Profile of Count Basie on Famous Like Me

William "Count" Basie (August 21, 1904 – April 26, 1984) was a jazz pianist, organist, and bandleader.

Birth

Basie was born in Red Bank, New Jersey to Harvey Lee Basie, and Lillian Ann Childs. His father worked as coachman for a wealthy family. After automobiles replaced horses, his father became a groundskeeper and handyman for several area families. His mother "took in laundry". Basie learned how to play piano as a child. William had a brother: LeRoy Basie.

Vaudville

Basie toured the vaudeville circuit starting in 1924 as a soloist and accompanist to blues singers. His touring took him to Kansas City, Missouri where he met many jazz musicians in the area. In 1928 he joined Walter Page's Blue Devils, and the following year became the pianist with the Bennie Moten band based in Kansas City. After Moten died in 1935, Basie became leader and started referring to himself as "Count Basie".

New York City

At the end of 1936 he moved his band to New York City where the Count Basie Orchestra remained until 1950. The big band era appeared to be at an end, but Basie reformed his as a 16-piece orchestra in 1952 and led it until his death. Basie remained faithful to the Kansas City jazz style and helped keep jazz alive with his distinctive piano playing. Basie’s music was characterized by his trademark "jumping" beat and the contrapuntal accents of his own piano. Basie also showcased some of the best blues singers of the era: Billie Holliday, Jimmy Rushing, Big Joe Turner, and Joe Williams

Death

Count Basie died in Hollywood, Florida on April 26, 1984 at age 79.

Legacy

One O'Clock Jump and Jumpin' at the Woodside were among Count Basie's more popular numbers.

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