Most of his success as a singer came with ballads, including "Everything I have is Yours", "Blue Moon", "Caravan", "Prisoner of Love," "You Go To My Head" and "That Old Black Magic". His last hit was "Passing Strangers", a duet with Sarah Vaughan released in 1957. Billy was a style leader and noted sharp dresser. He designed and patented a high roll collar that formed a B over a Windsor-knotted tie, which became known as a Mr. B. Collar. In addition to looking cool, the collar expanded and contracted without popping open, which allowed his neck to swell while playing instruments. The collars were worn by many a hipster in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

His nickname was Mr. B. Although best known as a singer, his openness to new music made him a strong influence on modern jazz, particularly bebop, as he gave employment to many musicians who founded the style.

After singing with the Earl Hines band from 1939 to 1943 he led his own band from 1944 to 1947. He then went solo, becoming a popular singer while remaining an important figure in jazz. His distinctive baritone made him one of the first African American singers to have mainstream success. He was the composer of the blues classic "Jelly, Jelly" and also recorded T-Bone Walker's "Stormy Monday Blues".

Billy Eckstine Recordings