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

• Charlie Barnet, Sky Liner (MCA 1976)
• Cab Calloway, Hi De Ho Man (Columbia 1974)
• Ella Fitzgerald, The First Lady of Song (Decca, 1958)
• Rex Stewart, Henderson Homecoming (United Artists, 1959)