Count Basie

Biography

William James "Count" Basie was a renowned American jazz pianist, organist, and bandleader who led the Count Basie Orchestra for almost 50 years. In 1936, he took his group to Chicago for their first recording and went on to create innovations like two "split" tenor saxophones and emphasizing the rhythm section. He also mentored notable musicians, including Lester Young and Freddie Green, and composed jazz standards like "Blue and Sentimental".