Billy Stewart - Summertime - HQ

Billy Stewart (March 24, 1937 -- January 17, 1970)
While Stewart continued to record throughout the remainder of the 1960s on Chess without major success, his weight problem worsened and he developed diabetes. He suffered minor injuries in a motorcycle accident in 1969 and died the following January, just two months prior to his 33rd birthday. It happened when the car he was driving plunged into the Neuse River in Smithfield, North Carolina, killing him and three members of his band.

[Mike-fise]

Billy Stewart in a cowboy hat.

EPIC!

I was down in New Orleans, on my honeymoon (October 1996) and went into Record Ron's down in the heart of the district.
Inquired about Billy Stewart.
Now Record Ron's is known to have a good stock of vintage music, mind you.
The owner looked at me, in shock only to tell me he had nary a piece of Billy's music in stock.
A few minutes later he hunted down that Whirlin' Disc in Farmingdale (New York) had 3 albums on CD available.
He even asked me which one I wanted and showed me the track listings.

I chose the "Hits & Rarities" (highly suggested if you can still get it) album, as it had 26 songs(!) and clocked in at 76+ minutes (before 80 minute discs) and Ron pre-ordered it for me.
Then we had a good laugh that i had to travel 1300+ miles to purchase an item only 20 minutes from where I lived!
Best album for the money. Full length version of this song with the horn break in the middle.
First time I heard it! plus tons of really good tunes. I was in heaven. Not a dud in the whole bunch.
Aays lived the way he "stuttered" as part of his repretoire. akin tot
"scatting" that was, to me, started by Cab Calloway.

[johncostello]

One of a kind there will never be another billy Stewart

[Louie]

They'll never be another Billy Stewart!

[paulwilson]

I love everything about this singer and performance:
1. Hat. Look at that hat!!!
2. Voice. So good and controlled.
3. Outfit. Including 6 gun.
4. The whole shape of the man.
5. His joy.

[mortensenegbert]

Some beautiful unsung classics this man put out. He should be better-known.

[otiss]

Today, I learned who Mr.Billy Stewart was and what he represented and stood for while watching public broadcasting television and listened to one of his many songs SUMMERTIME moments ago right here. So honored to have learned from this musical genius and giant in the music industry!! Thank you Sir for your many contributions to us all and to our culture! One Love.❤

[sheilapalmer]

He was so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so magnificent

[ronaldzent]

Summer of '66, what an incredible year for music, I was 13 that year

[stephengilliss]

THE BEST VERSION OF THIS SONG EVER. PERIOD.

[r.herreraart]

Great all time Summer Song by the great Mr. Billy Stewart 🌹 Thxs 🌞

[kostabakalas]

By far his is the best version and one that everyone remembers when the word summertime is mentioned. Love it!!

[mausolos]

I have an original 45 record of this song by Billy Stewart. I bought it more than a half century ago. Time flies.

[arlettepowers]

The genius that was Billy Stewart!!  The best rendition of "Summertime" ever recorded!!

[nickydd]

This is how it's done!
The GREAT Billy Stewart!
What a great singer!

[markgillum]

Gone too soon. This rendition just stays with you forever. RIP, Billy Stewart.

[arlettepowers]

The one and only Billy Stewart with his incomparable version of   "Summertime" !!   One ofthe very best scat singers of all time.  This is the best version of "Summertime" ever recorded!  Billy songs will remain with us forever.  Thank You Billy  for being on this planet !!

[kenowen]

Love this man! His version of Summertime is a masterpiece!

[kingeliii]

It doesn't matter what got me here, all that matters is that I got to enjoy the best music era ever. This was so magical every artist had their own style, they didn't try to look or sound like anybody else, unlike today. Thank you God for allowing this man to share his gift with this world in which I live.

[youmakemelaugh]

When this song came out around 67, it was fantastic as it still is. Such a tallent, yet so little exposure to the public. My opinion, I rate Billy Stewart with the Best in any generation.

[edzaslow]

His three hits on the Pop Charts are "Summertime", "I Do Love You" and "Sitting in the Park."  A rare talent.  He is missed.  RIP