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).
That's All
Ben Webster Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And a promise to be near each time you call
And the only heart I own
For you and you alone
That's all, that's all
I can only give you country walks in springtime
And a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall
Will warm the winter night
That's all, that's all
There are those, I am sure, that have told you
They would give you the world for a toy
All I have are these arms to enfold you
And a love time can never destroy
If you're wondering what I'm asking in return, dear
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small
Say it's me that you'll adore
For now and ever more
That's all, that's all
If you're wondering what I'm asking in return, dear
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small
Say it's me that you'll adore
For now and ever more
That's all, that's all
The lyrics to Ben Webster's song "That's All" are written as a kind of love letter from the singer to their beloved. The singer acknowledges that they cannot give material possessions or the world itself, but that they can offer unwavering love and devotion. The simple promise to always be there when needed is a strong sentiment, and the singer reiterates that their heart belongs solely to the one they love.
The second verse adds more visual, sensory imagery to the message. The singer paints a picture of walking through the countryside in spring and holding hands as autumn leaves fall. They promise a love that will keep their beloved warm even during the coldest of winter nights.
The song references the all-too-common situation of people making grand promises to their loved ones that they can't possibly fulfill. The singer acknowledges that there are those who might make extravagant offers of wealth or power, but they offer only themselves and the promise of a love that can never be destroyed.
Ultimately, the singer asks for very little in return - only for their beloved to love them in turn, now and forever. The simplicity of the lyrics is striking and speaks to the power of pure, honest love.
Line by Line Meaning
I can only give you love that lasts forever
I am limited in what I can offer you, but what I can give is a love that will endure and remain faithful for always.
And a promise to be near each time you call
When you need me, I will be there for you. I promise to never be too far to lend you a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on.
And the only heart I own
Of all the people in the world, I have chosen you to be the one who holds my heart. It belongs to you and only you.
For you and you alone
My love is exclusive to you. You are the only one who has captured my heart and affection.
That's all, that's all
That is the extent of what I can offer you. Though it may not be much, it is all I have to give.
I can only give you country walks in springtime
I cannot offer you extravagant things, but I can offer you simple pleasures, like walking through the countryside during a season of rebirth and rejuvenation.
And a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall
As the year passes, and the leaves begin to fall, I vow to be there by your side, holding your hand and making sure you are not alone.
And a love whose burning light
My love for you is bright and ardent. It burns within me, filling me with passion and devotion.
Will warm the winter night
Even in the darkest and coldest nights, my love will provide you with warmth and comfort.
There are those, I am sure, that have told you
You may have heard from others who promise you the world, but I am not one of those people. My promises are honest and sincere.
They would give you the world for a toy
Some individuals may promise you grandiose things on a whim, without much thought behind their actions. They do this easily, treating promises as if they are insignificant.
All I have are these arms to enfold you
I am lacking in belongings and flashy items, but I do have a pair of arms that can hold and protect you as you need.
And a love time can never destroy
My love for you will never falter, no matter how much time passes. It is steadfast and won't be weakened by time or distance.
If you're wondering what I'm asking in return, dear
If you are questioning what I expect from our relationship in return, I will tell you honestly and openly.
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small
I don't expect much from you in this relationship. I am content with the love that we share and don't ask for extravagance.
Say it's me that you'll adore
All that I ask is that you love me in return, and that it is me who holds and captures your affection.
For now and evermore
I hope to be the one you love, not just for now, but for all time.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sentric Music, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Alan E. Brandt, Bob Haymes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@zcdel9192
Best version of this classic song. A free ticket to a golden past.
@philpryor7524
When parts of the old memories suggest things were very good, better, more peaceful, here is a song, a performance of great beauty, to soothe us. Ah, Ben.
@glynsmith4590
One benefit of old age - I lived through this era! What a privilege!!!
@danielleiva7312
Wow was looking for this!!! 2023 merry Christmas ya'll 🎉🎉🎉
@johnsnooks1874
Music is a transportation time machine..Wow.
@alanblackwood1
Unmistakable Ben Webster. Beautiful.
@lowellthomasjr.468
This is PURE BEAUTY !
@janberings7743
That’s All and the best of ALL
@brucekuehn4031
I believe that this is a bonus track from the 1953 recording King of the Tenors. We also hear Ray Brown on bass and Sweets Edison on trumpet.
@pchsmith2002
Nice melody - great artistry!