Nat King Cole & Billy Eckstine "Little Rosetta" (last show)

[ecapital46]

To the poster of this clip: The song's title is "Rosetta," not "Little Rosetta." What Nat King Cole was figuratively saying to Mr B, "OK, lets wail on a little "Rosetta."

[nelso53]

Somebody actually hated Billy. How was that possible? I have loved him since I was just out of my nappies.

[ecapital46]

What historic footage....two absolute giants of American music. Black America's first two male mainstream pop balladeers. Mr B was the original by a few years singing with Earl Hines Chicago based band in 1941 and laid the groundwork for Nat's later mega acceptance and success.

[FCntertainr]

Oh check out mr. 'B''s sax with trumpet valves and mouthpiece! The sax is made of brass but is a woodwind because of the reed on it's mouthpiece! And I thought when George Duke and Herbie Hancock had their portable keyboards shaped like electric guitars that was something- Fc

[ENACODNOM]

I used to hate Billy Eckstine when I was a teenager in the 50s. Strangely enough, I like him now!

[WolfEchoes]

Funny how things change...

He was a hell of a musician.

[ENACODNOM]

On the other hand, Nat King Cole has always been my favorite among the singers of generations before rock & roll!

[robw1031]

Nice Video......... Most people don't know that Nat King Cole was not only the best male vocalist of his time but a great piano player as-well. IMHO it's a toss up between him and Sam Cooke as the best male vocalist of all time....

[anghiariIT]

Not really...half of America never knew who Sam Cook was...he was more a pop figure than an icon for most of the world. Sam was brilliant, but not in Cole's class.

[robw1031]

You missed the point. Popularity and class structure is for the masses and boring. I am a professional musician and I was making my judgment based on their musicianship and what their peers thought of them.

[anghiariIT]

well since I knew Sam and Nat...while not a professional musician, my judgement was based on their musicanship too and what their peers thought of them...Sam was not Nat's equal ...and I didn't miss the point. Simply don't agee and I know quite a few studio musicians now who don't agree with your take

[sonyaa2]

@anghiariIT That's not true...Sam Cook became a pop figure and was incredibly well known...

[dahliafully]

@sonyaa2  Sam Cooke's career started after Billy Eckstine's. Eckstine was very popular with a deep, sexy baritone that was a big influence on Sam Cooke (among others like marvin gaye.)

[calcecini]

Fantastic! Thank you! Did Billy sing anything solo on this show? Would you by any chance have that segment?