Count Basie

Acting

Born August 21, 1904 · Red Bank, New Jersey, USA

Died April 26, 1984

Also known as William James Basie

Biography

William James "Count" Basie 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.

Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA

Awards & recognition

Kansas Music Hall of Fame · 2011
New Jersey Hall of Fame · 2010
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award · 2002
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award · 2001
Presidential Medal of Freedom · 1985

Show all 28 awards →

Grammy Award — Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album · 1984
NEA Jazz Masters · 1983
Grammy Award — Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album · 1982
star on Hollywood Walk of Fame · 1982
Grammy Trustees Award · 1981
Kennedy Center Honors · 1981
Grammy Award — Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album · 1980
Grammy Trustees Award · 1980
Grammy Award — Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album · 1977
Grammy Award — Best Jazz Performance · 1976
Grammy Award — Best Performance by an Orchestra – for Dancing · 1963
Grammy Award — Best Performance by an Orchestra – for Dancing · 1960
Grammy Award — Best Performance by an Orchestra – for Dancing · 1958
Grammy Award — Best Jazz Instrumental Album · 1958
Grammy Award — Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album · 1984 · nominated
Grammy Award — Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album · 1982 · nominated
Grammy Award — Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album · 1980 · nominated
Grammy Award — Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album · 1977 · nominated
Grammy Award — Best Jazz Performance · 1976 · nominated
Grammy Award — Best Performance by an Orchestra – for Dancing · 1963 · nominated
Grammy Award — Best Performance by an Orchestra – for Dancing · 1960 · nominated
Grammy Award — Best Jazz Instrumental Album · 1958 · nominated
Grammy Award — Best Performance by an Orchestra – for Dancing · 1958 · nominated