Mr. Easy
Released 1960
Belvin's performances work seamlessly with the sharp accompaniment of horns and a full orchestra. His ice-smooth jazz vocals are highlighted from classics ballads like "Imagination" and "In the Still of the Night" to the spunky "The Best is Yet to Come" and "Makin' Whoopee!" Even though Belvin was a successful songwriter on his own, penning the huge seller "Earth Angel," he chose standards by Cole Porter and Bo Diddley among others on this recording to showcase his dynamic vocal ability. Think of him as a soulful Frank Sinatra.
Sadly, Jesse Belvin never heard Mr. Easy as he died tragically at 27 in a car accident reportedly caused by race-based foul play. You need to have this recording in your ears not only for its musical merit, but also as an important reference in modern music history.
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