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.
In the rain
Billy Eckstine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How we met one day
When you passed my way
In the rain
Most of all I can forget
How you thrilled me then
With each kiss we shared
Ever though, it thundered so
Our hearts were full of joy
Heaven held fulfilled the dreams
Of gallant boy
When it rains, I'll still recall
How we found romance
When we met by chance
In the rain, in the rain
The lyrics of Billy Eckstine’s song “In The Rain” is several decades old, but it still resonates with many people. The intro sets the foundation of the song: “Years go by, still I recall, how we met one day, when you passed my way, in the rain.” In essence, the lyrics describe the moment the singer fell in love with their partner. The following verses echo this theme through vivid, romantic imagery: “most of all I can forget, how you thrilled me then, with each kiss we shared in the rain.” Despite the tumultuous weather, the two characters find joy and fulfillment in their relationship, even as the storm rages on.
The chorus of the song repeats the memorable line “in the rain” several times, underlining the profound impact this moment had on the singer’s life. Although their relationship may have ended, the singer still fondly remembers the romance they experienced: “when it rains, I'll still recall, how we found romance, when we met by chance, in the rain, in the rain.” The repetition of the phrase further emphasizes the importance this moment had on their lives, and how it has continued to shape their memories for years to come. Ultimately, the lyrics of the song paint a vivid picture of a moment of love and connection, experienced in the midst of an unpredictable and challenging environment.
Line by Line Meaning
Years go by, still I recall
Even as time passes, the memories of our past remain fresh in my mind.
How we met one day
I remember the day we met as vividly as if it were yesterday.
When you passed my way
You crossed my path and caught my eye, and I knew I had to know you better.
In the rain
The rain was falling around us, but it didn't dampen our spirits or our budding love.
Most of all I can forget
There are many things I've forgotten, but the memories of you stand out above everything else.
How you thrilled me then
You made me feel alive and excited, and I couldn't get enough of you.
With each kiss we shared
Our kisses were passionate and filled with emotion, bringing us closer together.
In the rain
Our love was forged in the midst of a downpour, but it only made it stronger.
Even though, it thundered so
Despite the thunder and lightning overhead, our love was unshakeable and true.
Our hearts were full of joy
Despite any external circumstances, we found happiness and elation within each other.
Heaven held fulfilled the dreams
Our love was so perfect that it felt like it was divinely orchestrated and fulfilled by a higher power.
Of gallant boy
I was swept away by our love, feeling like a chivalrous and brave adventurer in pursuit of his dreams.
When it rains, I'll still recall
Whenever I see rain falling, it brings back all of the memories of our love and how we fell for each other.
How we found romance
In the midst of life's chaos and unpredictability, we found something special and rare in each other.
When we met by chance
Our love was serendipitous and unexpected, but it was the best thing that ever happened to me.
In the rain, in the rain
Even though we were soaked and drenched in the rain, it was a beautiful moment because we were together.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CLINT BALLARD
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...