Chick Webb was born in Baltimore, Maryland to William H. and Marie Johnson Webb. Since childhood, he suffered from tuberculosis of the spine, leaving him with short stature and a badly deformed spine. He supported himself as a newspaper boy to save enough money to buy drums, and first played professionally at age 11.
At the age of 17 he moved to New York City and by the following year, 1926, he was leading his own band in Harlem. Jazz drummer Tommy Benford said he gave Webb drum lessons when he first reached New York.
He alternated between band tours and residencies at New York City clubs through the late 1920s. In 1931, his band became the house band at the Savoy Ballroom. He became one of the best-regarded bandleaders and drummers of the new "Swing" style. Drumming legend Buddy Rich cited Webb's powerful technique and virtuoso performances as heavily influential on his own drumming, and even referred to Webb as "the daddy of them all". The Savoy often featured "Battle of the Bands" where Webb's band would compete with other top bands (such as the Benny Goodman Orchestra or the Count Basie Orchestra) from opposing bandstands.
Webb married Martha Loretta Ferguson (also known as "Sallye"), and in 1935 he began featuring a teenaged Ella Fitzgerald as vocalist. Despite rumors otherwise, "Ella was not adopted by Webb, nor did she live with him and his wife, Sallye," according to Stuart Nicholson in Ella Fitzgerald; A Biography of the First Lady of Jazz (page 36). Charles Linton, who was with the Chick Webb band, told Nicholson, "He didn't adopt her. Later he said to me, 'I'll say that I adopted her, for the press people.'"
In November of 1938, Webb's health began to decline, and from then until his death he alternated time on the bandstand with time in hospitals. He died the following year in Baltimore. After his death, Ella Fitzgerald led the Chick Webb band until she left to focus on her solo career in 1942.
Darktown Strutters Ball
Chick Webb and His Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Better be ready 'bout half past eight
I mean don't be late
Be there when the band starts playin'
Remember when you get there honey
Dance all over the floor
Dance all over my shoes
Set 'em all alight
At the darktown strutters ball
I'll be down to get you in a push cart honey
Better be ready 'bout half past eight
I mean don't be late
Be there when the band starts playin'
'Member when you get there honey
Shim sham wins them all
Dance all over my shoes
When the band plays the Jelly Roll's blues
Set 'em all alight
At the darktown strutters ball
The lyrics of Chick Webb's song "Darktown Strutters Ball" paint a vivid picture of a night of dancing and revelry in a lively, bustling city known as Darktown. The singer promises to pick up his partner in a taxi or pushcart at half past eight, urging them not to be late to the party. Once they arrive, he implores his partner to dance all over the floor, even on his shoes, as the band plays the Jelly Roll blues. The energy of the music and the dancing sets the scene alight, creating a joyful and celebratory atmosphere.
The song captures the spirit of the 1920s, a time when jazz music and dance were at the forefront of cultural expression. Darktown Strutters Ball was a popular song during this time and was frequently played by jazz musicians. It has been covered by various artists throughout the years, including the Ink Spots, Louis Armstrong, and Fats Waller. The song's historical significance is not merely in its popularity but also in what it represented. The song was one of the first songs in popular music to depict and celebrate the Black culture of America. Despite this, the conservative white radio stations at the time hesitated to air Black music, which almost kept Darktown Strutters Ball from failing to chart. Thankfully, dance halls picked up the tune, and it became hugely successful.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be down to get you in a taxi honey
I will come to pick you up using a taxi, dear
Better be ready 'bout half past eight
You should make sure you're ready by around 8:30
I mean don't be late
Being punctual is important, so please don't be late
Be there when the band starts playin'
Make sure you arrive before the band begins to play their music
Remember when you get there honey
I want you to keep in mind, dear, that
Dance all over the floor
It's time to dance and enjoy the music extensively
Dance all over my shoes
You can even step on my shoes while dancing if you like
When the band plays the Jelly Roll blues
We should dance energetically when the band plays the Jelly Roll blues music
Set 'em all alight
Our dancing should be so fiery that sparks fly and capture others' attention
At the darktown strutters ball
We will be having this fun time at the darktown strutters ball
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SHELTON BROOKS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John Benn
WOW
Wonderful sounds from a fantastic orchestra.
The 78 disc has been restored etc?
From a 72yo Aussie fan.
78Source
Hi John,
Glad you enjoyed it....
Yes, the original 78 has been restored; all clicks, crackle and noise have been removed but the higher frequencies remain intact allowing the original recording to sing again!
Regards,
Mark
Eugenio Scano
Hi Mark! did you use a particular software for restoring 78rpms?
SELMER B.Action
The real an unmatched King of swing
Fluffshep Network
Agreed.
Eddie Rivera
SeLMER, absolutely!
Eddie Rivera
Original king of swing!
Hilda Rios
Is it just Me? or did Anyone hear that song in Bridesmaids while Annie was watching Tyler dance?