Table of Contents
Is Count Basie still alive?
Deceased (1904–1984)
Count Basie/Living or Deceased
When did Count Basie died?
April 26, 1984
Count Basie/Date of death
Count Basie, byname of William Basie, (born August 21, 1904, Red Bank, New Jersey, U.S.—died April 26, 1984, Hollywood, Florida), American jazz musician noted for his spare, economical piano style and for his leadership of influential and widely heralded big bands.
What was Count Basie’s real name?
William James Basie
Count Basie/Full name
“Count” Basie, Jr. was a native of Kansas City, Missouri. And while that’s where Basie and his band rose to national fame, the jazz great’s origins can be traced to a house located just blocks away from the historic theater that today bears his name. William Basie was born at 229 Mechanic Street on August 21, 1904.
What was Count Basie’s childhood like?
As a young boy, Basie hated to see his parents working so hard, and vowed to help them get ahead. The family had a piano, and Basie’s mother paid 25¢ a lesson for his piano lessons at an early age. He had an incredible ear, and could repeat any tune he heard.
How did Basie died?
Count Basie, the jazz pianist whose spare, economic keyboard style and supple rhythmic drive made his orchestra one of the most influential groups of the Big Band era, died of cancer yesterday morning at Doctors’ Hospital in Hollywood, Fla. He was 79 years old and lived in Freeport, the Bahamas.
Where did Basie died?
Hollywood, Florida, United States
Count Basie/Place of death
Was Count Basie married?
Catherine Morganm. 1942–1983
Count Basie/Spouse
He quickly made a name for himself playing the piano at local venues and parties around town until he moved to New York City in search of greater opportunities. After a decade-long courtship, Basie married dancer Catherine Morgan, his second wife, on his birthday in 1942. They had one daughter, Diane, in 1944.
How did Count Basie from his group?
Basie suffered from health issues in his later years, and died from cancer in Hollywood, Florida, on April 26, 1984. He left the world an almost unparalleled legacy of musical greatness, having recorded or been affiliated with dozens upon dozens of albums during his lifetime.
Who gave Count Basie first piano lesson?
But it was in Harlem, New York City, that he learned the basics of piano, mainly from his sometime organ teacher, the great Fats Waller (1904–1943). Basie made his professional debut playing piano with vaudeville acts (traveling variety entertainment). While on one tour he became stranded in Kansas City, Missouri.
Why did Count Basie died?
Cancer
Count Basie/Cause of death
Count Basie, the jazz pianist whose spare, economic keyboard style and supple rhythmic drive made his orchestra one of the most influential groups of the Big Band era, died of cancer yesterday morning at Doctors’ Hospital in Hollywood, Fla.
Who was Count Basie first wife?
Catherine Basie, wife of Count Basie, the jazz musician and band leader, died of a heart attack yesterday at the couple’s home in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, according to Mr. Basie’s agent. She was 67 years old.