Billy Daniels, born William Boone Daniels on September 12, 1915, in Jacksonville, Florida, began his singing career in New York City after moving there to attend Columbia University. His early performances at Dickie Wells club led to his discovery by bandleader Erskine Hawkins. Daniels' breakthrough came with the recording of "That Old Black Magic" in 1950, which became a hit. He released several albums throughout his career, including You Go to My Head (1952) and Love Me Or Leave Me (1954). Daniels also starred in The Billy Daniels Show, the first sponsored network television series featuring an African-American performer. He performed on Broadway and toured internationally. Daniels received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1977. He passed away on October 7, 1988, at the age of 73.
