Count Basie
Born in Red Bank, New Jersey, USA — Aug 21 1904• Died Apr 26 1984
Connect
Biography
William James "Count" Basie (/ˈbeɪsi/; August 21, 1904 – April 26, 1984) was an American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer. In 1935, he formed the Count Basie Orchestra, and in 1936 took them to Chicago for a long engagement and their first recording. He led the group for almost 50 years, creating innovations like the use of two "split" tenor saxophones, emphasizing the rhythm section, riffing with a big band, using arrangers to broaden their sound, his minimalist piano style, and others. Many musicians came to prominence under his direct…
Photos
Count Basie's Credits
Browse acting and crew credits across movies and TV — filter and sort to find specific roles.
The Steve Allen Show
Self - Conductor
The Dinah Shore Chevy Show
Self
The Kennedy Center Honors
Self
The Hollywood Palace
Self - Pianist
ABC Stage 67
Self
Blazing Saddles
Self
The Judy Garland Show
Self
The Big Show
Self
Crazy House
Count Basie
Sid & Judy
Self (archive footage)
Rat Pack
Self (archive footage)
Cinderfella
Count Basie
Piano Blues
Self (archive footage)
Stage Door Canteen
Count Basie
Top Man
Orchestra Leader
Louis Armstrong's Black & Blues
Self (voice) (archive sound)
Count Basie: Through His Own Eyes
Judy Garland Duets
Self (archive footage)
Frank Sinatra Spectacular
Self
Made in Paris
Count Basie
Jamboree!
Count Basie
Billie
self
New York in the Fifties
Self
Cavalcade of Bands
The Harlem Renaissance
Self (archive footage)
Music Inn
Himself (archive footage)
Bluesland: A Portrait in American Music
Self (archive footage)
Rhythm and Blues Revue
Self
All-Star Jazz Show: Live from The Ed Sullivan Theater
Self
Improvisation
Self
Charlie Parker: Bird Songs
Self (archive footage)
Jazz Legends in Their Own Words
Self (archive footage)
Count Basie At Carnegie Hall
Self
Frank Sinatra: The Man and His Music
Self
Norman Granz’ Jazz in Montreaux presents Ella and Basie '79—"The Perfect Match"
Sself (Piano, Conductor)
The Last Of The Blue Devils - The Kansas City Jazz Story
Self
Killer Diller
Sound
Air Mail Special
Self
Policy Man
Count Basie
Jazz Icons: Count Basie Live in '62
Himself
Ebony Parade
(archive footage)
'Sugar Chile' Robinson, Billie Holiday, Count Basie and His Sextet
Take Me Back, Baby
Sentimental Journey
Crew
Basie Boogie