"It was my band. I organized the band and Dizzy was in the band. Dizzy was the first musical director with the band. Charlie Parker was in the band. But, no, no, that was my band"

In this quote, Billy Eckstine reveals a sense of ownership and pride concerning a band he arranged, highlighting his function as the band's founder and leader. The mention of popular jazz artists such as Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker shows the caliber and significance of the band. Eckstine's assertion, "It was my band," highlights his essential function in putting together and guiding the ensemble, recommending that he was not simply a participant however the driving force behind its development and direction.

Eckstine's reference to Dizzy Gillespie as the "very first musical director" of the band communicates a sense of partnership. Although he acknowledges Gillespie's prominent function, he stresses that the band's origin and vision were rooted in his own initiative. This delineation of functions clarifies the hierarchy within the band and asserts Eckstine's supreme authority and obligation for its existence and trajectory.

Mentioning Charlie Parker along with Dizzy Gillespie is significant due to the fact that both are renowned figures in the development of bebop, a jazz subgenre characterized by complicated tunes and rhythms. Eckstine's band functioned as a breeding place for this advanced music design, and having such well-regarded members substantially raises the band's status in the record of jazz history.

By constantly repeating "that was my band," Eckstine reaffirms his management and the critical nature of his contribution. This repeating likely serves as a counter to any misconceptions or narratives that may downplay his role. It's possible that such misunderstandings may have arisen from the substantial specific successes of Gillespie and Parker, possibly overshadowing Eckstine's preliminary efforts and vision.

Overall, this quote shows a deep pride in and connection to a formative musical undertaking, asserting Eckstine's central location in its development while acknowledging the collaborative nature of its success. His words catch the essence of ownership, innovative vision, and enduring tradition within the jazz scene.