Black Music Sunday: Remembering singer Billy Stewart

Billy Stewart was a stellar R&B singer with a unique vocal style of scatting and word doubling who doesn’t get enough props when we’re discussing the “greats” of the genre. We’re celebrating his birthday and remembering a performer who brought joy to all who heard him, though he has often been overlooked when discussing great soul singers.

Stewart was born on March 24, 1937, in the nation’s capital—which would be his home base for his entire life, though he recorded his major hits for Chess Records in Chicago. Tragically, his hit-making career was cut short in January 1970, when at the age of 32, he was in a tragic automobile accident that killed him and three of his band members: Norman P. Rich, William Cathey, and Rico Hightower.

But Stewart’s music lives on, and with hits like “Summertime,” “I Do Love You,” and “Sitting in the Park,” he carved a place in many of our hearts. Join me in celebrating his memory and his music today.

”Black Music Sunday” is a weekly series highlighting all things Black music, with over 200 stories covering performers, genres, history, and more, each featuring its own vibrant soundtrack. I hope you’ll find some familiar tunes and perhaps an introduction to something new.