Billy Eckstine - Satin Doll

Although Nat King Cole ultimately became the most popular romantic black vocalist of his day, he wasn't the first by his own admission...Billy Eckstine was. While Nat was still performing with his Trio, Billy was heading the first superstar big band comprised mainly of black musicians that included at one time or another: Dizzy Gillespie, Dexter Gordon, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Art Blakey, Fats Navarro, and his female vocalist was Sarah Vaughan. "Satin Doll", with music composed by either Duke Ellington and/or Billy Strayhorn (some divided opinion on this) and lyrics by Johnny Mercer, became one of the all-time jazz standards although it wasn't written until 1953. Billy Eckstine's smooth, baritone vocal style fits the song perfectly.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Billy Eckstine
• Duke Ellington
• Billy Strayhorn
• Johnny Mercer
• Jazz
• Bop
• Satin Doll

[IndependentGeorge76]

miles davis talks about Billy X a lot in his biog, apparantly he was a baaaaaad cat, wasnt afraid to punch out anyone who gave him shit... but one hell of a good dresser

[alliecat1941]

There is white satin!!

[extolnsounds]

This is a great exercise for my alto sax. Thanks Gilbert! My music instructor

[Kirke182]

Btw, my bass instructor played for Billy back in the 80s. He always carried the same pianist with him--a guy who used to back another Billie--Lady Day. He said Billy and band were the nicest, coolest people and that it was a real honor to have played with the great Billy Eckstine.

[Kirke182]

@61dune I was thinking the same thing. This song always made me think of gorgeous black women and I can't get used to this slideshow.

[bolder2009]

Love this tempo and arrangement. Very laid back and Billy is as smooth as it gets. Handles the lyrics like the master song stylist he was. Classic!

[4099aj]

The good OLD days...

[61dune]

Hey, Satin is ebony, not ivory. Where are the "Chocolate Sistas" in the montage? Get it right next time. Always stealing something...

[8art]

My favorite one:) Try also Kevin Mahogany - he's scat is truly wonderful

[musiclover59]

My fave version of this classic.