Count Basie 21 August 1904 – 26 April 1984
One O'Clock Jump
By James J. Kriegsmann – Scan via Heritage Auctions. Cropped and retouched by uploader; see upload history below for unretouched cropped version, or compare the full untouched scan with original margins (see “other versions”). Other information via the Library of Congress, which holds a copy of the photograph (LCCN 00650704)., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=99710525
Count Basie was an American jazz musician who became famous for leading a big band. Born in 1904 in New Jersey, he learned piano from his mother and loved music from an early age. As a young man, he played in Harlem, toured with travelling shows, and worked hard to improve his skill.
In Kansas City, Basie joined the Bennie Moten band and later formed his own orchestra. His group became known for a strong rhythm section, lively riffs, and clever arrangements. Basie also used two tenor saxophones, which gave the music a richer sound. One of his best-known pieces was One O’Clock Jump.
Basie helped many other musicians become famous, including Lester Young, Freddie Green and Joe Williams. He worked with singers such as Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, and his band entertained audiences for many years. Count Basie died in 1984, but his music is still remembered as an important part of jazz history.
