Billy Eckstine-Had You been Around

[DBRoss1955]

I first heard this song sung as background in a scene in "Lady Sings the Blues". It was performed by a female singer whose name I do not know, But what beautiful rich tone she had. Anyone else familiar with her version?

[friedmonkeyface]

I'm back again 2 years later to take another listen!!!

[newstart2009]

this would be so much better if the audio was patched into the computer, BUT given the historical significance of the recording this is great.

[hotoldies]

I remember when Billy was under Motown records in the mid 60's. There's one song that I was crazy about that Billy also sang under Motown titled "Down To Earth". I hope you can post this one as well. I Love it. it.

[DonnaB63]

What a trail Mr. Eckstein blazed. Never to be duplicated!

[Corrie121]

airjor1

Versions of "With every Breath I Take" by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Elizabeth Welsh, are worth a hearing too.

[swtearl]

Oh your bring me back to my teenage years!!! Man I wish I could find this album

[airjor1]

Do you remember: "I think of you with every breath I take, and ever breath becomes a sigh, not a sigh of despair, but a sigh that I care for you."

[jazznfatback]

Thank you so much for this gem!!! I thought I had every thing "B" recorded (what can I say, im 37). He sounds wonderful in the pop setting, however. Can't wait to hear more

[DanMan869]

(I should've clarified--the collection I mentioned is a CD collection.)

[DanMan869]

There is a Billy Eckstine Motown collection avaialble out of the UK (it's easily found on AmazonUK) that includes the tracks from all three of his Motown albums.

[millsbrothers]

WONDERFUL ISN'T IT!!!

[HomeoftheGoodGuys]

Billy Eckstine has been on so many labels over the years before he joined Motown was MGM Records, the first label that Mr. B was on that label. He was also on Mercury, Roulette and other labels until he went to Motown in 1965 to release "The Prime of My Life". After 3 albums, that was it, Mr. B was not a Motown artist at all. He was a crooner. After he left, he went to Verve and that was it. He died back in 1993. Those Motown Mr. B LP's are rare and they are not available on CD.

[live4motown]

All of Mr. B's Motown albums are now available on cd. They are on a 2 cd set. It came out in 2003 "The Motown Years"

[millsbrothers]

AS A SOLO ACT IT WAS NATIONAL NOT MGM

[d820m]

do either yourself or TheMotownAmbassador have Motown lp 683, Along Came Jonah by jazz trumpeter Jonah Jones? If so, what do you think of it? He does versions of My Girl, For Once In My Life, The End Of Our Road, A Place In The Sun, and Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing.

[joeasmythe]

Please, if you can find his rendition of Stella by Starlight, it would be a wondrous thing to add. Thank you

[Chicago10281]

Paul Williams would be a perfect fit for this Billy Eckstine hit from '65

[MotownMaster]

I can see Paul Williams of The Temptations doing this song

[Chicago10281]

Can you imagine anybody else doing this song?

[Chicago10281]

This single was his first from "The Prime Of My Life" LP and the title track may have been his second from the album.

[Chicago10281]

Check Out The Video For Mr. B's "The Prime Of My Life"

[Chicago10281]

This 1965 Billy Eckstine Song Was Written by Jacques, Miller,Vandenberg, etc

[Ben606]

Wasn't this song written by William Stevenson & Shorty Long, i'm not sure. I got this album for $12 awhile back. I like it alot. Thanks!