Vocalist and bandleader Billy Eckstine,
New York City, c. 1948.

Courtesy of Herman Leonard Photography, LLC.

 

“Blowin’ the Blues Away”

Billy Eckstine and His Orchestra

1944

Eckstine’s group was the first big band to feature bebop among its repertoire. This clip showcases a tenor saxophone duel between the young Dexter Gordon and Gene Ammons.