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).
I Can't Get Started
Ben Webster Lyrics
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I've settled revolutions in Spain
And the North Pole I have charted
Still I can't get started with you
On the golf course, I'm under par
Metro Goldwyn have asked me to star
I've got a house, a showplace
Still I can't get no place with you
Lyrics I write of you, I dream
Dream day and night of you
And I scheme just for the sight of you
Baby, what good does it do?
I've been consulted by Franklin D
Greta Garbo has had me to tea
Still I'm broken-hearted
Cause I can't get started with you
Ben Webster's song "I Can't Get Started" is a love song that follows the singer's longing for someone he's fascinated with. The first verse sets the scene by describing the singer's impressive accomplishments, which would usually attract attention and admiration. However, none of these things seem to matter because he still can't get the person he desires to notice him. The second verse amplifies this feeling of frustration by saying that he's famous and wealthy, yet all of that means nothing if he can't have the person he wants.
The singer speaks about his love interest being 'supreme', implying an idealisation of her. He confesses to dreaming about her lyrics and scheming to see her. This reveals that the singer is not only captivated by her appearance but also by her creative abilities. These preoccupations with her as a supreme being suggest insecurity on the singer's part, where he feels he is not worthy of the person he longs for.
The final verse reinforces the theme of heartbreak and disappointment through some name-dropping. The mention of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Greta Garbo heightens the sense that the singer is significant but still unfulfilled without the person he loves. The phrase "Heartbroken' emphasizes his failure to obtain his desire, a sense that the previous verses were hinting at.
Overall, the song expresses the frustration and heartbreak of an unrequited passion, highlighting the emotions that follow global fame and professional success, still leaving that private void within.
Line by Line Meaning
I've flown around the world in a plane
I have traveled extensively and have seen many things.
I've settled revolutions in Spain
I have been involved in major historical events and have contributed to change and progress.
And the North Pole I have charted
I have gone to great lengths to explore and discover new things.
Still I can't get started with you
Despite my accomplishments, I am unable to engage with you in a meaningful way.
On the golf course, I'm under par
I am highly skilled in many areas, even in leisure activities like golf.
Metro Goldwyn have asked me to star
I have been recognized for my talents and offered opportunities to perform at the highest levels.
I've got a house, a showplace
I have achieved material success and live in a beautiful home.
Still I can't get no place with you
Despite my external possessions, I cannot connect with you on a deeper level.
Cause you're so supreme
You are so exceptional that I am unable to impress or affect you in any way.
Lyrics I write of you, I dream
You are constantly on my mind and inspire me to create art that reflects my feelings towards you.
Dream day and night of you
I think about you constantly, even in my subconscious state.
And I scheme just for the sight of you
I go to great lengths to try to catch a glimpse of you, even if just for a moment.
Baby, what good does it do?
Despite my efforts, I feel hopeless and discouraged because it seems like there's no chance for me to connect with you.
I've been consulted by Franklin D
I have received recognition and respect from important figures, such as former US president Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Greta Garbo has had me to tea
Even celebrities, like Greta Garbo, have taken an interest in me and invited me into their homes.
Still I'm broken-hearted
Despite my success and recognition, I am deeply unhappy and unfulfilled without you.
Cause I can't get started with you
The main reason for my unhappiness is my inability to connect with you and make progress in our relationship.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: IRA GERSHWIN, VERNON DUKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind