After leaving Henderson in the mid-1950s, Webster played freelance with several major New York swing bands (including Benny Carter's and Cab Calloway's, along with brief stints with Duke Ellington's Orchestra in 1935 and 1936). In January 1940, he became a full-time member of the Ellington ensemble. “I got my college degree in music from playing with Fletcher Henderson,
” said Webster, “And my Ph.D. from Duke.
”
Joining Johnny Hodges (alto sax) and Harry Carney...