William was born in Red Bank, New Jersey and learned to play the piano
from his Mom. Then he went to New York, made friends with Fats Waller and
the other ‘swing’ pianists and went on tour with one band after another.
Everyone loved Bill Basie's light, bluesy touch. He ended up in Kansas City
and played with two great bands there—The Blue Devils and Bennie Moten's
Orchestra. A couple of years later, he started his own nine-piece band, which
eventually became The Count Basie Orchestra. The Count became one of
the most respected and swingingest bandleaders of all time. The greatest
musicians and singers all worked with him. The majestic Mr. Basie and his
glorious orchestra were the epitome of swing!

April In Paris   April in Paris Count Basie & His Orchestra   Verve
Jumpin' At The Woodside and Tickle Toe    The Best Of Count Basie   Roulette
I Wish You Love (with Frank Sinatra)   It Might As Well Be Swing    Reprise