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.
Moon River
Billy Eckstine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm crossin' you in style someday.
Old dream maker, you heartbreaker,
Wherever you're goin', I'm goin'your way.
Two drifters, off to see the world.
There's such a lot of world to see.
We're after the same rainbow's end,
Waitin' round the bend,
Moon River and me.
The song "Moon River" by Billy Eckstine is a beautifully crafted ballad that speaks to the traveler’s heart. The lyrics display the desire to explore the world and see everything it has to offer. The opening line, “Moon River, wider than a mile” sets a tone of poetic imagery that is furthered throughout the song. The metaphor of the river is not just a simple reference, but is instead used as a symbol of life and its endless possibilities. The lines “I’m crossin’ you in style someday,” and “Old dream maker, you heartbreaker” both help to drive home the idea that the journey should be enjoyed and celebrated, even if it does not end as planned. The two characters of the song, wandering aimlessly toward their goal, have a childlike innocence to them that is infectious. The hook, “Two drifters, off to see the world, There’s such a lot of world to see,” is an anthem for those who want to hit the road and explore.
Moreover, the lyric “We’re after the same rainbow’s end” represents the universal desire in all individuals to achieve our dreams and reach our goals, no matter how difficult the journey might be. The “rainbow’s end” alludes to a pot of gold, the ultimate achievement or success, and this idea of striving for success is one that transcends time and space. The line, “My huckleberry friend, Moon River, and me,” further humanizes the drifter characters, presenting them as friends who unite in their quest to explore the world. The song speaks of companionship, passion, exploration, and the joy of life. If there is one message that remains, it is that life is an adventure, and it’s worth taking the risk to see what is waiting for us around the bend.
Line by Line Meaning
Moon River, wider than a mile:
The beauty and vastness of the river, which is broader than a mile.
I'm crossin' you in style someday.
I will cross the river in elegance and grace someday.
Old dream maker, you heartbreaker,
The river is a symbol of dreams and aspirations, but it can also be a heartbreaker for those who fail to achieve them.
Wherever you're goin', I'm goin'your way.
I am willing to follow the river's path and direction, wherever it leads me.
Two drifters, off to see the world.
Two aimless wanderers who are exploring the world and trying to find their place in it.
There's such a lot of world to see.
The world is vast and full of never-ending possibilities and opportunities.
We're after the same rainbow's end,
Both of us are searching for the same elusive goal and trying to fulfill our dreams.
Waitin' round the bend,
Our destination may be just a turn away, and we must continue to move forward to discover it.
My huckleberry friend,
The river and its surroundings represent a cherished connection or relationship with a person or place.
Moon River and me.
The artist and the river are intertwined and connected in their journey through life.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Johnny Mercer, Henry Mancini
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.
Da'chocolate conductor nelfoster u'dig from the chocolate cle city ohio
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...