|
The pianist and bandleader William "Count"
Basie, b. Red Bank, N.J., Aug. 21, 1904, d. Apr. 26, 1984,
was one of the great exponents of SWING. He studied with Fats
Waller, a major influence on his work, and played with New
York and Kansas City jazz groups in the 1920s and early '30s
before forming his own band in 1935. Basie's band was celebrated
for its polished, rhythmic versions of blues melodies. Famous
musicians who performed with Basie include the singer Billie
Holiday and saxophonist Lester Young.
|
- 
