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).
Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me
Ben Webster Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But they wouldn't hurt you, not much
Since everyone spread the story
With his own little personal touch
Do nothin' till you hear from me
Pay no attention to what's said
Why people tear the seam of anyone's dream
Do nothin' till you hear from me
At least consider our romance
If you should take the word of others you've heard
I haven't a chance
True I've been seen with someone new
But does that mean that I'm untrue
When we're apart the words in my heart
Reveal how I feel about you
Some kiss may cloud my memory
And other arms may hold a thrill
But please do nothin' till you hear it from me
And you never will
Do nothin' till you hear from me
Do nothin' till you hear from me
Pay no attention to what's said
Why people tear the seam of anyone's dream
Is over my head
Do nothin' till you hear from me
At least consider our romance
If you should take the word of others you've heard
I haven't a chance
True I've been seen with someone new
But does that mean that I'm untrue
When we're apart the words in my heart
Reveal how I feel about you
Some kiss may cloud my memory
And other arms may hold a thrill
But please do nothin' till you hear it from me
And you never will
The lyrics of Ben Webster's song "Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me" are a warning to the listener to pay no attention to rumors and gossip about the singer's romantic affairs. The song is a plea for trust and understanding from the singer's lover, as he tries to dispel any doubts that may have arisen from seeing him with someone new. The lyrics suggest that rumors and hearsay can be damaging to a relationship, and that patience and communication are key to overcoming such obstacles.
The first stanza sets the scene by acknowledging the spread of rumors about the singer's behavior, but also suggesting that these rumors may not be entirely accurate. The second stanza is a direct plea to the listener to wait to hear from the singer before taking action or believing what they hear from others. The third stanza acknowledges the possibility that the singer may have been seen with someone new, but insists that this does not mean he is untrue to his lover. The refrain throughout the song is a call to action: "Do nothin' till you hear from me."
Overall, the song speaks to the difficulties that can arise when rumors and gossip are allowed to circulate unchecked. It suggests that trust and communication are essential in any relationship, and that impulsive reactions based on hearsay can be damaging. Through its smooth melody and heartfelt lyrics, "Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me" reminds us all of the importance of patience and understanding in matters of the heart.
Line by Line Meaning
Someone told someone and someone told you
There may have been a rumor going around about me, but it has likely been twisted and embellished by the time it reached you.
But they wouldn't hurt you, not much
Although people like to gossip, the things they say are unlikely to cause you any real harm.
Since everyone spread the story with his own little personal touch
Each person who heard the rumor likely added their own spin on it before passing it on to the next person.
Do nothin' till you hear from me
Don't make any assumptions or take any action until you've heard the truth directly from me.
Pay no attention to what's said
Don't let rumors or gossip sway your opinion or feelings towards me.
Why people tear the seam of anyone's dream is over my head
I don't understand why people feel the need to damage or ruin the hopes and aspirations of others.
At least consider our romance
Please don't let any rumors you hear ruin the special bond we share.
If you should take the word of others you've heard, I haven't a chance
If you choose to believe rumors and hearsay without hearing the truth from me, our relationship won't stand a chance.
True I've been seen with someone new, but does that mean that I'm untrue
It's true that I've been spending time with someone else, but that doesn't necessarily mean that I'm being unfaithful or dishonest.
When we're apart the words in my heart reveal how I feel about you
When we're not together, I still think about you and have strong feelings for you.
Some kiss may cloud my memory, and other arms may hold a thrill
While I may have had other romantic experiences, they don't change the fact that I care deeply for you and want our relationship to work.
But please do nothin' till you hear it from me, and you never will
Until you've heard the truth directly from me, please don't believe any rumors or gossip you may hear about me - and you never will hear anything but the truth directly from me.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON, BOB RUSSELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jytteganer681
ITS lovely Ben Webster super wonderfull
@DebbSaxx1
This is SO Ben --- really puts his soul through his horn. :-) --Debb Saxx
@old_rare_vinyl_collector5035
🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷