Ben Webster, a.k.a. "The Brute" or "Frog", was considered one of the three most important "swing tenors" along with Coleman Hawkins (his main influence) and Lester Young. Known affectionately as "The Brute", he had a tough, raspy, and brutal tone on stomps (with his own distinctive growls), yet on ballads he played with warmth and sentiment. Stylistically he was also indebted to alto star Johnny Hodges, who, he said, taught him to play his instrument.
Webster learned to play piano and violin at an early age, before learning to play the saxophone. Once Budd Johnson showed him some basics on the saxophone, Webster began to play that instrument in the Young Family Band (which at the time included Lester Young). Webster spent time with quite a few orchestras in the 1930s (including Andy Kirk, Fletcher Henderson in 1934, Benny Carter, Willie Bryant, Cab Calloway, and the short-lived Teddy Wilson big band).
In 1940 Ben Webster became the first major tenor soloist of Duke Ellington's orchestra. During the next three years he was on many famous recordings, including "Cotton Tail" and "All Too Soon." After three productive years of playing with Ellington, Webster left the band in an angry altercation, during which he cut up one of Ellington's suits. After leaving Ellington in 1943, Webster worked on 52nd Street in New York City; recorded frequently as both a leader and a sideman; had short periods with Raymond Scott, John Kirby, and Sid Catlett; and toured with Jazz at the Philharmonic during several seasons in the 1950s.
Webster recorded a classic set with pianist Art Tatum and generally worked steadily, but in 1964 he moved permanently to join other American jazz musicians in Copenhagen, Denmark where he played when he pleased during his last decade. Although not all that flexible, Webster could swing with the best, and his tone was a later influence on such diverse players as Archie Shepp, Lew Tabackin, Scott Hamilton, David Murray, and Bennie Wallace. In 1971 Webster reunited with Duke Ellington and his big band for a couple of shows at the Tivoli Gardens in Denmark
Ben Webster died in Amsterdam, The Netherlands in 1973 and was interred in the Assistens Kirkegård in the Nørrebro section of Copenhagen.
After Webster's death, Billy Moore Jr. created The Ben Webster Foundation, together with the trustee of Webster's estate. Since Webster's only legal heir, Harley Robinson in Los Angeles, gladly assigned his rights to the foundation, The Ben Webster Foundation was confirmed by The Queen of Denmark's Seal in 1976. In the Foundation's trust deed, one of the initial paragraphs reads: "to support the dissemination of jazz in Denmark".
It is a beneficial Foundation, which channels Webster's annual royalties to musicians, both in Denmark and the U.S. An annual Ben Webster Prize is awarded to a young outstanding musician. The prize is not large, but considered highly prestigious. Over the years, several American musicians have visited Denmark with the help of the Foundation, and concerts, a few recordings, and other jazz-related events have been supported.
Webster's private collection of jazz recordings and memorabilia is archived in the jazz collections at the University Library of Southern Denmark, Odense.
Ben Webster has a street named after him in southern Copenhagen, "Ben Websters Vej" (Ben Webster's Street).
C Jam Blues
Ben Webster Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wildest box in town is Duke's place
Love that piano sound in Duke's place
Saxes do their tricks in Duke's place
Fellas swing their chicks in Duke's place
Come on, get your kicks in Duke's place
You find yourself a seat, and when you want to eat
You fill your cup chock full of dreams and drink it up
You're jetting along with your girlie
It's after three o'clock, but, baby, it's still early
If you've never been to Duke's place
Take your tootsies into Duke's place
Life is in a spin in Duke's place
The song "C Jam Blues" by Ben Webster is an ode to the joys of Duke's Place, a well-known jazz club that was a favorite among musicians during the Harlem Renaissance. The lyrics describe the wild, exciting atmosphere of the club, where the piano sound is loved, saxes do their tricks, and fellas swing their chicks. The song suggests that there is something truly special about Duke's Place, a place where people can let loose and enjoy themselves.
The lyrics of the song also describe the experience of being at Duke's Place. The song suggests that when you go to Duke's Place, you fill your cup chock full of dreams and drink it up. The experience is exhilarating and full of adventure. The song notes that it's after three o'clock, but it's still early, which suggests that the party at Duke's Place never stops. The song ends by encouraging everyone to visit Duke's Place: "If you've never been to Duke's place, take your tootsies into Duke's place. Life is in a spin in Duke's place."
Overall, the song "C Jam Blues" by Ben Webster is a celebration of Duke's Place and the joyous atmosphere of the jazz club. It encourages people to let loose, have fun, and enjoy the music.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby, take me down to Duke's place
Requesting to go to Duke's place
Wildest box in town is Duke's place
Duke's place is known for being the wildest venue in the town
Love that piano sound in Duke's place
The sound of the piano played in Duke's place is admired
Saxes do their tricks in Duke's place
The performance of saxophones in Duke's place is appreciated
Fellas swing their chicks in Duke's place
Men are dancing with their partners in Duke's place
Come on, get your kicks in Duke's place
Invitation to enjoy oneself in Duke's place
You find yourself a seat, and when you want to eat
Upon arriving at Duke's place, one can find a place to sit and eat
You look around and yell waiter
To call the waitstaff, one would have to look around and call out for them
You fill your cup chock full of dreams and drink it up
Metaphorically, one can fill themselves with hopes and aspirations at Duke's place
You're jetting along with your girlie
You are enjoying the night with your date
It's after three o'clock, but, baby, it's still early
Although the time is past three in the morning, it's still considered early at Duke's place
If you've never been to Duke's place
For those who've never been to Duke's place
Take your tootsies into Duke's place
Come and see for yourself by going to Duke's place
Life is in a spin in Duke's place
Life can be full of excitement in Duke's place
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Duke Ellington
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@toddjohnson5504
This song always makes me feel cool. I only wish I was half as cool as the song!
@vipermad358
Intelligent life-forms see this and decide to let humans live for another century. Planet Earth thanks you for your service, Mr. Webster, Mr. Jones et al.
@rmoraespinto
A great lesson for all jazz & blues musicians!
@yolainesene8691
Thank you
@trmoody36
MY FAVORITE...Ben Webster
@philipnestor5034
And...the great Jo Jones on drums!
@wanawara111
От фано можно сойти с ума. , я уже не говорю про Бена!!!!!!!
@JAZZCLASSIQUE
a real "all-stars" !
@ethanlander4252
Ah listen to ben wail... love me some Ben Webster
@robertimpallomeni3767
love Ben's hat. oh, his playing? Outrageous.