Table of Contents
What is Count Basie best known for?
Count Basie, byname of William Basie, (born August 21, 1904, Red Bank, New Jersey, U.S.—died April 26, 1984, Hollywood, Florida), American jazz musician noted for his spare, economical piano style and for his leadership of influential and widely heralded big bands.
What was Count Basie favorite instrument?
piano
Though a natural at the piano, Basie preferred drums. Discouraged by the obvious talents of Sonny Greer, who also lived in Red Bank and became Duke Ellington’s drummer in 1919, Basie switched to piano exclusively at age 15. Greer and Basie played together in venues until Greer set out on his professional career.
How old is Basie?
79 years (1904–1984)
Count Basie/Age at death
Count Basie, the jazz pianist whose spare, economic keyboard style and supple rhythmic drive made his orchestra one of the most influential groups of the Big Band era, died of cancer yesterday morning at Doctors’ Hospital in Hollywood, Fla. He was 79 years old and lived in Freeport, the Bahamas.
Was Count Basie a real count?
“Count” Basie (1904-1984) 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.
Was Count Basie married?
Catherine Morganm. 1942–1983
Count Basie/Spouse
He quickly made a name for himself playing the piano at local venues and parties around town until he moved to New York City in search of greater opportunities. After a decade-long courtship, Basie married dancer Catherine Morgan, his second wife, on his birthday in 1942. They had one daughter, Diane, in 1944.
Why was Count Basie called the count?
The new band billed itself as Count Basie and his Cherry Blossom Orchestra, marking the first time that “Count” was officially added to his name. Though stories abound at the genesis of his nickname, Basie later recalled it as a tribute to his penchant for slipping off during arranging sessions with Moten.
How did Count Basie get his name?
BC: One time on the show 60 Minutes they said, count, what is the basie sound. He said all you have to do is tap your foot. And that was the Basie sound. SL: An enthusiastic radio announcer gave him the nickname that stuck—and Count Basie became a big name in swing.
What are facts about Count Basie?
Count Basie Biography, Life, Interesting Facts Early Life And Education. Count Basie was born on August 21, 1904, in Red Bank, New Jersey to Harvey Lee, and Lillian Basie. Early Career. Time With The Bennie Moten’s Band. Barons Of Rhythm. Recordings. Personal Life. Awards And Honour.
How did Count Basie become famous?
Count Basie was born on August 21, 1904, in Red Bank, New Jersey. A pianist, he 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 1958, Basie became the first African-American male recipient of a Grammy Award.
What was Count Basie known for?
Count Basie, byname of William Basie, (born August 21, 1904, Red Bank, New Jersey, U.S.—died April 26, 1984, Hollywood, Florida), American jazz musician noted for his spare, economical piano style and for his leadership of influential and widely heralded big bands.
What did Count Basie contribute?
Bill “Count” Basie (1904–1984), originally from New Jersey, developed his piano and organ keyboard skills in New York under the influence of Fats Waller and other stride pianists. He settled in Kansas City after stopping through on a tour, and formed his own band around a core of former members of the Bennie Moten band after Moten’s untimely death.