William Henry "Chick" Webb was born on February 10, 1905, and died on June 16, 1939. He was an American drummer and bandleader who played jazz and swing music.

Early life

Webb was born in Baltimore, Maryland, to William H. and Marie Webb. The year of his birth is not agreed on. Encyclopædia Britannica and Allmusic say 1905, and this is supported by government records. Other sources claim different years. In 1937, a DownBeat magazine article stated he was born in 1909, which is the year listed on his grave marker. In 1939, The New York Times reported he was born in 1907, a year also mentioned in a book called Rhythm on Record by Hilton Schleman.

Webb had three sisters: Bessie, Mabel, and Ethel. His sister Mabel married Wilbur Porter around 1928. As a baby, Webb fell down stairs in his home, breaking several bones in his back and needing surgery. He never fully recovered his ability to move normally. The injury later caused Pott's disease, a type of tuberculosis that affects the spine, leading to short height and a badly bent spine that made him appear hunchbacked. His doctor suggested playing an instrument to help loosen his bones. To save money for drums, Webb worked as a newspaper boy and began playing professionally at age 11.

Career

At age 17, Webb moved to New York City, and by 1926, he was leading his own band in Harlem. A jazz drummer named Tommy Benford taught Webb how to play the drums when he first arrived in New York.

Throughout the late 1920s, Webb worked on tours and performed at clubs in New York City. In 1931, his band became the main group at the Savoy Ballroom. Webb became one of the most respected bandleaders and drummers in the new "swing" style. Another drummer, Buddy Rich, said Webb’s strong drumming skills and amazing performances greatly influenced his own style. Rich even called Webb "the daddy of them all." Webb could not read music, so he memorized the band’s songs and led them from a platform in the middle of the stage. He used special tools, including custom pedals, special holders for cymbals, a large bass drum, and other percussion instruments.

At the Savoy Ballroom, Webb’s band competed in music contests against the Benny Goodman Orchestra and the Count Basie Orchestra. In 1937, Webb lost to Duke Ellington’s band. However, in 1938, a judge said Webb’s band won against Count Basie’s. Basie himself said he was happy to leave the contest without making a mistake. Musicians argued about the results for many years.

Webb married Martha Loretta Ferguson, who was also called "Sally." In 1935, he started featuring a young singer named Ella Fitzgerald in his band. Together, they performed songs like "A-Tisket, A-Tasket," which was written by Van Alexander at Fitzgerald’s request. According to Stuart Nicholson in his book about Fitzgerald, Ella was not adopted by Webb, nor did she live with him and his wife, Sally.

Declining health and death

In November 1938, Webb's health worsened, but he kept performing for a time. He refused to stop touring so his band could keep working during the Great Depression. Webb ignored his pain and tiredness, which sometimes caused him to faint after finishing his performances. In 1939, Webb had a major surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. He died from Pott's disease on June 16, 1939, in Baltimore. Webb's final words were reportedly, "I'm sorry, I've got to go." He was buried in Arbutus Memorial Park in Arbutus, Baltimore County, Maryland.

Webb's death had a big impact on the jazz and swing communities. After his death, Ella Fitzgerald led the band until she started her own career in 1942, which caused the band to end. Art Blakey and Duke Ellington both said Webb influenced their music. Gene Krupa said Webb helped drummers become more recognized and made it possible for bands led by drummers, like his own, to exist. Webb's powerful drum solos created a level of complexity and energy that inspired musicians like Buddy Rich and Louie Bellson.

On February 12, 1940, about 7,500 people attended a Chick Webb Benefit in Baltimore, Maryland. Those present included Sally Webb, Chick's wife, his mother Marie Webb, his sister Mabel Porter, Governor Herbert R. O'Conor, Ella Fitzgerald, and boxing champion Joe Louis.

Discography

• 1931–39 Stomping at the Savoy (4 CDs) (Proper, 2006)
• 1934–41 The Complete Chick Webb & Ella Fitzgerald Decca Sessions (8 CDs) (Mosaic, 2013)