Ben Webster

Ben Webster, known as one of the "big three" swing tenors alongside Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young, had a distinctive style characterized by a tough, raspy tone on fast-paced numbers and a warm, sentimental approach on ballads. After starting with violin and piano lessons, he transitioned to the saxophone and joined various bands in the 1930s before becoming Duke Ellington's primary tenor soloist in 1940. Following his time with Ellington, Webster continued to record as a leader and sideman, touring with Jazz at the Philharmonic in the 1950s and eventually settling in Copenhagen in 1964, where he played until his passing. Despite his sound falling out of favor in the 1950s, Webster's ballad work remained popular and his influence extended to later generations of saxophonists.

Ben Webster's career was marked by his tenure as Duke Ellington's key tenor soloist in the early 1940s, during which he contributed to several famous recordings. After leaving Ellington, Webster recorded extensively as a leader and sideman, collaborating with artists like Art Tatum and participating in Jazz at the Philharmonic tours. Moving to Copenhagen in 1964, he continued to perform at his leisure and left a lasting impact on the jazz world, influencing players such as Archie Shepp, Lew Tabackin, and Scott Hamilton. Despite facing shifts in musical trends, Webster's ability to swing and his emotive tone on ballads ensured his enduring legacy in jazz history.