From Washington DC, Stewart got his start singing gospel with his mother as a teen. He eventually got into secular music by performing in the Rainbows, which also featured soul legend Don Covay. After crossing paths and working with Bo Diddley and Marvin Gaye, Stewart was eventually signed to Chicago's Chess records empire and cut a series of wonderful records with genius producer Billy Davis (although this one was produced by Chicago/ Gary, IN legend Gene Barge).
Stewart was a very large man with a very unique vocal style and had a number of songs cross over into the pop charts, the biggest of which was his outrageous version of "Summertime".
His life was cut short in 1970, shortly before his 33rd birthday in an automobile accident while on tour.
It's a rainy day in northern California, and this song sounds absolutely sublime.
from 1968...
BILLY STEWART - WHAT HAVE I DONE
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