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.
I Apologize
Billy Eckstine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I said goodbye, I'm sorry
From the bottom of my heart, dear
I apologize
If I caused you pain, I know I'm to blame
Must have been insane, believe me
From the bottom of my heart, dear
I realize I've been unfair to you
Please let me make amends
Don't say that you forgot the love we knew
After all, we were more than friends
If I made you blue, I've had heartaches too
Now I beg of you, forgive me
From the bottom of my heart, dear
I apologize
Give me back your glance, give me back romance
Give me one more chance, forgive me
From the bottom of my heart, dear
I apologize
Billy Eckstine's song I Apologize is an emotional plea for forgiveness from a past loved one. The song is an admission of guilt, reflecting the singer's remorse and showing that they are recognizing their shortcomings. The first verse reflects the realization that the singer may have told a lie or caused the loved one pain, leading to tears and ultimately the end of the relationship. The singer's sorrowful tone is evident in their apologies, as they struggle to find the right words to convey their remorse. The chorus, "From the bottom of my heart, dear, I apologize," serves as a repetition of the singer's apology and highlights the depth of their regret.
The second verse speaks to the singer's recognition of their unfairness towards the loved one and acknowledges that they were more than just friends. The line, "Must have been insane, believe me," shows the singer's vulnerability and self-awareness, admitting that they were not thinking clearly at the time. The lyrics then transition into the third verse, where the singer begs for forgiveness and asks for a second chance. The singer recognizes that they have also experienced heartaches and pain, creating a sense of empathy towards their past loved one. The final lines of the song, "Give me back your glance, give me back romance, give me one more chance, forgive me," emphasize the singer's desperation for reconciliation and demonstrate their willingness to work towards making things right again.
Line by Line Meaning
If I told a lie, if I made you cry
If I was dishonest or if my actions caused you emotional pain
When I said goodbye, I'm sorry
I regret the decision to leave you
From the bottom of my heart, dear
I am expressing my remorse with sincerity and depth of feeling
I apologize
I am asking for your forgiveness
If I caused you pain, I know I'm to blame
I take full responsibility for any hurt that I may have caused you
Must have been insane, believe me
I acknowledge that my behavior was irrational and I ask for your understanding
I realize I've been unfair to you
I am aware that I have treated you poorly in the past
Please let me make amends
I want to do everything in my power to make things right between us
Don't say that you forgot the love we knew
I hope that you still have feelings for me and that we can rekindle our relationship
After all, we were more than friends
Our connection was deeper than just a friendship
If I made you blue, I've had heartaches too
I understand how it feels to be saddened and I have suffered in the same way
Now I beg of you, forgive me
I am sincerely pleading with you to pardon my mistakes
Give me back your glance, give me back romance
I am asking for your attention and affection once again
Give me one more chance, forgive me
I am requesting an opportunity to prove that I can be a better partner
Lyrics © DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Al Goodhart, Al Hoffman, Edward G. Nelson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@doctorhugo
Mr. B. has always been my all-time favorite male singer. His smooth and lush baritone delivery in his signature styling and made him the rage in the '40s. He carssses lyrics and personally delivers them like the writer would think envisioned. When he and Sassy got together for the great Irving Berlin standard Always it was majestic. And when the gals heard his version of Everything I Have is Yours they were entranced. You were the top shelf stuff Billy!
@MsVirginiaHammer
The two supergiants of singing! WOW.
@waterlily6543
Thanks you sure said it loved this gentleman always no one came close to his magic
@2KRW
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit....Please bring this beautiful music back again. AMEN
@terenceheslop38
In the Fifties this gentleman was never off my turntable.Fabulous in his time.A beautiful voice.In this day and age there's still no one comparable with him..Memories .T.Heslop. UK.
@ritapacitti9599
Dear God, what a voice, beautiful man, a true gentlemen!
@ritapacitti9599
You said it better thankyou
@ritapacitti9599
What a voice, what a perfect gentleman! Never another like him.
@waterlily6543
Boy you said it better thanks love mr b
@ruthrivera3487
What a voice. So romantic, sensual and soft. These singer deserve a place in history