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William Henry Webb was born on February 10, 1905 in Baltimore, Maryland to William H. and Marie Johnson Webb. As a child he contracted spinal tuberculosis which left his body deformed. He stood under five feet tall as an adult.

William Henry Webb was born on February 10, 1905 in Baltimore, Maryland to William H. and Marie Johnson Webb. As a child he contracted spinal tuberculosis which left his body deformed. He stood under five feet tall as an adult.

He moved to New York City in about 1925 and almost immediately was playing with the likes of [[Duke Ellington]]. Jazz drummer [[Tommy Benford]] said he gave Webb drum lessons when he first reached New York. In 1927 on Ellington's adive Webb formed thge Harlem Stompers. By 1931 Webb had formed the Chick Webb Orchestra. [[Ella Fitzgerald]] was hired by Webb to sing for his band in 1935.

He moved to New York City in about 1925 and almost immediately was playing with the likes of [[Duke Ellington]]. Jazz drummer [[Tommy Benford]] said he gave Webb drum lessons when he first reached New York. In 1927 on Ellington's adive Webb formed the Harlem Stompers. By 1931 Webb had formed the Chick Webb Orchestra. [[Ella Fitzgerald]] was hired by Webb to sing for his band in 1935.

By 1938 his health began to fail and he spent more time in hospitals. On June 16, 1939, Webb died in Baltimore.

By 1938 his health began to fail and he spent more time in hospitals. On June 16, 1939, Webb died in Baltimore.