In Kansas City
Count Basie
A brief summary of Count Basie’s beginnings in Kansas City
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As a pianist and bandleader, Count Basie epitomized swing throughout his life, influencing a countless number of jazz orchestras and soloists with his “less is more” percussive style and his ability to make every song sound a bit bluesy.
While born in Red Bank, New Jersey, Basie came to Kansas City early in his career, playing with Walter Page’s Blue Devils and Bennie Moten’s orchestra before forming his own classic big band.
This brief clip discusses Basie’s beginnings and legacy.
-Scott Yanow
Ella Fitzgerald