Count Basie

Born on August 21, 1904, I was raised in Red Bank, New Jersey. I was born into a family of music, so it was easy for me to love the different musical sounds of this time. My mother - Lillian Ann Childs was my very first piano teacher. I started off wanting to play the drums, but that soon faded because my real passion was for the piano. As I grew older, I really enjoyed going over to Harlem. This was where all the great jazz musicians resided and played. One of the greats, Fats Waller was a person I greatly looked up to. He took me under his wing and taught me how to play the organ.

After learning this instrument, my love for jazz music, and for the piano and organ were strong, so I began touring many different areas - trying to make my way in the world by making a living, while doing what I loved. At first, I played different solo works by myself. After a while of this, I began to accompany many people on the piano, including Katie Krippen and Gonzelle White. Eventually I tourned out to Kansas, Missouri which is where I met many different jazz musicians. Things really began to flourish. In 1928 I joined Walter Page's "Blue Devils." The next year in 1929, I became the pianist for the Bennie Moten ensemble in Kansas City. At this time, people started to call me "Count" Basie instead of my actual name - William James. In 1934, I started my own band, but eventually decided to return to Bennie Moten's ensemble. When Moten tragically passed away, I realized that it was time for me to start my own band.

I moved the orchestra from Kansas City to Chicago in 1936, because I thought it would be a better opportunity for everyone. When we got to Chicago we participated in many recording sessions. We then began playing for audiences around New York City. The "Count Basie Band" remained existant and played until the year of 1950.

In 1938, the "Count Basie Band" really started to become famous and well-known throughout the country. We had a number of recordings in the studio, and a lot of people began to recognize us. At this time, many famous blues singers were showcased and sang with us. They included, Billie Holiday, Jimmy Rushing, Big Joe Turner, Helen Humes, and Joe Williams.

In 1952, the "big band" era was coming to a close, so I reformed the "Count Basie Band" into the "Count Basie Orchestra," which included 16 musicians. Jazz seemed to be dying out by the 50s, but I was determined to not let such a great time of music fade away. To be able to continue such a long line of great music and tradition of jazz is absolutely incredible. It is so hard to make a living and be in the music industry these days, and I feel very grateful that I am able to do both, and enjoy every moment of it every day of my life.