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).
When I Fall In Love
Ben Webster Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Maybe I am living in the past
But when I meet the right one
I know that I'll be true
My first love will be the last
When I fall in love it will be forever
Or I'll never fall in love
Love is ended before it began
And too many moonlight kisses
Seem to cool in the warmth of the sun
When I give my heart it will be completely
Or I'll never, never, never give my heart
And the moment I can feel that you feel that way too
Is when I give my heart to you
The lyrics to Ben Webster's song When I Fall in Love speak to the singer's desire for a love that is pure, true, and everlasting. He acknowledges that his views may be considered old-fashioned in today's society, but he remains steadfast in his belief that when he meets the right person, he will be faithful and committed to them for life. The song also touches on the idea that love can be fleeting in the modern world and that many relationships end before they even have a chance to begin. The singer recognizes the challenges of finding love that lasts, but he remains hopeful that it is still possible.
The song's timeless message has resonated with audiences for decades, and its simple, yet powerful lyrics have been interpreted by many artists over the years. Its theme of true love being eternal has been a source of comfort and inspiration to listeners of all ages and backgrounds. The song's slow, soulful melody perfectly complements the lyrics, creating a heartfelt and emotional listening experience.
Overall, When I Fall in Love is a song that speaks to the universal desire for a love that is pure, true, and enduring. It reminds us that even in a world that can be chaotic and unpredictable, there is a hope and beauty in finding that one special person who we can share our lives with.
Line by Line Meaning
Maybe I'm old fashioned, feeling as I do
Although it might seem outdated to some, I have a particular sentimentality that guides my emotions.
Maybe I am living in the past
It's possible that I am out of touch with the current times and culture.
But when I meet the right one
Despite my old-fashioned ways, I know that when I find my soulmate, it will be a profound experience.
I know that I'll be true
I am confident that I will remain loyal and devoted to this person, as they are my destined love.
My first love will be the last
The person I fall in love with will be the only one for me, the first and the last.
When I fall in love it will be forever
Once I find the right person, my love for them will be enduring and unending.
Or I'll never fall in love
If I cannot find someone to share a forever love with, then perhaps I'll never fall in love at all.
In a restless world like this is
The world is fast-paced and constantly changing, which makes it difficult to cultivate lasting romance.
Love is ended before it began
Many relationships fail to grow because they end prematurely, without the chance to truly begin in earnest.
And too many moonlight kisses
Fleeting moments of passion and indulgence, such as romantic kisses under moonlight, are not enough to sustain a lasting bond.
Seem to cool in the warmth of the sun
Just as the warmth of the sun can dissolve the coolness of the night, temporary romantic notions melt away in the face of reality.
When I give my heart it will be completely
If I am to entrust my heart to someone, I will give it with full sincerity and without reservation.
Or I'll never, never, never give my heart
If I can't find a love that is true and solid enough to warrant it, then I will never give my heart to anyone.
And the moment I can feel that you feel that way too
The instant that I sense that you reciprocate my undying love, I will know that we are meant to be together.
Is when I give my heart to you
At that moment, I will be ready and willing to give you my heart completely, and we will be united forevermore.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Edward Heyman, Victor Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Phil Pryor
Imagine having that moment of nearness and love, when someone says Yes, I want to be with you and share these beautiful moments; Such a time would demand Ben and his dear colleagues to play this song, this way, with this level of beauty. Priceless, timeless, flawless.
Stephen Monyane
You got right Phil👍
Donna Silva
Phil Pryor so right Phil.
Ruben Greenberg
The pianist must be Jimmy Jones. There is Ben's incredible lyricism, but also his sense of form. He was the master of the theme and variations sense of form. Every note is where it should be and there is not one note too many.
SR SR
Love this rendition so mellow
Gerry Onuorah
I CANNOT BEGIN TO TELL YOU HOW MUCH THIS SONG TOUCHES MY SOUL <3
Crazy Horse
Damn. Is there anyone who has a more amazing subtone than Ben Webster? Absolutely fantastic.
tamaz patarkalashvili
One of the greatest tenor saxophonist in jazz history
Albert Pinheiro Barboza
Uma maravilha...
Rodrigo Ahumada
caigo enamorado cada vez que escucho este tema, enamorado de Mafen, de los susurros de Ben Webster, de este saxo tan melancólico. qué manera de morir en cuatro minutos con cincuenta y siete segundos.