Count Basie: Biography, Facts and Career
Who is Count Basie? An evergreen, sourced profile: biography, key facts and career.
William James "Count" Basie (; August 21, 1904 – April 26, 1984) was an American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer. In 1935, he formed the Count Basie Orchestra, and in 1936 took them to Chicago for a long engagement and their first recording. He led the group for almost 50 years, creating innovations like the use of two "split" tenor saxophones, emphasizing the rhythm section, riffing with a big band, using arrangers to broaden their sound, his minimalist piano style, and others. Many musicians came to prominence under his direction, including the tenor saxophonists Lester Young and Herschel Evans, the guitarist Freddie Green, trumpeters Buck Clayton and Harry "Sweets" Edison, plunger trombonist Al Grey, and singers Jimmy Rushing, Helen Humes, Dennis Rowland, Thelma Carpenter, and Joe Williams. As a composer, Basie is known for writing such jazz standards as "Blue and Sentimental", "Jumpin' at the Woodside" and "One O'Clock Jump".
Quick facts about Count Basie
- Full name: Count Basie
- Born: 1904-08-21
- Nationality: United States
- Known as: Actor
- Wikidata ID: Q107008
Profile compiled from public Wikipedia and Wikidata data. Details can change over time.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Count Basie?
William James "Count" Basie (; August 21, 1904 – April 26, 1984) was an American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer.
What nationality is Count Basie?
Count Basie is United States.
When was Count Basie born?
Count Basie was born on 1904-08-21.
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