New Jersey's Jazz Star Count Basie
By: Sophia Topping, Sasha Warren
Essential Information
- Born: Aug 21, 1904 in Red Bank NJ
- Died: April 26 1984 in Hollywood FL
- Died of pancreatic cancer
- Real name: William James Basie
- Got the nick name "Count" by playing at night clubs
- Father: Harvey Basie
- Mother: Lillian Basie
- Wife: Catherine Basie, madden name Catherine Morgan
- He adopted children in July of 1942
Important Influences
- His mother, who taught him how to play piano
- Waller, who gave him organ training
- Harlem pianists
- Gospel music
- Decca ( recording company)
- Benny Moten band, and Moten
- Motens's death
His Music
- Famous Songs: One O'clock Jump and Basie Boogie
- he was a jazz pianist and organ player
- He was a composer and band leader
- he often played in small groups
- music was soft and funny
- also on the side played bass, drums, and guitar
Musical Groups He Played In
- Gonzell White and the Big Jamboree 1926-28
- Pianist with Walter Pages Blue Devils 1928-29
- Pianist with Benny Motens Kansas City Orchestra 1929-35
- Leader of Count Basie Orchestra 1937-49
- Pianist leader with Octet 1950-51
Major Accomplishments
- Governor of New York declared September 22, 1974 Count Basie Day
- Won All American Band Award in 1945
- Esquire Silver Award in 1955
- Jazz Hall of Fame in 1976
- Known as master of Swing and Jazz
- was on a local night radio station
- known for strong rhythm and solos
- first record in 1937
Important Historical Events the Occured During His Lifetime
- Child labor 1900-1910
- Women gain rights 1910's
- Flapper Girls 1920's,
- Great depression 1929-1939
- World war 2- 1937-1945
- Cold War-1947-1991
Picture Cited
- http://www.swingmusic.net/Count_Basie_West_coast_tour_poster_1938.jpg
- http://lindyfocusblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Count-Basie-in-1950-002.jpg
- http://10.101.70.27/ibreports/images/bi.jpg?fn=Students&fp=1&ip=10.187.50.54&ibip=10.101.70.25&ldu=0&re=0&bu=www.musicweb-international.com/jazz/2003/may03/count_basie_8120662.jpg&bc=Website%20contains%20prohibited%20Forums%20content.
- https://sinistersaladmusikal.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/100_9744.jpg
- http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0000/492/MI0000492348.jpg?partner=allrovi.com
- http://www.limusichalloffame.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/5_William_Basie.jpg
- https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2c/Census_Bureau_map_of_Red_Bank,_New_Jersey.png