William "Count" Basie (1904 - 1984) was a great band leader. He played the piano with lessons from Bennie Moten and was influenced by Fats Waller. Basie played with groups in the 1920's and '30's. In '35, Basie formed his own band. He was also a composer. Basie played swing with songs like "Basic Basie", "Satin Doll", "Bills Mill", and "One O'Clock Jump". Basie sometimes had Billie Holiday singing. Basie also inspired other famous artists. John Lewis, a music director of Modern Jazz Quartet, Thelonious Monk, an architect of the Bop Era. Mary Lou Williams and Oscar Peterson were also inspired by Basie. Count Basie was gifted for directing music.

---

Return to: Jazz: Armstrong Forward