Count+Basie+(1)

William "Count" Basie was born on August 21 at Red Bank, New Jersey in 1904. He and his mother began studing music and he later studied with geater pianists like James P. Johnson and Fats Waller. He started his career as a vaudeville and later became the leader of his own band in the mid 1930's in Kansas City, Missouri. His band was one of the most popular bands of the decade after moving to New York City to gain wider fame. Basie's band was eventually called one of the most important bands ever in jazz music. Basie was well loved by fellow band members and audiences too. He was a great piano player and model for other pianists to come. He died in Hollywood, Florida, on April 26, 1984.

Information from: Jazz Books and All About Jazz

By: CL and AH