William “Count” Basie, born August 21, 1904, died April 26, 1984. He was a jazz pianist and organist. He was a distinguished and influential pianist (the song “Splanky”, which is an onomatopoetic reference the sound of his playing), and he was equally at home in both the concert hall and the barrelhouse. James P. Johnson and Fats Waller were some of his influences. He was also a bandleader and created an organization, which was built upon the remains from Bennie Moten’s Kansas City Orchestra. It was loved by both dancers as well as vocalists like Sarah Vaughan and Frank Sinatra. It was also important because it kept musicians employed even in difficult years. Basie’s organisation was home to many jazz musicians of distinction. They helped them build their skills and made their living. Basie was not the only great jazz musician to be included in his “All American Rhythm Section”, which featured legendary musicians like Walter Page (bass), Jo Jones on drums, and Freddie Green on guitar. It was one of the most dynamic and swinging rhythm sections ever created in jazz history. Jimmy Rushing, Joe Williams, and later Joe Williams were the vocalists. It boasted many sidemen and soloists over the years, including Jimmy Rushing (tenor Sax), Lester Young(tenor Sax), Eddie Lockjaw (tenor Sax), Buddy Tate (“tenor Sax”), Buddy Tate (“tenor Sax”), Illinois Jacquet (“tenor Sax”) Earl Warren (alto), Jack Washington (alto)
