Today is the 99th birthday of WIlliam “Count” Basie. He was one of many legendary jazz pianists, and big band leaders. He formed the Count Basie Orchestra in 1935 and led the group for almost 50 years. He is noted for 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, and others. So many musicians came to prominence under his direction.

He worked with many well known singers including Tony Bennett, Jackie Wilson, and Frank Sinatra. His list of accomplishments and recordings would take forever to write about. Instead, I’d like to share a couple of my favorite Basie tunes by Basie and some covers.

One O’clock Jump

Amazing cover by Doc and the Tonight Show Band

April In Paris

Again, Doc and the Tonight Show Band

Fly Me To The Moon – With Frank

Please Be Kind – With Frank

With Plenty of Money and You – With Tony Bennett

Chain Gang – With Jackie Wilson

It is said that one of Basie’s biggest regrets was never recording with the great Louis Armstrong.

There is a neat album that has been referenced as the “concert that never happened.”

This is concert vocals from Ray Charles and members of the Basie Band mixed together for a unique album.

Georgia on My Mind

Busted

Ok, a couple quick movie clips that feature Basie just because …

First a classic pantomime by Jerry Lewis in The Errand Boy. He uses Basie’s “Blues in Hoss’ Flat” as the basis for this gem.

…and finally, the Count and his orchestra’s cameo appearance in Blazing Saddles (using April in Paris)!

Happy Birthday, Count Basie! You were FANTASTIC!