Biography
William James aka Count Basie is an American-born jazz pianist, composer, bandleader, and organist. The Count Basie Jazz Orchestra was founded by Count Basie. He was the leader of this famous group and he flew to Chicago with his group for giving jazz performances. In Chicago, he also did his first recording. He continued to spearhead his group of musicians for 50 long years and brought about innovations in jazz music. His innovations included the utilization of two tenor saxophones, riffing along with a large band, accentuating the rhythm segment, making use of organizers for expanding their sound and the likes. Numerous musicians became popular under his guidance.
Short Profile:
- First name: William
- Middle Name: James
- Last Name: Basie
- Profession: Composer, Bandleader, and Musician
- Age: 79 (at time of death)
- Birth Date: 21 August 1904
- Birth Place: Red Bank, New jersey
- Birth Country: USA
Count Basie Net Worth
The current net worth of Count Basie is estimated to be around $46 million approximately. His net worth in the year 2019 was somewhere near about the same. His primary source of income was his profession as a musician, composer, and bandleader.
Count Basie, Age, Weight, and Height
Count Basie was born on 21st August 1904. There is no information available about his height and weight.
Count Basie is he dead or alive?
Count Basie died at the age of 79, on 26th April 1984.
Some facts about Count Basie
- Count Basie initially dreamt of becoming a drummer. However, since he grew up around the legendary drummer Sony Greer, he felt that could never outperform him. Hence, he started pursuing Piano at the tender age of 15 years.
- He and his band refined their repertoire at the Grand Terrace Ball Room through their engagement of a long term.
- Notable musicians such as Freddie Green the guitarist, Buck Clayton the trumpeter, Herschel Evans, and Lester young the tenor saxophonists, and many others rose to fame under the skilled guidance of Count Basie.
- At the first Cavalcade Jazz Concert of 1945 Count Basie was a featured artist.
- Count Basie’s mother loved playing the piano and she used to pay for her son’s classes when he was young.
- He is remembered as a famous jazz musician for his innovative compositions.
- In the year 2010, this veteran musician was placed in the New Jersey Hall of Fame.