Count Basie

jazz pianist, composer, bandleader
Born: 8/21/1904
Birthplace: Red Bank, New Jersey

Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist, composer and bandleader known for his powerful, rhythmic sound and his dominant-right-hand piano style. He played in New York and Kansas City bands in the 1920s and 1930s before forming his own band in 1935, which he performed with for 40 years.

Died: 4/26/1984
 
See also: