Chick+Webb

Chick Webb (William Webb) was born in Baltimore,Maryland on Febuary 10, 1902.Webb was diagnosed with spinal tuberculosis. Webb got surgery when he was 3 years old so he could move. Chick was never married because he had to wear braces for his arms and they needed constant mending and Webb could not take them off without causing him pain. Webb died in June 16,1939. Webb never went to collage because he was a member to a poor family; he never even learned how to read music, even though he was a drummer. Webb went to Harlem in 1924 to find work. The first job he got in Harlem was from a club called The Paddock Club. Webb worked for 2 years untill it burned down in 1926, although not soon after, Chick got another job. The next job Chick got was at another club called the 'Savoy Ballroom'. Webb worked at the club from 1927 'til 1936. Webb recored 60 numbers; 14 of which were instrumental during '35 through '38. Webb used to 'pass out' after a concert in the beginning of 1939. Webb lived only to be 37. With Webb in his hospital bed; moments away from dying, he asked his mother to prop his head up and, with family at his side said 'I'm sorry, I got to go!' and as soon as he said it, Webb died. [] []

Chick Webb was born in Baltimore, Maryland on February 10th, 1902. He was born to a poor family. When he was only three he was diagnosed with spinal tuberculosis, but he decided that wasn’t going to stop him from following his dream and becoming a drummer. He was told to not use his shoulders and legs so much, but he really wanted to be a drummer, so he used them anyway. In 1926 he found a job as a drummer performing at clubs all over Harlem. Soon he was playing for the Jazzola orchestra. He became the band leader not long after that.

He and his band were reviewed as “playing with so much feeling and fervor that they swept the crowd right over them.” In 1935 Chick’s manager decided they need a lead singer to boost commercial potential for the group. Chick discovered Ella Fitzgerald and decided to hire her. She “led the band to new heights they did not deserve by her impeccable pitch.” For the next couple years Ella led the band higher and higher until Chick started to collapse after shows. Chick became very sick. His condition got worse and worse. One day he decided to say something. He had someone hold him up and said “sorry I got to go.” That was it. Chick died on June 16, 1939. Ella led the band for two more years until the band broke up. Chick inspired many African Americans by his amazing drumming during his time.



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