Billy Eckstine Biography

Fast Facts

• His recording of "I Apologize" received the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999
• A State Historical Marker was placed at the Pittsburgh house where he grew up
• Attended the St․ Paul Normal and Industrial School, majoring in physical education, and briefly studied at Howard University
• His father originally bought a piano because he thought he saw musical talent in one of his daughters, and though neither girl shows an interest in music, Billy was enthusiastic about it and started performing at church events when he was 11
• Though he always loved music, his primary interest was originally football
• Won a first prize of $10 in an amateur show at the Howard Theater in Washington in 1933
• His big band counted such future big names as Dizzy Gillespie, Dexter Gordon, Miles Davis, Art Blakey, Charlie Parker and Fats Navarro among its members
• Was a bandleader during the swing era, and was known for singing ballads in a deep baritone
• His pop hits include "Prisoner of Love," "My Foolish Heart" and "I Apologize․"
• Admired operatic singers like Ezio Pinza and considered putting his career on hold to formally study singing and establish himself as a classical singer