Webb began his career as an organist in Falmouth, England. In 1830, he emigrated to Boston, Massachusetts, where he played the organ at the Old South Church for almost 40 years. He and Lowell Mason founded a music academy in Boston, as well as collaborating on their Musical Library. Webb also composed several choral and organ works, including “Prelude in Eb” and “Postlude in A.”

Webb’s best known tune, “Webb,” came from a secular song he wrote, called “’Tis Dawn, the Lark is Singing”; this song was performed at a musical show on a ship crossing the Atlantic Ocean.