William 'Count' Basie (photo) (audio)

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1904-1984 - Count Basie was born in New Jersey. A pianist and band leader, Count Basie performed the so-called Kansas City jazz.

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The Kansas City jazz featured a classic swing band style. It also included a spare keyboard playing which was played in a precise four beat rhythm so common in classical music. He started the Barons of Rhythm in Kansas City, the moved to New York in 1936 to perform and sometimes compose. His various hit singles include Stay Cool, written in 1946 and Jumpin’ at the Woodside which was written and played in 1938.