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).
Trav'lin' Light
Ben Webster Lyrics
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Because my man has gone
So from now on
I'm trav'lin' light
He said goodbye
And took my heart away
So from today
I'm trav'lin' light
No one to see
I'm free as the breese
No one but me
And my menories
Some lucky night
He may come back again
So until then
I'm trav'lin' light
No one to see
I'm free as the breese
No one but me
And my menories
Some lucky night
He may come back again
So until then
I'm trav'lin' light
The lyrics of "Trav'lin' Light" by Ben Webster describe the feeling of lightness and freedom that comes after a breakup. When the man with whom the singer was in love left her, he took her heart with him, leaving her feeling empty and alone. But rather than wallow in misery, she decides to travel light, both emotionally and physically. She's free to do as she pleases, without anyone holding her back.
The singer cherishes her memories of her time with her man, but she's also realistic about the situation. She knows that he may never come back, so she chooses to live in the moment and enjoy her newfound independence. The lyrics capture the bittersweetness of a breakup: the pain of losing someone you care about, but also the hope and excitement that the future holds.
Overall, "Trav'lin' Light" is a moving song about the aftermath of a breakup. It celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the power of moving on.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm trav'lin' light
I am traveling with minimal possessions.
Because my man has gone
My lover has left me and I am alone.
So from now on
From this moment forward.
I'm trav'lin' light
I will continue to travel with minimal possessions.
He said goodbye
My lover said farewell.
And took my heart away
He has taken my heart and love with him.
So from today
Starting today.
I'm trav'lin' light
I am committed to traveling with minimal possessions.
No one to see
I am alone with no one around.
I'm free as the breese
I am unencumbered and unrestricted, like the wind.
No one but me
There is nobody with me except for myself.
And my menories
Only my memories keep me company.
Some lucky night
Perhaps one fortunate evening.
He may come back again
My lover may return to me someday.
So until then
Until that time arrives.
I'm trav'lin' light
I will remain committed to traveling with minimal possessions.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JIMMY MUNDY, JOHNNY MERCER, TRUMMY YOUNG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind