Jazz historian and collector Thomas Wendt stops by for his monthly guest spot, celebrating the music of Billy Eckstine.
July 8 marks Eckstine’s birthday, making it the perfect time to revisit the artistry of “Mr. B.”
A Pittsburgh native, Billy's rich baritone voice, elegance, and charisma made him one of the most influential vocalists in jazz and popular music.
Thomas explores Eckstine’s career from his early work with Earl "Fatha" Hines and his own groundbreaking orchestra to later collaborations with Count Basie and Quincy Jones. We’ll also revisit his TIME magazine feature, the controversy surrounding photographs that challenged the racial norms of the day, and his later visits to MCG Jazz.
Friday and Sunday night at 6, and 1pm, Saturday on WZUM.
