When his own band folded, he rejoined Moten with a newly re-organized band. With many of the other big bands of the swing encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any accessibility issues She died in 1983. count basie daughter died. Another Basie innovation was the use of two tenor saxophone players; at the time, most bands had just one. He was a fine pianist and leader of one of the greatest jazz bands in history. "April in Paris" (arrangement by Wild Bill Davis) was a best-selling instrumental and the title song for the hit album. Soloists were less prominent in this second edition of the Basie band although it included some of the major jazz musicians of the post-50's years, such as Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Al Grey, Eddie The agent, Willard Alexander, said Mrs. Basie died while her husband was appearing at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto. When You Breathe In Your Diaphragm Does What. When William James Count Basie died of cancer in 1984, he left his $1.5 million fortune in a trust to provide for his only child. Basie had Holiday, and Webb countered with the singer Ella Fitzgerald. 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He quickly learned to improvise music appropriate to the acts and the silent movies. Your email address will not be published. Basie, Count. Catherine Basie, wife of Count Basie, the jazz musician and band leader, died of a heart attack yesterday at the couples home in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, according to Mr. Basies agent. During a broadcast the announcer wanted to give Basies name some style, so he called him Count. Little did Basie know this touch of royalty would give him proper status and position him with the likes of Duke Ellington and Earl Hines. Who taught Count Basie how do you play the piano? Catherine Basie, wife of Count Basie, the jazz musician and band leader, died of a heart attack yesterday at the couples home in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, according to Mr. Basies agent. They had one daughter, Diane, in 1944. From the Grand Terrace, it moved on to New York and Roseland Ballroom (playing opposite Woody Herman's new, young band) where listeners complained that it was out of tune (not a surprising reaction [5] Greer and Basie played together in venues until Greer set out on his professional career. Count Basie and his Orchestra played at the tenth Cavalcade of Jazz concert also at Wrigley Field on June 20, 1954. Diane died peacefully on October 15 after suffering a heart attack a few days before. "Of course, I wanted to play real jazz. and Sarah Vaughan (19241990). The couple kept her and cared deeply for her, and especially through her mother's tutelage, Diane learned not only to walk but to swim. of the band. [45] In early 1938, the Savoy was the meeting ground for a "battle of the bands" with Chick Webb's group. Throughout his tours, Basie met many jazz musicians, including Louis Armstrong. William James "Count" Basie (/besi/; August 21, 1904 April 26, 1984)[1] was an American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer. Basie appointed Aaron Woodward, a Long Island Baptist pastor and accountant, to be Dianes guardian. Gonsalves and Clark Terry. with trumpeter Thad Jones directing until his own death in 1986. [21] In addition to playing piano, Basie was co-arranger with Eddie Durham, who notated the music. Famed record producer and journalist, John Hammond, heard the bands broadcast and began writing about the Orchestra to gain their attention. Many of the band's arrangements were Count Basie, the jazz pianist whose spare, economic keyboard style and supple rhythmic drive made his orchestra one of the most influential groups of the Big Band era, died of cancer yesterday morning at Doctors Hospital in Hollywood, Fla. One of them, Aaron Woodward, a Long Island Baptist pastor and accountant, was considered an informally adopted son by Basie, according to a report by Jet magazine. As one critic put it, they "put wheels on all four bars of the beat," creating a smooth rhythmic flow over which Mr. Basie's other instrumentalists rode as though they were on a streamlined the personnel, and formed the first Count Basie Orchestra. The band will continue under the guidance of Aaron Woodward, an adopted son of Mr. Basie who has worked closely with the orchestra leader during the last year. Here is all you want to know, and more! We set the thing up front in D-flat, and then we just went on playing in F." It became his signature tune. She was 67 years old. Charlie Parker forever changed the performance and writing of jazz music. Basie and his Orchestra appeared in five films, all released within a matter of months in 1943:Hit Parade, Reveille with Beverly, Stage Door Canteen, Top Man, andCrazy House. The Gonzel White show was stranded in Kansas City, Mo., a fateful location for Mr. Basie. The place catered to "uptown celebrities", and typically the band winged every number without sheet music using "head arrangements". [79] In his autobiography, he wrote, "I think the band can really swing when it swings easy, when it can just play along like you are cutting butter."[80]. Count Basie, the jazz pianist whose spare, economic keyboard style and supple rhythmic drive made his orchestra one of the most influential groups of the Big Band era, died of cancer yesterday morning How do I choose between my boyfriend and my best friend? They had one daughter, Diane, in 1944. And it was a seven-day week. Basie added touches of bebop "so long as it made sense", and he required that "it all had to have feeling". She paid 25 cents a lesson for Count Basie's piano instruction. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. April 27, 1984 7 AM PT. [17], In 1928, Basie was in Tulsa and heard Walter Page and his Famous Blue Devils, one of the first big bands, which featured Jimmy Rushing on vocals. We've received your submission. [62] Soon, his band was touring and recording again. Required fields are marked *. [8], Though a natural at the piano, Basie preferred drums. time!". They had one daughter, Diane, in 1944. Late one night with time to fill, the band started improvising. Frank Sinatra (19151998), Ella Fitzgerald (19171996), From 1929 to 1932, Basie was part of Bennie Moten's Kansas City Orchestra: In 1958, Basie became the first African-American to win a Grammy Award. 50 feet long, which was having trouble doing business in the summer because it had no air-conditioning. Mr. Basie's band, more than any other, was the During his last years he had difficulty walking and At thirty-four, he was dead from years of drug and alcohol use. band's theme song, "One O'Clock Jump," New Jersey, Report Accessibility Barrier or band in 1950, juggling combinations of all-star musicians. While he recuperated his band continued to fulfill engagements, frequently with Nat Pierce taking Mr. Basie's place at the piano and sometimes with guest conductors such as the trumpeter Clark Terry, who Another boost was provided in the late 1950s by the recording of fame. Provide Feedback Form. 5 How old was Catherine Basie when she died? The award was received by Aaron Woodward. [56], Count Basie was the featured artist at the first Cavalcade of Jazz concert held at Wrigley Field on September 23, 1945, which was produced by Leon Hefflin Sr.[57] Al Jarvis was the Emcee and other artists to appear on stage were Joe Liggins and his Honeydrippers, The Peters Sisters, Slim and Bam, Valaida Snow, and Big Joe Turner. He said that Norman Granz got them into the Birdland club and promoted the new band through recordings on the Mercury, Clef, and Verve labels. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. After a decade long courtship, Basie married dancer Catherine Morgan, his second wife, on his birthday in 1942. I said the minute the brass got out of hand and blared and screeched instead of making every note mean something, there'd be some changes made. [69] That summer, Basie and Duke Ellington combined forces for the recording First Time! with a particular soloist or two in mind. He got used to seeing me, as though I were part of the show. Basie's 14-man band began playing at the Famous Door, a mid-town nightspot with a CBS network feed and air conditioning, which Hammond was said to have bought the club in return for their booking Basie steadily throughout the summer of 1938. (traveling variety entertainment). Around 1920, Basie went to Harlem, a hotbed of jazz, where he lived down the block from the Alhambra Theater. Basie made a few more movie appearances, such as in the Jerry Lewis film Cinderfella (1960) and the Mel Brooks movie Blazing Saddles (1974), playing a revised arrangement of "April in Paris". silent movie theater, he joined Walter Page's Blue Devils in Basie was a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity. [11] Soon, Basie met many of the Harlem musicians who were "making the scene," including Willie "the Lion" Smith and James P. Johnson. After a decade-long courtship, Basie married dancer Catherine Morgan, his second wife, on his birthday in 1942. In 2005, Count Basie's song "One O'Clock Jump" (1937) was included by the National Recording Preservation Board in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry. Joe Williams toured with the band and was featured on the 1957 album One O'Clock Jump, and 1956's Count Basie Swings, Joe Williams Sings, with "Every Day (I Have the Blues)" becoming a huge hit. Basie's new band was more of an ensemble group, with fewer solo turns, and relying less on "head" and more on written arrangements. Where did Count Basie do most of his touring? The agent, Willard Alexander, said Mrs. non-soloing brass and reeds). Died: April 26, 1984 Hollywood, Florida African American bandleader and musician Count Basie was an extremely popular figure in the jazz world for half a century. In 1950, he headlined the Universal-International short film "Sugar Chile" Robinson, Billie Holiday, Count Basie and His Sextet. Bandleader, arranger and pianist Fletcher Henderson is one of the most influential and yet least-known jazz masters. 6 Who was Count Basies adopted son on Long Island? Dropping out of junior high school, Basie learned to operate lights for vaudeville and to improvise piano accompaniment for silent films at the local movie theater in his hometown that would eventually become the Count Basie Theatre. It was a loose and swinging band, built around distinctively individualistic solos by Lester When Bennie Moten died in 1935, the band disintegrated and Mr. Basie organized a small band to play at the Reno Club in Kansas City that became the nucleus of the band with which he gained his initial Scale for the musicians at the Reno Club, where beer was a nickel and whisky was 15 cents, was $15 a week for playing from 8 P.M. to 4 A.M., except Saturdays when it was 8 P.M. until 8 A.M. A longtime friend of jazz legend Count Basie is facing possible jail time for allegedly stealing $70,000 from the late bandleaders disabled daughter. One Great Band.Count Basie will always be remembered..Too bad he passed away.. Jazz at Santa . rehearsal and then written down later. Through steady changes in personnel, Basie led the band into the 1980s. Count and Mrs. Basie were true socialites - often gathering with friends including celebrities Frank Sinatra, Jerry Lewis, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Basie protg Quincy Jones. Unostentatious as Mr. Basie appeared, his presence was a vital factor in directing his band or any group of musicians with whom he might be playing. Basie was a true innovator leading the band for almost 50 years and recording on over 480 albums. Count was 79 years old at the time of death. The funeral service will be at noon on Monday at the Abyssinian Baptist Church, He quickly made a name for himself playing the piano at local venues and parties around town until he moved to New York City in search of greater opportunities. Before he was 20 years old, he toured extensively on the Keith and TOBA vaudeville circuits as a solo pianist, accompanist, and music director for blues singers, dancers, and comedians. . Basie is remembered by many who worked for him as being considerate of musicians and their opinions, modest, relaxed, fun-loving, dryly witty, and always enthusiastic about his music. It was during this time that he was given the nickname In addition to Quincy Jones, Basie was using arrangers such as Benny Carter (Kansas City Suite), Neal Hefti (The Atomic Mr Basie), and Sammy Nestico (Basie-Straight Ahead). With the New Testament Basie band in full swing, and arrangements written by a youthful Quincy Jones, this album proved a swinging respite from her Songbook recordings and constant touring she did during this period. The Count Basie Orchestra recorded and played live with many iconic artists like Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Tonny Benneth and Sarah Vaughan. Basie earned nine Grammy Awardsand made history in 1958 by becoming the first African-American to receive the award. His mother paid 25 cents per piano lesson for him . Image of Wayne King, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Bill Elliot at Big Band Festival at Disneyland, Anaheim, 1964. While he was in his late teens, he gravitated to Harlem, where he encountered Fats Waller. Ella Fitzgerald made some memorable recordings with Basie, including the 1963 album Ella and Basie!. Encyclopedia of Jazz. dealing with the egos of his musicians. The key hired him. He and his band recorded with Individuals with disabilities are He reformed his group as a 16-piece orchestra in 1952. All We Know about the Award-Winning Composer, His Life, and Legacy, Rich Old Man Left More than $10M Estate to 11 Heirs One Keeps Portion Worth Millions for Herself, Who Is Lionel Richie Married To? Basie was often recognized for his understated yet captivating style of piano playing and his precise, impeccable musical leadership. [55] The war years caused a lot of members turn over, and the band worked many play dates with lower pay. During a broadcast the announcer wanted to give Basie's name some style, so he called him "Count". He is survived by a daughter, Diane Basie of Freeport. Hollywood, Florida, on April 26, 1984. 'No,' I said, 'but I'd William "Count" Basie was an American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader and composer. Darlin'"), Ernie Wilkins and Frank Foster ("Shiny Stockings") were among the most notable orchestrators. He became an accompanist to the blues singers Clara Smith and Maggie Jones and he worked This group was eventually called the New Testament band. In 1976, Mr. Basie suffered a heart attack. Hollywood, Florida with disabilities are encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any The band keeps on touring around the country under the direction of trumpeter Scotty Barnhart. Birthday: August 21, 1904. See the Count Basie Orchestra Discography. "April in Paris," which became the trademark of the band 2022-06-30; wreck on 1942 crosby, tx today . "When they let you in the door," Ralph Gleason, the jazz critic, reported, "it was like jumping into the center of a whirlwind. 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, and others. superior arrangements (reflecting Basie's good taste) and the He constantly parried Chick's thundering haymakers with tantalizing runs and arpeggios which teased more and more force from his adversary. Young, Hershel Evans, Buddy Tate, Buck Clayton, Harry Edison, Dickie Wells, Vic Dickenson and, primarily, Mr. Basie himself. They also toured with the "Birdland Stars of 1955", whose lineup included Sarah Vaughan, Erroll Garner, Lester Young, George Shearing, and Stan Getz.[66]. 2022-06-30; wreck on 1942 crosby, tx today Count Basie is considered one of the greatest bandleaders of all times. To help it through the Grand Terrace engagement, Fletcher Henderson, who had provided Benny Goodman with The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". She took in laundry and baked cakes for sale for a living. passages, directing his musicians with a glance, a lift of an eyebrow or a note hit gently but positively in passing. The couple had an only daughter, Diane Basie, who's now a 74-year-old disabled woman. at Doctors' Hospital in Hollywood, Fla. [4] Both of his parents had some type of musical background. In 1935, he formed the Count Basie Orchestra, and in 1936 took them to Chicago for a long engagement and their first recording. His home for many years was in Freeport, the Bahamas; he died of cancer at Doctors' Hospital in Hollywood, Florida, on April 26, 1984. New Jersey. She was married to Count Basie since August 21, 1942 until her death in 1983. He couldnt write music at the time, but his ear was perfect. Mr. Basie was, along with Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman, one of the pre-eminent bandleaders of the Big Band era in the 1930's and 40's. He got some jobs in Asbury Park at the Jersey Shore, and played at the Hong Kong Inn until a better player took his place.[10]. A pianist, Count Basie played vaudeville before eventually forming his own big band and helping to define the era of swing with hits like One OClock Jump and Blue Skies. In 1958, Basie became the first African American male recipient of a Grammy Award. Many other bands later adapted the split tenor arrangement. Jazz icon, Count Basie, was born William JamesBasie August 21, 1904in Red Bank, New Jersey. Count Basie made most of his albums with his big band. [1] As he did with Duke Ellington, Willie "the Lion" Smith helped Basie out during the lean times by arranging gigs at "house-rent parties", introducing him to other leading musicians, and teaching him some piano technique. Sinatra later said of this concert "I have a funny feeling that those two nights could have been my finest hour, really. [68] He was a guest on ABC's The Pat Boone Chevy Showroom, a venue also opened to several other black entertainers. It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Diane Lillian Basie (1944-2022), the beloved only child of the legendary jazz musician, William James Count Basie and his wife, Catherine Morgan Basie. He is credited for creating the use of the two split tenor saxophone, emphasizing the rhythm section, riffing with a big band, using arrangers to broaden their sound, and beautifully layering masterful vocalists. To go on the road, Mr. Basie expanded his nine-piece band to 13 pieces. Good Morning Blues: The Autobiography of Count Basie. What disability did Count Basies daughter have? AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. The band survived Basie's death, with ex-Basie-ite trumpeter Thad Jones directing until his death in 1986. structure. But Moten was an expert piano player himself, and Basie fashioned a job for himself as the bands staff arranger. He also recorded with Sammy Davis Jr., Bing Crosby, and Sarah Vaughan. ', "The next day he invited me to sit in the pit and start working the pedals. Count Basie was an extremely popular figure in the jazz world for half a onenighters, and the bebop revolution of the mid-1940s all played a role Today, Charlie Yardbird Parker is considered one of the great musical innovators of the 20th century. Discography of American Historical Recordings, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Count_Basie&oldid=1137147837, Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Big Band, Best Jazz Performance by a Soloist (Instrumental), Best Performance by an Orchestra For Dancing. However, throughout the 1940s, he maintained a big band that possessed an infectious rhythmic beat, an enthusiastic team spirit, and a long list of inspired and talented jazz soloists. As a result, the band got a date at the Grand Terrace in Chicago. The big band era appeared to have ended after the war, and Basie disbanded the group. The band broadcast from the Reno Club on an experimental radio station. Good Morning Blues: The Autobiography of Count Basie. What pianist lead the most successful band in Kansas City? [20] Where the Blue Devils were "snappier" and more "bluesy", the Moten band was more refined and respected, playing in the "Kansas City stomp" style. Press ESC to cancel. The couple had an only daughter, Diane Basie, whos now a 74-year-old disabled woman. (193545) was unquestionably Basie's greatest. Advertisement When Basie died of pancreatic cancer in 1984 at the age of 79, he left his $1.5 million fortune in a trust to provide for Diane. After working briefly as house organist in a Perhaps the most startling of the ", The jazz pianist George Shearing said that Mr. Basie's greatest trademark was the three sweet, soft notes that ended many of his great swing-era compositions. Basie led his jazz orchestra almost continuously for nearly 50 years. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Swing-era bandleader noted for his theme songs One O'Clock Jump from 1937 and April in Paris from 1932. A year later, Basie joinedBennie_Motens band, and played with them until Motens death in 1935. 1983. Their daughter, Iska, died at the age of 14 after a series . It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Diane Lillian Basie (1944-2022), the beloved only child of the legendary jazz musician, William James "Count" Basie and his wife, Catherine Morgan Basie. However, the man ended up betraying Basies trust, and he stole from Diane. (Holiday did not record with Basie, as she had her own record contract and preferred working with small combos). (Lockjaw) Davis, Frank Wess, Jimmy Forrest and the blues singer Joe Williams. The new band billed itself as Count Basie and his Cherry Blossom Orchestra, marking the first time that Count was officially added to his name. Soon after, Benny Goodman recorded their signature "One O'Clock Jump" with his band. He died of cancer in groups' recordings were of the highest quality, but in 1951 Basie [16] He met Fats Waller, who was playing organ at the Lincoln Theater accompanying silent movies, and Waller taught him how to play that instrument. [12][13] His touring took him to Kansas City, St. Louis, New Orleans, and Chicago. It was on one of these broadcasts that Bill Basie became Count Basie. Basie then formed his own nine-piece band, Barons of Rhythm, with many former Moten members including Walter Page (bass), Freddie Green (guitar), Jo Jones (drums), Lester Young (tenor saxophone) and Jimmy Rushing (vocals). Basie [60] The jukebox era had begun, and Basie shared the exposure along with early rock'n'roll and rhythm and blues artists. One of Basie's biggest regrets was never recording with Louis Armstrong, though they shared the same bill several times. She was 67 years old. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Count Basie (1904-1984) The title of one of his bands most famous tunes The Kid from Red Bank is an obvious tip-off, but many jazz historians assume that William J.