TheBluesFoundation's video: 2019 Blues Hall of Fame Inductee - Count Basie Clip

2019 Blues Hall of Fame Inductee Performer: Count Basie William James “Count” Basie, who was born in Red Bank, New Jersey, began his career on the East Coast but his sound was forever linked to Kansas City, a freewheeling crossroads that was a hotbed for both jazz and blues. Dubbed “The King of Swing,” Basie created music rooted in the blues. He played blues piano with an easy, economical touch; wrote or revamped an impressive cache of blues and jump tunes; and employed acclaimed vocalists who could sing the blues with a mastery that matched the Basie band’s musicianship such as Jimmy Rushing, Billie Holiday, and Joe Williams. While he has been honored with too many awards to mention, it is only appropriate that the Blues Hall of Fame recognize Count Basie both for the debt he owed to the blues and for what he gave back in return. For more information on The Blues Foundation and Blues Hall of Fame, please visit www.blues.org.