Count Basie
- Known For
- Acting
- Born
- August 21, 1904 in Red Bank, New Jersey, USA
- Died
- April 26, 1984
- Active Years
- 1938–2022 (85 Years)
- Total Credits
- 53 credits in database
Biography
William James Count Basie, born August 21, 1904, in Red Bank, New Jersey, was an American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer. He led the Count Basie Orchestra for almost fifty years after forming it in 1935 and taking them to Chicago in 1936 for a long engagement and their first recording. Known for his minimalist piano style and leadership of influential big bands, his musical innovations included emphasizing the rhythm section, riffing with a big band, utilizing arrangers to broaden the band's sound, and employing two split tenor saxophones. Numerous musicians came to prominence under his direction. Basie passed away on April 26, 1984, at the age of seventy-nine, and holds fifty-one known credits in acting on the Movie Database.
Career overview
Count Basie was a musician who led a big band for almost 50 years. He formed the Count Basie Orchestra in 1935 and took them to Chicago for a long engagement and their first recording in 1936. Many musicians came to prominence under his direction, including notable musicians.
Count Basie was known for innovations in his band, such as the use of two "split" tenor saxophones, emphasizing the rhythm section, riffing with a big band, and using arrangers to broaden their sound. He also had a minimalist piano style. Basie's leadership and style had a significant impact on the music industry.
Count Basie's career spanned many years, during which he led his band and created a distinctive sound. He was a prominent figure in the jazz music scene, and his influence can still be seen today.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
53 titles- Louis Armstrong's Black & Blues (2022) as Self (voice) (archive sound)
- Rat Pack (2022) as Self (archive footage)
- Charlie Parker: Bird Songs (2022) as Self (archive footage)
- Count Basie: Through His Own Eyes (2020)
- Billie (2020) as self
- Sid & Judy (2019) as Self (archive footage)
- Jazz Legends in Their Own Words (2014) as Self (archive footage)
- All-Star Jazz Show: Live from The Ed Sullivan Theater (2011) as Self
- Music Inn (2007) as Himself (archive footage)
- Sentimental Journey (2006) In Memory Of
- Jazz Icons: Count Basie Live in '62 (2006) as Himself
- Judy Garland Duets (2005) as Self (archive footage)
- Improvisation (2004) as Self
- The Harlem Renaissance (2004) as Self (archive footage)
- Piano Blues (2003) as Self (archive footage)
- New York in the Fifties (2001) as Self
- Bluesland: A Portrait in American Music (1993) as Self (archive footage)
- Frank Sinatra: The Man and His Music (1981) as Self
- Count Basie At Carnegie Hall (1981) as Self
- The Big Show (1980) as Self
- The Last of the Blue Devils (1979) as Self
- Norman Granz’ Jazz in Montreaux presents Ella and Basie '79—"The Perfect Match" (1979) as Sself (Piano, Conductor)
- The Kennedy Center Honors (1978) as Self
- Blazing Saddles (1974) as Self
- ABC Stage 67 (1966) as Self
- Made in Paris (1966) as Count Basie
- Frank Sinatra Spectacular (1965) as Self
- The Hollywood Palace (1964) as Self - Pianist
- The Judy Garland Show (1963) as Self
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self
- The Merv Griffin Show (1962) as Self
- The Mike Douglas Show (1961) as Self
- Cinderfella (1960) as Count Basie
- Astaire Time (1960) as Self
- Startime (1959) as Self
- Jamboree! (1957) as Count Basie
- The Steve Allen Show (1956) as Self - Conductor
- The Steve Allen Show (1956) as Self - Pianist
- The Steve Allen Show (1956) as Self - Bandleader
- The Dinah Shore Chevy Show (1956) as Self
- Rhythm and Blues Revue (1955) as Self
- 'Sugar Chile' Robinson, Billie Holiday, Count Basie and His Sextet (1951)
- Cavalcade of Bands (1950)
- Basie Boogie (1950)
- The Ed Sullivan Show (1948) as Self
- Killer Diller (1948) Original Music Composer
- Stage Door Canteen (1943) as Count Basie
- Crazy House (1943) as Count Basie
- Top Man (1943) as Orchestra Leader
- Air Mail Special (1941) as Self
- Take Me Back, Baby (1941)
- Policy Man (1938) as Count Basie
- Ebony Parade as (archive footage)
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Count Basie best known for?
Count Basie is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Louis Armstrong's Black & Blues (2022), Sid & Judy (2019), The Harlem Renaissance (2004), The Kennedy Center Honors (1978).
When and where was Count Basie born?
Count Basie was born on August 21, 1904 in Red Bank, New Jersey, USA. They passed away on April 26, 1984.
How many credits does Count Basie have?
Count Basie has accumulated over 53 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1938 to 2022.
What is Count Basie's background in cinema and television?
William James Count Basie, born August 21, 1904, in Red Bank, New Jersey, was an American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer. He led the Count Basie Orchestra for almost fifty years after forming it in 1935 and taking them to Chicago in 1936 for a long engagement and their first recording. Known for his m...
Count Basie by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- The Judy Garland Show (1963) as Self — aged about 58
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self — aged about 57
- Sid & Judy (2019) as Self (archive footage) — aged about 114
- The Kennedy Center Honors (1978) as Self — aged about 73
- Blazing Saddles (1974) as Self — aged about 69
- ABC Stage 67 (1966) as Self — aged about 61
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