Eckstine family says 'son' is imposter

Published: Jan. 14, 2007 at 6:45 PM

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- The family of the late U.S. jazz singer Billy Eckstine is set to begin legal proceedings against a man claiming to be his son and performing under that moniker.

The Las Vegas Review Journal reported that the man, identified as Freddie House by Eckstine's family, will likely face legal problems for allegedly claiming to be the "My Foolish Heart" singer's son at a series of performances.

Guy Eckstine, one of the jazz great's sons, said the family had been upset over the alleged imposter, but only decided to take legal action after the man performed his act at a recent tribute for blues singer Ruth Brown.

While currently in Atlantic City, N.J., for a series of shows, House has maintained his paternity claim is true and even agreed to undergo a DNA test to prove his heritage.

The newspaper said Guy Eckstine, whose brother Ed is the president of Mercury Records, warned House last week that he would soon have his day in court.

"You've got serious legal problems coming your way," he told the alleged imposter.

© 2007 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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