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).
Memories of You
Ben Webster Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every sunset too
Seems to be bringing me
Memories of you
Here and there, everywhere
Scenes that we once knew
And they all just recall
How I wish, I could forget those
Those happy yesteryears
That have left a rosary of tears
Your face beams in my dreams
'Spite of all I do
Everything seems to bring
Memories of you
And your face beams in my dreams
'Spite of all I do
Everything seems to bring
Memories, just memories of you
The song Memories of you, is a classic composition, with deep and thought-provoking lyrics that reflect a longing for a past love. The lyrics begin with the singer describing how, no matter when they look up, whether it is during the colorful sunrise or after an adventurous sunset, all they can seem to feel are the memories of their past lover. The singer goes on to reflect on how their love seems to be present in all that they see, as all the scenes that they come across remind the singer of their once-shared moments with their past love. The singer's longing for their love remains, as they recall those happy yesteryears that have left a rosary of tears. Even in their dreams, the singer cannot escape the image of their lover's face, with everything seeming to bring memories, just memories of their past love.
The song "Memories of you" has been known to have several interpretations, some as a reflection of a long-term relationship, while others interpret it as a tribute to a lost loved one. This song has also been covered by several artists, including Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday. It has also been a favorite of jazz musicians, with it being performed in countless jazz festivals and events worldwide.
Line by Line Meaning
Waking skies at sunrise
As the sun rises in the morning, I am reminded of you.
Every sunset too
Every evening as the sun sets, I am reminded of you.
Seems to be bringing me
These moments in time are bringing me back to thoughts of you.
Memories of you
My mind is filled with memories of you and our time together.
Here and there, everywhere
I am reminded of you no matter where I go or what I do.
Scenes that we once knew
The places and experiences we shared are vividly remembered.
And they all just recall
All of these things bring back memories of our time together.
How I wish, I could forget those
I wish I could forget the happy times we shared together.
Those happy yesteryears
The memories I have are from a time of great happiness.
That have left a rosary of tears
These memories now make me teary-eyed and sad.
Your face beams in my dreams
Even in my dreams, I see your face.
'Spite of all I do
No matter how hard I try, I cannot escape these memories.
Everything seems to bring
Every little thing in life reminds me of you.
Memories of you
All I have left are memories of you, and they seem to be all around me.
And your face beams in my dreams
Even as I sleep, your image remains strong in my mind.
'Spite of all I do
No matter what I try, I cannot forget you.
Everything seems to bring
Every experience in life seems to be a trigger for thoughts of you.
Memories, just memories of you
All that remains are the memories of our time together.
Lyrics © SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC., BMG Rights Management, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Andy Razaf, Eubie Blake
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@johnwhitehead3360
Privileged to see Ben several times in the UK - a true master
@theactualnoblesisslefamily4491
One of Eubie Blake's greatest compositions. Lyrics by the fabulous Andy Razaf who also teamed up with Fats Waller and gave us "Honeysuckle Rose." Ben Webster was a master on tenor.!
@songanddanceman100
They used this on MAD MEN? Great! In what context? I love it when current TV shows and even video games help bring the music to new listeners. They're like the new radio to people.
@danielalpin967
it's the end of a boozy party and one couple are slow dancing after getting a bit drunk and probably being a bit regretful
@EleazarOctavioRuizSpreafico
Memories of you + I surrender dear... Ben is an absolute master!!!
@guentifree
great track love it
@paulostroff99
One of the "All time greatest sax players" TY hellufagun for posting.
@joediaz117
What a master playing this wonderful instrument a thru genius
@TAJMUSIC81
I don't feel bad knowing that I got introduced to this song by Mad Men after reading these comments. This song is so beautiful.
@faustinkibaboukibamba9844
This song is so beautiful ... !!!.