It's the Counts Birthday

[Devil Doc]

It's the birthday of jazz great Count (William) Basie, born in Red Bank, New Jersey (1904). He started out on the vaudeville circuit through the Midwest and got stranded in Kansas City. He fell in love with the hard-driving jazz there, and became leader of a nine-piece band. One night, while the band was broadcasting on a Kansas City radio station, the announcer called him "Count" to say that he was a jazz "aristocrat," like Duke Ellington. Those broadcasts launched his career. Other pianists were famous for their flashy style, but Basie was known for playing his solos as simply as possible. One of his band members said, "Count don't do nothin'. But it sure sounds good." His classic songs included, "Basie Boogie," "Shorty George," and "One O'Clock Jump."

Doc.

 

[Gonz]

The Count Basie Orchestra still tours today, minus him of course, and they play all the great classics. I think I'll pop in Live from the Fillmore right now!