Count Basie Biography
In a career spanning more than fifty years, pianist, bandleader and composer William “Count” Basie (1904-1984) more than lived up to his noble nickname, emerging as one of jazz’s most revered and beloved figures. The long-running Count Basie Orchestra, driven by Basie’s own spare, elegant keyboard work, was one of the most influential ensembles of the big band era. In addition to establishing a distinctive, fluid swing sound, Basie’s group helped to launch the careers of an impressive array of players, including Lester Young, Buck Clayton, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Illinois Jacquet, Jo Jones, Vic Dickenson, Don Byas, Al Grey, Thad Jones and Clark Terry, and played host to such stellar singers as Billie Holiday, Jimmy Rushing, Joe Williams, Helen Humes and Big Joe Turner.
Born to musician parents in Red Bank, New Jersey, Basie moved in the 1920s to the musical hotbed of Harlem. There, he received some early mentoring from Fats Waller, before taking a job as accompanist with a touring vaudeville troupe. In 1927, that act broke up, stranding Basie in Kansas City, where he became active in that city’s fabled jazz scene, joining bands led by Walter Page and Bennie Moten. After Moten died in 1935, Basie launched his own outfit.
The Basie group’s early performances were sometimes broadcast on local radio; one of the station’s announcers christened Basie “Count.” In 1936, one of those broadcasts was heard by legendary journalist and record producer John Hammond, who brought Basie to the attention of agents and record companies. Hammond’s support led to some high-profile engagements and a record deal for the band, which expanded its instrumental lineup and relocated to New York. “One O’Clock Jump” became Basie’s first chart hit in September 1937, and would remain his signature tune for the rest of his career.
With the exception of one short break in the late ’40s/early ’50s, Basie would lead the Count Basie Orchestra for the rest of his life, maintaining a busy recording career as well as an active touring schedule that helped to make the group one of jazz’s most popular live acts. In addition to being a regular presence in Las Vegas showrooms, Basie and company were one of the first major jazz acts to regularly perform overseas, performing for adoring crowds around the world.
Basie’s prolific body of recorded work includes collaborations with such greats as Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ray Charles, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Ella Fitzgerald. But it’s Basie’s own recordings that most clearly demonstrate the brilliance of his singular musical legacy.
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