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.
Stella By Starlight
Billy Eckstine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Through years of endless springs
The murmur of a brook at eventide
That ripples by a nook where two lovers hide
A great symphonic theme
That's Stella by starlight
And not a dream
My heart and I agree
A great symphonic theme
That's Stella by starlight
And not a dream
My heart and I agree
She's everything on earth to me
The lyrics of Billy Eckstine's song Stella By Starlight are an ode to the woman he loves, describing her as a collection of some of the most beautiful things in the world. He starts by saying that her voice is as sweet as the song a robin sings, which represents the innocence and purity of her character. The second line, "through years of endless springs," implies that their love will last forever, never fading or withering despite the passage of time. The murmur of a brook at eventide suggests that their love is calm and soothing, a respite from the busy world around them. He emphasizes this feeling of being separate from the rest of the world when he talks about "a nook where two lovers hide." This is their special place, hidden from the world around them, where they can be together.
The refrain, "a great symphonic theme that's Stella by starlight and not a dream," is the most notable part of the song. Here, he compares his love for Stella to a great symphony, something that evokes grandeur and beauty. This is juxtaposed against the idea of it not being a dream - this is something tangible that he can hold onto, not just a fleeting thought or fantasy. He concludes by saying that Stella is everything on earth to him, which echoes the idea of their love being a separate entity from the rest of the world. For him, her very existence is enough to make everything else fade away.
Line by Line Meaning
The song a robin sings
This melody of Stella By Starlight reminds me of the sweet song of a robin.
Through years of endless springs
Although years pass, this song stays as fresh as a never-ending spring season.
The murmur of a brook at eventide
This song is as calming and peaceful as the whispers of a flowing brook at twilight.
That ripples by a nook where two lovers hide
It feels like this song is floating around a corner where two lovers embrace, and the music creates ripples of joy and love around them.
A great symphonic theme
This song is not just ordinary music, it's a majestic sound that touches my soul.
That's Stella by starlight
This song is inspired by the beauty of a starry night and a woman named Stella who radiates that light.
And not a dream
This song is not just an imaginary creation but an honest portrayal of someone's admiration for a real person named Stella.
My heart and I agree
Both my soul and my heart are in harmony, saying that there's nothing comparable to Stella's beauty.
She's everything on earth to me
To me, Stella is worth everything on this earth, and this song talks about how much she means to me.
Lyrics © Editora e Importadora Musical Fermata do Brasil Ltda., Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Ned Washington, Victor Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
windstorm1000
Billy's ethereal voice is perfectly matched to this wistful, magical standard. its a case of a singer perfectly matching the sentiments of a song. love his voice--force of nature--very unique.
Philip George Harfleet
Superb, sublime, perfection in every way. Wonderful song, blissfully arranged and magically sung by the one and only Billy Eckstine. Fantastic and I love it.
Xotigo Music Ent
He is a super legend. A voice that is not heard in today's industry.
Naomi Clark
Atlanta, Ga
Louise Caltagirone
,one word sublime
mimi olsen
what a voice,what range he had.
Rafael Storm
One of the most beautiful songs ever written, sung by one of the greatest voices in history!
Worldofnana Berger
The Most beautiful Song ever and his Voice is one of the greatest .
windstorm1000
agreed!
joe a smythe
No singer has ever done this sentimental beauty as well as "B". Takes me back to a sweet time in America.
Hélio José Branca
Voz maravilhosa.