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).
Just a
Ben Webster Lyrics
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Just friends, but not like before
To think of what we've been and not to kiss again
Seems like pretending it isn't the ending
Two friends drifting apart
Two friends, but one broken heart
We loved, we laughed, we cried, and suddenly love died
These lyrics to Ben Webster's song "Just Friends" describe a relationship that used to be romantic, but has now come to an end. The two people involved are now just friends, but it's not the same as before. The singer reflects on the past and realizes that it's difficult to imagine not kissing again, but they know deep down that the relationship is over. The two of them are now drifting apart, one of them with a broken heart. They had a deep connection, but suddenly it ended.
There are a few different interpretations of these lyrics, but one common reading is that it's a breakup song. The two people involved were once in love, but something changed and they're no longer romantically involved. They're trying to come to terms with this new reality and figure out how to navigate their relationship as just friends. The singer recognizes that it's not going to be easy, but they have to accept that the love they once shared has died.
Overall, these lyrics are bittersweet and poignant. They capture the complicated emotions that come with the end of a relationship and the uncertainty that comes with staying friends after a breakup.
Line by Line Meaning
Just friends, lovers no more
We were once romantically involved, but now we are simply friends without any love between us.
Just friends, but not like before
We maintain a friendship, but it's not the same as when we were involved romantically.
To think of what we've been and not to kiss again
It's difficult to reflect on our past romantic relationship and not want to kiss again, but we know it's over now.
Seems like pretending it isn't the ending
Trying to act like our friendship is the same as it was when we were together is like pretending our romantic relationship never ended.
Two friends drifting apart
Our friendship is slowly fading away.
Two friends, but one broken heart
We may both be friends now, but one of us is still hurting from the end of our romance.
We loved, we laughed, we cried, and suddenly love died
We experienced many emotions together while in love, but our relationship ended suddenly without warning.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JOHN KLENNER, SAM M. LEWIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind