The errand boy count basie biography
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Count Basie
American jazz musician and composer (–)
Musical artist
William James "Count" Basie (; August 21, &#;– April 26, )[1] was an American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer. In , he formed the Count Basie Orchestra, and in took them to Chicago for a long engagement and their first recording. He led the group for almost 50 years, creating innovations like the use of two "split" tenor saxophones, emphasizing the rhythm section, riffing with a big band, using arrangers to broaden their sound, his minimalist piano style, and others.
Many musicians came to prominence under his direction, including the tenor saxophonists Lester Young and Herschel Evans, the guitarist Freddie Green, trumpeters Buck Clayton and Harry "Sweets" Edison, plunger trombonist Al Grey, and singers Jimmy Rushing, Helen Humes, Dennis Rowland, Thelma Carpenter, and Joe Williams.
As a composer, Basie is known for writing such jazz standards as "Blue and Sentimental", "Jumpi
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Count Basie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Count Basie | |
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Basie at the piano, , in a photographic portrait by James J. Kriegsmann | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | William James Basie |
| Born | ()August 21, Red Bank, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | April 26, () (aged 79) Hollywood, Florida, U.S. |
| Genres | |
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| Instruments | |
| Years active | – |
William James "Count" Basie ( August 21, – April 26, ) was an American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer. In , he formed the Count Basie Orchestra, and in took them to Chicago for a long engagement and their first recording. He led the group for almost 50 years, creating innovations like the use of two "split" tenor saxophones, emphasizing the rhythm section, riffing with a big band, using arrangers to broaden their sound, and others. Many musicians came to prominence under his direction, including the tenor saxophonists Lester Young and Herschel Evans, th
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William James “Count” Basie was a New Jersey Jazz icon and the leader of the Count Basie Orchestra. He was a music composer, organist, and pianist; and is also considered a phenomenal bandleader.
Early Life
William was born on the 21st of August, to Harvey and Lillian Basie in Red Bank Borough of New Jersey. Harvey Basie was initially the personal caretaker and coachman of a wealthy local judge and soon switched the profession of handyman after horse carriages became obsolete. He also played the mellophone, while his partner, Lillian, was proficient with the piano. The young William received his musical education at a young age from his parents.
William was also an extremely bright student who loved traveling. He frequented the touring carnivals that visited Red Bank and also the local Palace Theater. He performed occasional chores there in exchange for free entry to their performances. He quickly gained adequate knowledge regarding silent movies and musical improvizations.