Paul Webster (jazz)

For other people with the same name, see Paul Webster.

Paul Francis Webster (August 24, 1909 - May 6, 1966) was a jazz trumpeter in the big band era. He was a high-note specialist for Jimmie Lunceford's band, and later played in several other big bands.

Early life

Webster was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 24, 1909.[1] He attended Fisk University.[2]

Later life and career

Webster became a professional musician around 1927.[1] He played in bands led by George E. Lee (1927), Bennie Moten (1927–28), Paul Banks (1930), and Jap Allen (around 1930).[1] He joined Jimmie Lunceford's band in 1931, then moved to Tommy Douglas (around the same year), and vocalist Eli Rice (1933–34).[1]

Webster returned to Lunceford in 1935,[3] and became known as a high-note specialist.[1] He appeared on film in Jimmie Lunceford and His Dance Orchestra, which was made in 1936.[1] After leaving Lunceford in 1944, he joined Cab Calloway's band, and played with them on and off into the 1950s.[1] He was part of other bands in the same period, including those led by Charlie Barnet (1946–47, and 1952–53), Sy Oliver (1947), Eddie Wilcox, and Count Basie (1950).[1] He played part-time from 1953 into the 1960s.[1] Webster died in New York on May 6, 1966.[1]

Discography

With Jimmie Lunceford

  • Lunceford Special (Columbia 1967)
  • Harlem Shout Vol. 2 (1935–1936) (Decca, 1967)
  • Rhythm Is Our Business Vol. 1 (1934–1935) (Decca, 1968)
  • For Dancers Only Vol. 3 (1936–1937) (MCA 1972)
  • 1940 (Circle 1981)

With others

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Lambert, Eddie (2003). "Webster, Paul (Francis)". Grove Music Online. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.J477600.
  2. ^ Determeyer 2006, p. 50.
  3. ^ Determeyer 2006, pp. 48, 82.
Bibliography
  • Determeyer, Eddy (2006). Rhythm Is Our Business: Jimmie Lunceford and the Harlem Express. The University of Michigan Press. ISBN 978-0-472-11553-2.</ref>