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August 21, 2004 - In the year of William "Count" Basie's centennial, NPR presents "Count Basie: The Man and His Music," a two-hour Jazz Profiles special.

Hosted by Avery Brooks and NPR's Nancy Wilson, the special covers Basie's musical life from the genesis of his first band at the Reno Club in Kansas City to collaborations with Frank Sinatra to piano dueling with pianist Oscar Peterson.

As a special addition to this career retrospective, NPR is also presenting The Count Basie Centennial Concert. This moving jazz tribute to the Count was recorded live at the 2004 Caramoor Festival in Katonah, N.Y.

Veteran trumpeter Jon Faddis leads an ensemble featuring Basie veterans Benny Powell and Frank Foster, joining pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Todd Coolman, saxophonist Harry Allen and other special guests.

Check your local NPR station for program air times.