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Count Basie

Evolution Of A Song: 'I Got Rhythm'

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

A Blog Supreme

Evolution Of A Song: 'I Got Rhythm'

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When George Gershwin wrote "I Got Rhythm" for the 1930s musical Girl Crazy, he created one of the most catchy melodies in American history. But little did he know that his lovable song — apart from becoming a hugely popular jazz standard — would evolve into something far greater.

Concerts

Ledisi, The Count Basie Orchestra In Concert

WBGO

The Count Basie Orchestra, with Basie on piano, came roaring out of Kansas City during the Great Depression. Unrehearsed and unplugged, soul singer Ledisi shines with the famed Count Basie rhythm section — and, later, with the whole band.

Listen Now: Ledisi With The Count Basie Orchestra In Concert

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

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

NPR's 'Jazz Profiles'

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

In the 1940s, the bandleader found himself staring at the impending decline of the Swing Era. But the sophisticated groups he put together in the years to come started a musical renaissance which helped confirm his place in jazz history.

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

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

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

NPR's 'Jazz Profiles'

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

Its conception unique, its talent unmatched, no group ever swung harder than the Basie big band of the 1930s and early '40s. It transformed its leader from Bill Basie, journeyman pianist, into Count Basie, American folk hero.

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

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

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

NPR's 'Jazz Profiles'

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

From humble beginnings at the turn of the century, the pianist and bandleader rose to become an American success story. By 1935, Count Basie had passed through Harlem and arrived in Kansas City, primed to take his place among jazz royalty.

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

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Music Interviews

A Birthday Tribute to Count Basie

Aug. 21 would have been the 100th birthday of the influential bandleader Count Basie. He's credited with taking the Kansas City style of jazz to a national and international audience. He helped launch the careers of Lester Young, Buck Clayton, Harry Edison, Helen Humes, and Jimmy Rushing, among others. Tom Vitale reports.

A Birthday Tribute to Count Basie

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Review

Basic Jazz Record Library

Count Basie: 'Count Basie Swings, Joe Williams Sings'

Count Basie broke up his band in 1950 because of financial considerations, but later reorganized and embarked on a series of recording sessions that solidified him as an American jazz institution. This album focuses on the post-1954 period, when vocalist Joe Williams gave the band new popularity with such hits as "All Right OK, You Win."

Count Basie: 'Count Basie Swings, Joe Williams Sings'

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Review

Basic Jazz Record Library

Count Basie: 'The Essential Count Basie, Vol. 1 & Vol. 2'

In the late 1930s, big bands frequently vied for the greatest applause in "ballroom competitions." According to commentator A.B. Spellman, "the Basie band was never beaten" in these competitions." This two-volume set showcases Basie at the height of his ballroom success, and features his renowned rhythm section, "the Kansas City Walk."

Count Basie: 'The Essential Count Basie, Vol. 1 & Vol. 2'

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'One O'Clock Jump'

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

Music

'One O'Clock Jump'

Basie came to New York City in 1936, and used elements of blues and jazz in the newer sounds of swing and big band.

'One O'Clock Jump'

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