Sixties Saturday: Still Seein' the Light

Let's spend another Saturday in the 1960s with a few more interpretations of Duke Ellington's classic, I'm Beginning to See the Light.

Billy Meets Billy

First up is Mr. B himself, Billy Eckstine, from his 1960 Roulette album Once More with Feeling:

A smooth, midtempo groove with first-class backing from Billy May.

Brass, Swing, and Sinatra

Next, Frank Sinatra gives it a whirl on this selection from his 1962 Reprise album Sinatra and Swingin' Brass:

The swingin' brass in question comes courtesy of Neal Hefti, whose sparkling arrangement gives Frank plenty of room to play.

Billy May, Take Two

Billy May returns for another crack at the tune, this time backing Bobby Darin:

That's from Bobby's 1962 album Oh! Look at Me Now, his first LP for Capitol. It's a winner from start to finish, and he sounds right at home with Billy's energetic charts.

An All-Star Meeting

Ella Fitzgerald returned to the song in 1963, this time joined by Count Basie on the aptly titled Verve album Ella and Basie:

Ella backed by Basie, with arrangements by Quincy Jones? That's the kind of lineup that practically guarantees success!

Full Circle with Kitty

We'll close with a true full-circle moment. Kitty Kallen, whose vocal helped make the Harry James version a hit back in 1945, revisited the song on her 1963 RCA Victor album Kitty Kallen's My Coloring Book and Her Other Great Hits:

Kitty leans a little more into the jazz side of the tune here, and Ray Ellis' arrangement supports her beautifully.

The Light Shines On

Great singers, great arrangers, and a great song proving its versatility yet again. From Mr. B's relaxed swing to Kitty's return visit, I'm Beginning to See the Light continued to shine brightly throughout the 1960s.

We can still see it!