Essential

Billy Stewart (1937-70) was one of the most unique performers in the Golden Age of American Soul. Originally from the D.C. area, Billy performed with the likes of Marvin Gaye and Don Covay in his teen years, and was brought the Chess Records by Bo Diddley after he played piano for him at a show. In 1965-66 Billy's records were red hot. He landed four Top 40 hits, the biggest being his version of the standard Summertime which sounds like nothing else! Billy's records were made using the cream of Chess' crop of producers, arrangers and musicians. Compiled by soul maestro Billy Vera, this is the most comprehensive collection of Billy's recordings in the market.