William "Count" Basie

Description:

Half length view of William "Count" Basie with caption typed above: "Three years ago, William Basie was organist at a small Kansas City, Mo., theater, after a conservatory training at the University of Kansas. Followed a ten weeks' daily organ radio program, then played one of two pianos featured by Benny Moten's orchestra at the New Harlem (Kansas City), Unanimously elected to lead the band after Moten's death, his popularity skyrocketed. His dapper appearance earned him the title "Count." When Benny Goodman heard him at Kansas City night spot, he raved over his performance. Then came admission toe the Music Corporation of America (Noble Sissle's band's only other colored member) through Goodman. Sponsored by John Hammond, wealthy Englishman, his triumphs began which have placed him in the top ranks of American entertainers.

Genre:

Photographs

Subject:

Musicians

Owning Organization:

The Black Archives of Mid-America

Modern Location:

Person Name:

Basie, Count

Other Versions of this Object:

http://blackarchives.org/collections/photograph-william-count-basie

Rights Statement:

Publication, commercial use, or reproduction of this image or the accompanying data requires prior written permission from The Black Archives of Mid-America. Use of this image also requires that credit be given to The Black Archives of Mid-America.

Digital Object Identifier:

BAMA-00000379