Biography
Born on 23 September 1953 in Chester, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, Webb grew up as one of nine children. His parents, originally from Kentucky, maintained a record collection that introduced him to country music, which blended with the 60s and early 70s pop and rock ‘n’ roll favored by his older siblings. Regular church attendance also exposed him to gospel music. Before reaching his teens he began writing poetry, an interest that deepened after he encountered Bob Dylan. Dylan’s Highway 61 Revisited prompted Webb to raise his poetry to a new level, and he soon began giving public readings at clubs in Philadelphia. Recognition followed, leading to invitations for national events that included an appearance at the Walt Whitman International Poetry Center in Camden, New Jersey.
In 1990 Webb relocated to Nashville to focus on song lyrics. Early success arrived with “Angels Don’t Fly,” recorded by George Jones and James Prosser. He next teamed with Matthew Ryan on “Disappointed,” which appeared on Ryan’s 1997 debut album May Day. Webb then chose to perform his own material, resulting in the 2003 release Name Of The Train. Songs such as “Ridin’ On The Devil’s Train,” “Ballad Of A Diamond Street Vendor,” “War Zone” and “Pastures Of Plenty (Chapter II)” highlighted his attention to lyrical detail. Several tracks from the follow-up Room To Room entered the Euro-Americana Charts in 2005.
In 1990 Webb relocated to Nashville to focus on song lyrics. Early success arrived with “Angels Don’t Fly,” recorded by George Jones and James Prosser. He next teamed with Matthew Ryan on “Disappointed,” which appeared on Ryan’s 1997 debut album May Day. Webb then chose to perform his own material, resulting in the 2003 release Name Of The Train. Songs such as “Ridin’ On The Devil’s Train,” “Ballad Of A Diamond Street Vendor,” “War Zone” and “Pastures Of Plenty (Chapter II)” highlighted his attention to lyrical detail. Several tracks from the follow-up Room To Room entered the Euro-Americana Charts in 2005.
Albums
