American musician
Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1985.
He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 6638 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
He was a close friend of jazz singer Sarah Vaughan.
Singer, trumpeter and valve trombonist. First came to note with the band of Earl Fatha Hines in the 1930s. Formed his own bebop-oriented band in 1943 on the advice of Budd Johnson. Most recordings the band made were of ballads, sung by Eckstine in his trademark deep baritone voice.
Went on to record for Motown and Stax records in the 1960s.
