Featured Artist

Count Basie

Count Basie.  William "Count" Basie was born in 1904 in Red Bank, New Jersey.  He learned piano at an early age from his mother.  He toured the vaudeville circuit starting in 1924 and in 1928 joined Walter Page's Blue Devils; he then  became the pianist with the Benie Moten band based in Kansas City. 

After Moten died in 1935, Basie became leader and started referring to himself as "Count Basie".  At the end of 1936.  He moved his band to New York City where it remained until 1950.  With the exception of a brief period in the early '50s, he led a big band until his death in 1984.  Basie's orchestra was characterized by a light, swinging rhythm section that he led from the piano, lively ensemble work, and generous soloing. 

His band also showcased some of the best singers of the era:  Billie Holliday, Jimmy Rushing and Joe Williams.  Basie was not a composer like Duke Ellington or an accomplished soloist like Benny Goodman.  His instrument was his band, which was considered one of the best in the business and became broadly influential on jazz.

"Jumpin' at the Woodside"; "Swingin' the Blues"; "Doggin' Around"; and "One O'Clock Jump" are some of Basie's classic songs.

For more information about music from the swing era, click here.

For questions or information about Hepcats activities, contact Mike Richardson,
email, info@Luv2SwingDance.com; or 859-420-2426.

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