Saturday, August 21, 2010

August 21: Today is "Count" Basie's birthday

Born "William Basie" in 1903 in Red Bank, NJ, "The Count" died on April 26, 1984.

Count Basie introduced several generations of listeners to the Big Band sound and many musicians got their start in his band. Basie's theme songs were "One O'Clock Jump" and "April In Paris".

Just when William "Bill" Basie become "The Count" is uncertain. One possibility is he preferred it to his previous nickname "Nutty."

Press following links to view You Tube videos:

-- "April in Paris"

-- "One O'Clock Jump"


Complete Decca 1937-39The Basie Big Band (20 Bit Mastering)

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