“Sitting in the Park” (Billy Stewart)

Today’s classic song of the day is “Sitting in the Park,” the second big hit for R&B singer Billy Stewart. This track, written by Mr. Stewart, was released in June of 1965 and peaked at #24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #4 on the R&B chart.

“Sitting in the Park is a sweet soul song. It’s got a loping mid-tempo groove and the lyrics talk about sitting on a bench in a park waiting for his lover, who he doubts will actually show up:

Sitting here on the bench
With my back against the fence
Wondering if I have any sense

Something tells me I’m a fool
To let you treat me so cruel
But nevertheless, I say again
You got me waiting

You might remember Billy Stewart for his unique vocal stylings. He scatted a lot, rapidly repeated words, and trilled sounds with his lips (“brrrrrrrrrp”). Born in 1937, he got his start singing church music then transitioned to secular soul music in his late teens. He got a recording contract with Chess Records, which led to a string of hits in the mid-60s: “I Do Love You” (#26 in 1965), a unique version of the Gershwins’ “Summertime” (#10 in 1966), “Secret Love” (#29 in 1967), and today’s classic song, “Sitting in the Park.”

Billy Stewart was a large man, weight-wise, which led to him developing diabetes. He died in a car crash in 1970; the brand-new Ford Thunderbird he was driving plunged off a bridge near Smithfield, North Carolina, killing Stewart and three members of his band. He was just 32 years old.