Died On This Date (September 20, 1973) Ben Webster / Jazz Great
themusicsover Ben Webster
March 17, 1909 – September 20, 1973
Ben Webster was a prominent saxophonist who made his mark playing swing. He is considered one of the most important players of the idiom. He got his start in the Young Family Band alongside the great, Lester Young. It was the 1930s in St. Louis, and Webster was quickly rising to the top of the scene. Throughout his career, he was part of the best bands and orchestras in history. They included those lead by Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, Benny Carter and Cab Calloway. In the mid ’60s, Webster moved to Amsterdam where many American jazz musicians were settling at the time. He continued to play in and around Denmark until his passing in 1973.
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