People, Locations, Episodes

‘Chick’ Webb, Jazz Drummer born

Chick Webb

*On this date in 1909, “Chick” Webb was born. He was a Black drummer and bandleader.

From Baltimore, William Henry “Chick” Webb first played in a local children’s orchestra and in his teens, played in bands working on local riverboats. Webb moved to New York in 1925 and performed with Edgar Dowell before forming his group, which was the featured attraction at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem by 1927.

His dynamic drumming and easily recognized compositions arranged by Edgar Sampson earned him and his band an enthusiastic following. Stompin’ at the Savoy and Don’t Be That Way 1934 was a signature selection of the times. Their popularity was unmatched throughout the country; they toured and played regularly for national radio broadcasts. Webb’s leading soloists were Johnny Hodges, Benny Carter, Louis Jordan, Taft Jordan, and others.

Ella Fitzgerald, who would become the bands leading attraction, sang Webb’s hit recordings A-Tisket A-Tasket, 1938 and Undecided, 1939. Despite a life-long battle with tuberculosis of the spine, a painful condition that left him hunchbacked, Webb was a prodigy on the most physically demanding instrument in jazz while directing his orchestra from his drum set.

Chick Webb died on June 16, 1939, at 30, from complications following an operation.

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