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Ben Webster

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Billy Strayhorn, pictured here in the 1940s, wrote more than 1,000 works, most of them for Duke Ellington. William P. Gottlieb/Library of Congress hide caption

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William P. Gottlieb/Library of Congress

A Blog Supreme

Billy Strayhorn In Five Songs

WFIU

November 29, 2015 • Though overshadowed during his own lifetime by his employer, Duke Ellington, the composer-arranger wrote more than 1,000 pieces. Here are takes on his most famous tunes.

Mary Lou Williams performs at the Cafe Society in New York in 1947. William Gottlieb/The Library of Congress hide caption

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William Gottlieb/The Library of Congress

A Blog Supreme

The Women In Charge Of The Band

WFIU

March 29, 2013 • Hear five pioneering examples of women who composed for and directed their own groups.

Review

Basic Jazz Record Library

Gerry Mulligan: 'Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben Webster'

August 1, 2001 • By the time Gerry Mulligan and Ben Webster recorded this album, they already had an established working relationship. For years, the two saxophonists had been playing in informal, private jam sessions in Los Angeles. The CD reissue of Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben Webster has five bonus tracks.

Gerry Mulligan: 'Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben Webster'

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Basic Jazz Record Library

Ben Webster: 'Ben Webster and Associates'

August 1, 2001 • Born in 1909, Ben Webster is considered one of the most important swing tenors in jazz. He also was a master of ballads, as exemplified on 1959's Ben Webster & Associates. The album features trumpeter Roy Eldridge and tenor saxophonist Coleman Hawkins.

Ben Webster: 'Ben Webster and Associates'

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Review

Basic Jazz Record Library

Benny Carter: 'BBB & Company'

August 1, 2001 • Benny Carter made his recording debut in 1927. Six decades later, he was still going strong, having made a mark as an alto saxophonist, bandleader, composer, and arranger. This 1962 album has his most famous song, "When Lights Are Low."

Benny Carter: 'BBB & Company'

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Review

Basic Jazz Record Library

Duke Ellington: 'The Duke at His Best'

August 1, 2001 • Many critics consider Duke Ellington to be the most important composer in the history of jazz. Along with his jazz compositions, he wrote film scores and stage musicals. The Duke at His Best has more than an hour of Ellington's most revered works, including "Take the 'A Train," "Caravan," and "Don't Get Around Much Anymore."

Duke Ellington: 'The Duke at His Best'

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Lester Young gave Billie Holiday her nickname: "Lady Day." William P. Gottlieb/Library of Congress via flickr.com hide caption

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William P. Gottlieb/Library of Congress via flickr.com

Take Five: A Jazz Sampler

Jazz Centennials: Legends At 100

WBGO

April 23, 2009 • Jazz has no shortage of celebrated masters. Every year brings an abundance of new milestones for record labels to celebrate. With that in mind, we present songs by six American jazz musicians who would have become centenarians in 2009, including Lester Young.