Count Basie
American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer, a leading figure of the swing era and one of the most influential bandleaders in jazz history.Born in Red Bank, New Jersey, Basie rose from vaudeville accompanist to leading one of the most celebrated big bands. His orchestra, known for its propulsive swing, minimalist piano style, and iconic soloists, defined the Kansas City jazz sound and achieved massive popularity from the 1930s through the 1960s....