Who Is Count Basie? Age, Biography and Wiki
As of 2025, Count Basie would have been 121 years old if he were still alive. His remarkable journey began in Red Bank, New Jersey. Basie's unique approach to the piano and innovative orchestra management transformed jazz music, leading to the establishment of the Count Basie Orchestra, which has remained influential in the genre. His artistry earned him numerous accolades, including several Grammy Awards, ensuring that his legacy remains relevant in contemporary music discussions.
For more detailed information about his life and career, visit his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Musicians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 21, 1904 |
| Age | 79 Years |
| Birth Place | Red Bank, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | Jersey |
| Date of death | 26 April, 1984 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Count Basie's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although specific details about Count Basie's height and weight were not extensively documented during his lifetime, historical photographs and reports suggest that he had an average build typical of men of his era. Basie was known for his charismatic stage presence, which undoubtedly complemented his musical talents.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Count Basie was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage was to Catherine Morgan, with whom he had a daughter, and after their divorce, Basie married his second spouse, Flint Jones. However, details regarding his romantic relationships outside of marriage are less documented, as Basie tended to keep his personal life private.
His father worked as a coachman and caretaker for a wealthy judge. After automobiles replaced horses, his father became a groundskeeper and handyman for several wealthy families in the area. Both of his parents had some type of musical background.
His father played the mellophone, and his mother played the piano; in fact, she gave Basie his first piano lessons. She took in laundry and baked cakes for sale for a living. She paid 25 cents a lesson for Count Basie's piano instruction.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 1984, Count Basie's net worth was estimated to be substantial, largely due to his successful musical career. Today, his estate and the continuing success of the Count Basie Orchestra suggest a legacy that generates ongoing revenue through performances, royalties, and merchandise. While an exact figure for 2025 cannot be projected, Basie's contributions to music ensure that his financial influences persist.
On February 19, 1940, Count Basie and his Orchestra opened a four-week engagement at Southland in Boston, and they broadcast over the radio on February 20.
On the West Coast, in 1942 the band did a spot in Reveille With Beverly, a musical film starring Ann Miller, and a "Command Performance" for Armed Forces Radio, with Hollywood stars Clark Gable, Bette Davis, Carmen Miranda, Jerry Colonna, and the singer Dinah Shore.
Other minor movie spots followed, including Choo Choo Swing, Crazy House, Top Man, Stage Door Canteen, and Hit Parade of 1943. They also continued to record for OKeh Records and Columbia Records. The war years caused a lot of members turn over, and the band worked many play dates with lower pay.
Dance hall bookings were down sharply as swing began to fade, the effects of the musicians' strikes of 1942–44 and 1948 began to be felt, and the public's taste grew for singers.
Career, Business and Investments
Count Basie’s career spanned several decades, beginning in the 1920s with his early performances in Kansas City. He eventually rose to prominence in the 1930s and 1940s, forging a path for big band jazz. His innovative style, characterized by strong rhythms and distinctive piano riffs, set the groundwork for future jazz musicians.
Moreover, Basie's business acumen led him to operate and manage the Count Basie Orchestra effectively, creating a platform that still supports many talented musicians today. His involvement in various music festivals and recordings has further solidified his legacy.
Though a natural at the piano, Basie preferred drums. Discouraged by the obvious talents of Sonny Greer, who also lived in Red Bank and became Duke Ellington's drummer in 1919, Basie switched to piano exclusively at age 15. Greer and Basie played together in venues until Greer set out on his professional career.
By then, Basie was playing with pick-up groups for dances, resorts, and amateur shows, including Harry Richardson's "Kings of Syncopation". When not playing a gig, he hung out at the local pool hall with other musicians, where he picked up on upcoming play dates and gossip.
He got some jobs in Asbury Park at the Jersey Shore, and played at the Hong Kong Inn until a better player took his place.
Social Network
Although social media did not exist during Count Basie’s lifetime, his music continues to thrive on platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music, where new generations of jazz enthusiasts can discover his work. Today, numerous fan clubs, online forums, and music blogs discuss Basie's music and influence, allowing his legacy to persist in the digital age.
William James "Count" Basie (August 21, 1904 – April 26, 1984) was an American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer. In 1935, he formed the Count Basie Orchestra, and in 1936 took them to Chicago for a long engagement and their first recording.
He led the group for almost 50 years, creating innovations like the use of two "split" tenor saxophones, emphasizing the rhythm section, riffing with a big band, using arrangers to broaden their sound, his minimalist piano style, and others.
Education
Count Basie’s formal education in music was largely self-directed. He learned to play the piano at a young age and honed his skills through practice and by playing in local bands. His early experiences in the vibrant Kansas City jazz scene were akin to an informal education that paved the way for his eventual success.
The best student in school, Basie dreamed of a traveling life, inspired by touring carnivals which came to town. He finished junior high school but spent much of his time at the Palace Theater in Red Bank, where doing occasional chores gained him free admission to performances. He quickly learned to improvise music appropriate to the acts and the silent movies.
