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 Do
Billy Eckstine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh my! Do I!
Honey, deed I do!
Do I need you?
Oh my! Do I!
Honey, deed I do!
That's why I'm always hangin' around you . . .
Do I love you?
Oh my! Do I!
Honey, deed I do!
Honey, deed I do!
Hmm! Honey, deed I do!
I'm glad that I'm the one who found you,
That's why I'm always hangin' around you . . .
Oh! Do I love you?
Oh my! Do I!
Honey, deed I do!
Ah Deed I Do!
The lyrics to Billy Eckstine's song 'Deed I Do' express a deep and undeniable love for someone. The question of whether or not the singer wants the person is answered emphatically with "Oh my! Do I!" The same goes for the question of whether or not they need them. The singer is grateful to be the one who found this person, and that's why they're always hanging around them. The repeated use of "Honey, deed I do!" emphasizes the strength of the singer's feelings.
Throughout the song, the singer's infatuation with this person is clear. They love them deeply and are seemingly unable to resist their charms. The song is a classic example of a love song, and its simple yet emotive lyrics make it a timeless piece that is still popular and relevant today.
Overall, the song is a declaration of love, a proof of one's devotion to a person that is so strong that it cannot be contained. The simplicity of the lyrics makes the message clear and accessible, while the melody reinforces the sentiment of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Do I want you?
Do I desire you deeply and crave your affection?
Oh my! Do I!
Oh yes, I absolutely do!
Honey, deed I do!
My dear, I definitely do want you.
Do I need you?
Do I rely on you and cannot imagine my life without you?
Oh my! Do I!
Oh yes, I absolutely do!
Honey, deed I do!
My dear, I definitely do need you.
I'm glad that I'm the one who found you,
I am pleased and grateful that I discovered you and began a relationship with you.
That's why I'm always hangin' around you . . .
That is why I am always in your company, trying to spend as much time with you as possible.
Do I love you?
Do I have strong feelings of affection and devotion towards you?
Oh my! Do I!
Oh yes, I absolutely do!
Honey, deed I do!
My dear, I definitely do love you.
Hmm! Honey, deed I do!
Indeed, my dear, I do love you very much.
Ah Deed I Do!
Yes, indeed I do love you!
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Fred Rose, Walter Hirsch
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