This is FRESH AIR. Count Basie's band from Kansas City reached New York in December of 1936. Musicians took note immediately. But the general public took a little longer. Basie's big break came in ...

W.C. Fields famously described Charlie Chaplin as “the best ballet dancer that ever lived.” Chaplin’s lightness on his toes—his agility darting in and out between pursuers and adversaries, his narrow ...

William James “Count” Basie (1904-1984) played piano, led bands, and composed jazz music in America. Born in Red Bank, New Jersey, Basie grew up in a musical family. He started as a musician in ...

Happy rock 'n' roll birthday to the late, great Count Basie. Basie, born Aug. 21. 1904, in Red Bank, is one of music's most acclaimed big band jazz leaders, but he rocked pretty good, too. The Count ...

A new sampler features live cuts of Count Basie's band in New York from 1938 to 1940. Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead says Jumpin' at the Woodside is full of "pretty terrific" music. This is FRESH AIR.

A new sampler features live cuts of Count Basie's band in New York from 1938 to 1940. Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead says Jumpin' at the Woodside is... 'Jumpin' At The Woodside' Catches Count Basie And ...