but here's that rainy day.
Here's that rainy day they told me about,
And I laughed at the thought that it might turn out this way.
Oh, where's that worn out wish that I threw aside,
After it brought my lover near?
Funny how love becomes a cold rainy day,
Where's that worn out wish that I threw aside,
After it brought my lover near?
Funny how love becomes a cold rainy day,
Funny, that rainy day is here.
The lyrics of Billy Eckstine's "Here's That Rainy Day" express the regret and remorse of the singer, who wishes he had saved his dreams for a rainy day. He reflects on how ironic it is that this day has come, and how he laughed at the idea that it might ever happen. The singer also laments the loss of a wish that had once brought his lover near, and how love can turn into a bleak and lonely experience.
The song has a mellow, reflective feel that matches its melancholic lyrics. The soft, slow melody gives the impression of a soothing yet sad lullaby, and the song is often associated with feelings of nostalgia and longing. Although it is a melancholy song, the lyrics suggest that the singer is coming to terms with his feelings and regrets, and is ready to face the reality of the present.
Overall, "Here's That Rainy Day" is a poignant and introspective exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time. It is a song that many people can relate to, as it speaks to the universal experience of longing for something that has been lost or forgotten.
Line by Line Meaning
Maybe I should have saved those leftover dreams
Perhaps I should have held on to my unfulfilled aspirations
Funny, but here's that rainy day
Ironically, the day I was warned about has arrived
Here's that rainy day they told me about
The day that others predicted would eventually come has come to pass
And I laughed at the thought that it might turn out this way
I dismissed the possibility that things would end up this way with a chuckle
Oh, where's that worn out wish that I threw aside
Where has that desire that I gave up on gone?
After it brought my lover near?
Wasn't it that same wish that led me to meet my former partner?
Funny how love becomes a cold rainy day
It's strange how love can turn into a bleak and gloomy day
Funny, that rainy day is here
How peculiar that the cold and dreary day has finally arrived
Where's that worn out wish that I threw aside
Again, where has that abandoned hope disappeared to?
After it brought my lover near?
Did that same discarded dream lead me to my past love?
Funny how love becomes a cold rainy day
It's strange how something so warm and beautiful can become so chilly and unpleasant
Funny, that rainy day is here
Once more, it's ironic that the drab and dismal day has arrived
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ROBERT REYNOLDS, SCOTTY HUFF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Steve Moravec
Got the album in high school and still have it. The girl is gone but even after 50 plus years the memories remain. Thanks Billy!
David Perry
The brilliant Motown rhythm section with full orchestra and great arrangement.
There were few records ever as wonderful as this. 1965 I believe.
C.J. Deering
Thank you for putting this song out there... It remember hearing it in the 60s on a juke box at PJ Clark's in NYC and never forgot it..I love it. Now I have to learn to Shag.
novatodave
GREAT record. Thanks for posting -
MrLegupone
Enjoyed listening to this song in the early 60's at the Club Monty in Union City, NJ
RUNNING CAT HILL
MISS ANDY THE PIANO PLAYER FRIDAY NIGHTS
odshagtunes ODSHAGTUNES
CLASSIC SMOOTHIE IN THE NORFLEET ERA OF DUCKS IN OD!!!!!
Barney Mitchell
Teflon on silk... Smoooooooooooooooothie.