Count Basie History of Count Basie His father

Count Basie

History of Count Basie • His father Harvey was a mellophonist and his mother Lillian was a pianist who gave her son his first lessons. • He went on to join Walter Page's Blue Devils in 1928, which he would see as a pivotal moment in his career, being introduced to the bigband sound for the first time. • Basie formed the Barons of Rhythm with some of his bandmates from Bennie Moten's group, including saxophonist Lester Young. • Producer John Hammond heard the band's sound and helped secure further bookings. After some challenges, the Count Basie Orchestra had a slew of hits that helped to define the big-band sound of the 1930 s and '40 s.

https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=08 jy. Owx 96 Ig

How did William Basie become “Count”? • When Basie formed the Barons of Rhythm he had their music play on radio stations. • During a radio broadcast, the announcer decided to give Basie’s name some pizazz. • The announcer called Basie “Count” and the name stuck. • It became a form of respect and recognition in the music world.

Count Basie and his band performing with Clark Terry in the 1940’s.

His Family • 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.

Basie’s Awards • In 1958, Count Basie was the first African-American man to receive a Grammy. It was also his first Grammy. • Throughout his career, Basie earned nine Grammies. • A few of his songs were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame as well, including "April in Paris" and "Everyday I Have the Blues. “

What instrument did Count Basie play?

The End of a Legacy • On April 26, 1984 Count Basie died of cancer in Hollywood, Florida. • He left the world an almost unparalleled legacy of musical greatness, having recorded or been affiliated with dozens upon dozens of albums during his lifetime.

Resources • http: //www. biography. com/people/count-basie-9201255#formsbarons-of-rhythm • https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=08 jy. Owx 96 Ig • http: //riverwalkjazz. stanford. edu/program/american-jazz-masterclark-terry-basie-years • http: //musicians. allaboutjazz. com/countbasie