Billy Stewart
William Larry Stewart II, widely known as Billy Stewart, was an influential American rhythm and blues singer and pianist, born on March 24, 1937, in Washington, D.C. He grew up in a musical family, which laid the foundation for his future career in music. Stewart's early involvement in music included performing with his four brothers in a group called the Four Stewart Brothers, showcasing his talent from a young age.
Stewart gained popularity in the 1960s with his unique vocal style, characterized by a method he referred to as "word doubling." This innovative approach set him apart from his contemporaries and contributed to his distinctive sound. Throughout his career, he produced several hits that are still celebrated today. Some of his most famous songs include "I Do Love You," "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay," and his rendition of "Summertime," which showcased his ability to blend R&B with other musical influences.
Tragically, Billy Stewart's life was cut short when he died in a car accident on January 17, 1970, in Neuse River, North Carolina. His legacy, however, lives on through his timeless music, which continues to inspire artists and fans alike.
Stewart was not only known for his vocal skills but also for his prowess as a pianist, composer, and lyricist, making him a well-rounded artist in the music industry. Active primarily from the 1950s until his untimely death, he left a significant mark on the genre of R&B and Pop/Rock.
In summary, Billy Stewart's contributions to music, particularly during the 1960s, have solidified him as a notable figure in the history of American music, and his work continues to receive recognition for its creativity and impact.
Cross My Heart
A2 Tell Me The Truth (Billy Stewart 2:47)
A3 Fat Boy's Boogaloo (Billy Stewart 2:37)
A4 Why Do I Love You So (Stewart, Miner, Marks 3:30)
A5 Crazy 'Bout You Baby (Dorian Burton, Herman Kelly 2:35)
A6 Tell It Like It Is (Calvin Ruffin 3:05)
B1 Why Am I So Lonely (Billy Stewart 2:13)
B2 I'm In Love (Oh Yes I Am) Billy Stewart 2:55)
B3 You've Got Such Good Lovin' (Leonard Caston, Lloyd Weber 3:04)
B4 What Have I Done (Curtis McCormick, Fred Cash 2:48)
B5 By The Time I Get To Phoenix (J. Webb 4:05)
B6 How Nice It Is (Billy Stewart 3:05)
Label: Chess – CH 50059
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul
Cross My Heart by Billy Stewart is a 1974 posthumous compilation album featuring R&B and Northern Soul tracks recorded on the Chess label during the 1960s. It was not a contemporary studio album released during his lifetime, but rather a collection of previously recorded material released after his death in a 1970 car accident.
The album showcases Billy Stewart's unique, idiosyncratic vocal style, which included "word-doubling," scatting, and trilling his lips. The tracks feature brassy arrangements that blend soul with big-band jazz elements, and Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire plays drums on some tracks.
Critics and fans appreciate the album for capturing Stewart's unique talent and for its well-crafted soul ballads and mid-tempo ditties. The songs are known for their strong instrumental support (including horns and string sections) and Billy Stewart's powerful, soulful vocals. The original title track "Cross My Heart" is a romantic ballad about finding lasting love, described as a "tearjerker" with a "soulful howl" on the fade.
The album has often been reissued, sometimes combined with his 1966 album Unbelievable as a two-for-one CD compilation titled Unbelievable / Cross My Heart: The Chess Masterpieces.
Unbelievable
Written-By – DuBose Heyward, George Gershwin 4:12
A2 Foggy Day
Written-By – George & Ira Gershwin 4:15
A3 Teach Me Tonight
Written-By – Gene DePaul, Sammy Cahn 4:58
A4 Canadian Sunset
Written-By – E. Heywood, N. Gimbel 2:48
A5 Time After Time
Written-By – Jule Styne, Sammy Cahn 2:37
A6 Misty
Written-By – Erroll Garner, Johnny Burke 3:15
B1 Moon River
Written-By – Henry Mancini, John Mercer 3:55
B2 My Funny Valentine
Written-By – Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers 3:59
B3 Love Is Here To Stay
Written-By – George & Ira Gershwin 2:52
B4 That Old Black Magic
Written-By – Harold Arlen & John Mercer 3:10
B5 Almost Like Being In Love
Written-By – Frederick Loewe & Alan Jay Lerner 2:18
B6 Over The Rainbow
Written-By – E. Y. Harburg, Harold Arlen 3:48
Label: Chess – LP-1499
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1965
Genre: R&B Soul, Pop
Style: Sixties Soul, Vocal
Billy Stewart's Unbelievable album, often found as a Chess Records LP, is celebrated for its soulful, idiosyncratic take on standards, especially his iconic, quirky rendition of "Summertime," showcasing his unique voice and personality, making it a beloved classic in soul music, though reviewers often note its title variations (sometimes Summertime) and the deep emotional core of Stewart's delivery before his untimely passing.
Stewart's voice is unique, and this album captures his expressive, "odd angles," making familiar standards feel fresh and personal.
The standout track is his version of "Summertime," considered by many to be perfect and filled with his personality, even if it appears on different-titled pressings.
The album features old standards reinterpreted through Stewart's soulful lens.
It's a significant release on the Chess Label, with variations in titles (e.g., Unbelievable vs. Summertime) and stereo/mono formats across pressings.
The music resonates with deep feeling, reflecting Stewart's powerful presence on tracks like "Summertime".
In essence, Unbelievable is a testament to Billy Stewart's singular talent, a collection of standards transformed by his inimitable style, with a standout "Summertime" that embodies his brilliance and soul.