William J. &#;Count&#; Basie ()
The title of one of his band&#;s most famous tunes &#; &#;The Kid from Red Bank&#; – is an obvious tip-off, but many jazz historians assume that William J. “Count” Basie, Jr. was a native of Kansas City, Missouri. And while that&#;s where Basie and his band rose to national fame, the jazz great’s origins can be traced to a house located just blocks away from the historic theater that today bears his name.
William Basie was born at Mechanic Street on August 21, His father, Harvey Lee Basie, was a coachman and caretaker; his mother, Lillian Childs Basie, was a laundress, taking in washing and ironing. A brother, James, died when William was a young boy. The family always owned a piano, and Lilly Ann paid twenty-five cents per lesson to teach William to play.
In addition to helping his parents, William also did chores at Red Bank’s now-defunct Palace Theater. A projectionist taught him to rewind the reels, switch between projectors, and operate the spotlight for the vaudeville shows. On the afternoon the Palace’s house pianist failed to show for work, Basie offered to fill in – but was denied. Nonetheless persistent, the young B
Count Basie
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Who Was Count Basie?
A pianist, Count Basie played vaudeville before eventually forming his own big band and helping to define the era of swing with hits like "One O'Clock Jump" and "Blue Skies." In , Basie became the first African American male recipient of a Grammy Award. One of jazz music's all-time greats, he won many other Grammys throughout his career and worked with a plethora of artists, including Joe Williams and Ella Fitzgerald.
Early Life
Basie was born William James Basie (with some sources listing his middle name as "Allen") on August 21, , in Red Bank, New Jersey. His father Harvey was a mellophonist and his mother Lillian was a pianist who gave her son his first lessons. After moving to New York, he was further influenced by James P. Johnson and Fats Waller, with Waller teaching Basie organ-playing techniques.
Barons of Rhythm
Basie played the vaudevillian circuit for a time until he got stuck in Kansas City, Missouri in the mids after his performance group disbanded. He went on to join Walter Page's Blue Devils in , which he would see as a pivotal moment in his career, being introduced to the big-band sound
Count Basie, the legendary jazz musician and bandleader, left an indelible mark on the world of music. Born William James Basie on August 21, , in Red Bank, New Jersey, he grew to become one of the most influential figures in jazz history. Here are 10 fascinating facts about Count Basie:
- The Nickname Origins: Basie earned his nickname &#;Count&#; from his admiration for the elegant style of Countess Piazza, a local bandleader&#;s daughter. He was initially known as &#;Count Basie&#; as a humorous nod to his admiration for her.
- Self-Taught Pianist: Basie was primarily a self-taught pianist. He learned to play piano by ear, often frequenting the local movie theaters where he would watch silent films and memorize the music played by the accompanying pianists.
- The Kansas City Connection: Basie&#;s career took off when he joined Bennie Moten&#;s band in Kansas City in This vibrant jazz scene became pivotal in shaping his musical style, characterized by its swinging rhythm and bluesy improvisations.
- Legendary Band Leader: Basie became renowned for leading one of the greatest jazz bands in history, the Count Basie Orchestra. The band&#;s dynamic swing style and impec
Count Basie | Biography
Count Basie: Jazz Legend and Grammy WinnerCount Basie was a pioneering jazz pianist and bandleader, known for his influential role in the swing era. With numerous hits and awards, he left a lasting impact on music.
Who is Count Basie?
Count Basie, born William James Basie on August 21, , in Red Bank, New Jersey, was a pioneering figure in jazz music, especially known for his influence on the swing era. A talented pianist from a young age, Basie's early exposure to music came from his family, particularly his mother, who was a pianist herself. After moving to New York, he honed his skills under the influence of jazz luminaries like James P. Johnson and Fats Waller, the latter teaching him essential organ techniques. His career trajectory took a significant turn when he found himself in Kansas City in the late s, a hub for the burgeoning big-band sound that he would soon embody.
In the s, Basie formed the Count Basie Orchestra, which became renowned for its pioneering contributions to the big-band movement. With hits such as "One O'Clock Jump" and "Jumpin' at the Woodside," Basie's orchestra showcased not only his ele
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