Dec 18th, 2008 · The Count Basie Orchestra, with Basie on piano, came roaring out of Kansas City during the Great Depression. Unrehearsed and unplugged, soul singer Ledisi shines with the famed Count Basie rhythm section — and, later, with the whole band.
Nov 5th, 2008 · Bandleader Illinois Jacquet was recognized as the king of the tenor saxophone. During his long career, Jacquet played with everyone from Basie to Lionel Hampton and gained notoriety for his wild, honking solo in "Flying Home," which heralded a new approach to playing known as the "Texas tenor style."
Jun 4th, 2008 · In the 1940s, the bandleader found himself staring at the impending decline of the Swing Era. But the sophisticated groups he put together in following years started a musical renaissance which confirmed his place in jazz history.
May 28th, 2008 · Its conception unique, its talent unmatched, no group ever swung harder than the Basie big band of the 1930s and early '40s. It transformed its leader from Bill Basie, journeyman pianist, into Count Basie, American folk hero.
May 21st, 2008 · From humble beginnings at the turn of the century, the pianist and bandleader rose to become an American success story. By 1935, Count Basie had passed through Harlem and arrived in Kansas City, primed to take his place among jazz royalty.
Jun 20th, 2007 · Count Basie called him "The 8th Wonder of the World" and the clarity and speed of his playing has never been matched.
Oct 4th, 2006 · A new album features the late Ray Charles playing with the Count Basie Orchestra, but Charles never actually recorded with the group. The tracks were mashed together by an audio engineer who used to play with Charles.
Aug 21st, 2004 · Aug. 21 would have been the 100th birthday of the influential bandleader Count Basie. He's credited with taking the Kansas City style of jazz to a national and international audience. He helped launch the careers of Lester Young, Buck Clayton, Harry Edison, Helen Humes, and Jimmy Rushing, among others. Tom Vitale reports.