William James Count Basie- Born 1904 Red Bank, NJ.

What you are going to hear today-

Scotty Barnhart current director of Count Basie band

The basic fundamentals of Basies orchestra were and still are foot stomping 4/4 swing, an unparalleled
use of dynamic contrasts, shouting the blues at any tempo, and just making one want to dance. The
Basie orchestra evolved into one of the most venerable and viable enterprises in American music with the
highest levels of continued productivity rivaling any musical organization in history.

Accolades

Ronald Regan presenting medal of freedom.

For more than half a century, William ``Count'' Basie enraptured the people of America with his
brilliant and innovative work in the field of jazz. In the 1930's and 40's, the Count became part of the
fabric of American life as the leader of one of the greatest bands of the Big Band Era. His songs, from
``April in Paris'' to ``One O'Clock Jump,'' are American classics. Count Basie cut a notch in musical
history and found a place in our hearts forever. Among the royalty of American arts and entertainment,
there is no one more honored and more beloved than the Count.

Medal of Freedom goes to Count Basie, and it will be received by his son, Aaron Woodward. Aaron.

Basie is 1st African American to win Grammy Award 1958.

He would eventually win 9 Grammy Awards and win Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

His own USPS stamp- Legends of American music

Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Kennedy Center Honors given for their contributions to American culture.

''There is no question that Count Basie, his band, the many musicians, arrangers, composers,
vocalists he nurtured for more than 40 years, were a major force in raising jazz from its humble
beginnings to what it is considered by many today - an original American musical art form,''
Henry Mancini,
HIS Name-
Contrary to several conflicting stories, I got the name "Count" right in Kansas City in 1936 while at
the Reno Club. I was known as Bill Basie at that time. One night, while we were broadcasting, the
announcer called me to the microphone for those usual few words of introduction. He commented
that Bill Basie was a rather ordinary name, and further that there were a couple of well-known
bandleaders named Earl Hines and Duke Ellington. Then he said, "Bill, I think I'll call you Count
Basie from now on. Is that all right with you?" I thought he was kidding, shrugged my shoulders and
replied, "OK." Well that was the last time I was ever introduced as Bill Basie. From then on, it was
Count Basie, and I never did lose that nickname. It's funny the way those things will stick.

Basie-

Bought Swing to concert halls and theaters across the country. Basie would also help spread jazz
through eastern Europe and the soviet union through performances on Willis Conoverss Voice of
America radio broadcasts

Military Associations

Sammie Nestico- 20 year veteran of military. Served in Army Combat Engineer Corp. Arranger for
Basie from 1967-1984

Thad Jones- Army WW2 veteran. Arranger and Performer for Basie Band 9 years and became band
leader upon Basies Death.

Frank Foster- army veteran became leader of Basie Band served in 7th infantry division serving in
Korea. Takes over as leader Basie band after Thad Jones.
Frank Wess- on what is was like performing with the Basie Band.

Reading his words describes what I feel when Im performing with the the Army Blues

We were breathing Like one, there was no tension, everyone knew their individual role and it
was all about the team effort.