Count Basie Count Basie artist page: interviews, features and/or performances archived at NPR Music

Count Basie

Judy Garland (right) sang "I Got Rhythm" in the 1943 movie version of the 1930s musical Girl Crazy. Courtesy of MGM hide caption

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Courtesy of MGM

Listen Now: Ledisi With The Count Basie Orchestra In Concert

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With the help of great arrangers such as Neal Hefti, Ernie Wilkins, Benny Carter, and Quincy Jones, bandleader Count Basie relaunched his career after the big-band era had already passed. Central Press/Getty Images hide caption

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Central Press/Getty Images

Count Basie: The Man and His Music, Pt. 3

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Though Count Basie's band received lukewarm reviews on their first stint in New York, the public warmed up to it quickly. Reg Burkett/Getty Images hide caption

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Reg Burkett/Getty Images

Count Basie: The Man and His Music, Pt. 2

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Though he came of age in New Jersey and New York City, Count Basie developed his band's trademark sound largely in Kansas City. Express Newspapers/Getty Images hide caption

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Express Newspapers/Getty Images

Count Basie: The Man and His Music, Pt. 1

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Count Basie performs at the Royal Festival Hall in London. He and his band are embarking on a tour of Britain, and this is their first venue. Ron Case/Getty Images hide caption

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Ron Case/Getty Images

'One O'Clock Jump'

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