Count Basie
Acting
Born August 21, 1904 · Red Bank, New Jersey, USA
Biography
William James "Count" Basie (/ˈbeɪsi/; August 21, 1904 – April 26, 1984) was an American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer. In 1935, he formed the Count Basie Orchestra, and in 1936 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 Le…
Known For · 40 titles
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
The Mike Douglas Show
The Merv Griffin Show
The Steve Allen Show
The Ed Sullivan Show
The Dinah Shore Chevy Show
The Kennedy Center Honors
The Hollywood Palace
Startime
ABC Stage 67
Blazing Saddles
The Judy Garland Show
The Big Show
Louis Armstrong's Black & Blues
Piano Blues
Cinderfella
Cavalcade of Bands
Charlie Parker: Bird Songs
Jamboree!
Sid & Judy
Rat Pack
Improvisation
Stage Door Canteen
Judy Garland Duets
Frank Sinatra Spectacular
The Harlem Renaissance
Rhythm and Blues Revue
Made in Paris
Ebony Parade
Basie Boogie
The Last of the Blue Devils
Crazy House
New York in the Fifties
Count Basie: Through His Own Eyes
Billie
Astaire Time
Frank Sinatra: The Man and His Music
Jazz Legends in Their Own Words
Top Man
Air Mail Special