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Full Description
The first comprehensive biography of the Swing Era's pioneering virtuoso drummer and bandleader
William Henry "Chick" Webb (1905-39) was one of the first virtuoso drummers in jazz and an innovative bandleader dubbed the "Savoy King," who reigned at Harlem's world-famous Savoy Ballroom. Along with the likes of Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, and Cab Calloway, Webb helped create the popular dance and music culture, known as Swing, that swept the United States during and after the Great Depression and left an indelible impact on American culture. Having moved to Harlem from Baltimore during the Harlem Renaissance, Webb's creativity, charisma and persistence enabled him to navigate the harsh realities of racism and show business, lifting not only himself to stardom but also bringing other future legends-namely vocalist extraordinaire Ella Fitzgerald and R&B trailblazer Louis Jordan-along with him. But at the peak of his fame, at just 34 years of age, his life was cut short by the chronic spinal tuberculosis that had left him four feet tall with a hump on his back.
In this first comprehensive biography of Webb, author Stephanie Stein Crease traces his story in full, showing how his skills and innovations as a bandleader helped catalyze the music of the Swing Era and the growing big band industry, allowing Webb to become one of the most influential musicians in jazz history. Crease explores Webb's personal and professional struggles as he rose to the top of the increasingly competitive world of big band jazz.
Complete with rare photographs, posters, news clippings, and a discography, this biography will be a gift to jazz aficionados and scholars.
Contents
Table of Contents
Foreword
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. Baltimore Beginnings
2. Baltimoreans in the Music World
3. Scuffling in Heaven
4. A Bandleader's Beginnings
5. Savoy: "The World's Finest Ballroom"
6. Harlem Stompers
7. Former Baltimore Newspaper Boy
8. Ol' Man Depression
9. On the Road with Louis
10. A Bandleader's Rise
11. Showtime in the Theater Wars
12. Spinnin' the Webb
13. Sing Me a Swing Song
14. Chasin' the Blues Away
15. Jumping the Fence
16. Vote for Mr. Rhythm
17. Battling It Out in Swingtime
18. The Last Grooves
19. Have Mercy
Epilogue
Notes
Sources
Bibliography
Selected Discography
Index
