From 1935 to his death in 1984, pianist and bandleader Count Basie led one of the most important jazz institutions of the 20th century, in the process forging a distinctive sound that changed the jazz ...

William James “Count” Basie (1904-1984) played piano, led bands, and composed jazz music in America. Born in Red Bank, New Jersey, Basie grew up in a musical family. He started as a musician in ...

This is the story of William James “Count” Basie, one of the most famous jazz musicians who ever lived. Born into an African American family of musicians in Red Bank, New Jersey, in 1904, Basie was ...

RED BANK - Growing up, William J. Basie would spend his days here watching vaudeville at the Palace Theatre, where he eventually filled in playing tunes on the piano to entertain audiences between ...