![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxOQDSlPMfudwA5Z4_1FaIDYzyWUsKb84xAs873VlVwoDLk1LQ1hdr8LLC5cr4uovK4sgSS8KWp_KAlzWJ8BtN13nsXm6lBAE2Oz2s9uvWa81zh9RrzyNixcROjUnQj-HToMd/s1600/eckstine.jpg)
In a segment marking the centennial, National Public Radio called him "a crooner who crossed barriers."
"Billy Eckstine was smooth as silk. He was tall and handsome, sported a pencil-thin mustache and sang in a distinctive baritone," remarked NPR's Tom Vitale.
In honor of the day, here is Eckstine with Nat King Cole performing "Rosetta":
Hat-tip: 100 Years Ago Today at Twitter (curated by yours truly)