William "Count" Basie was the most famous and long-lived jazz composer identified with the big-band style. Although Basie is known for playing jazz piano, his interest in music began with drums. It was not until Basie received lessons from a local teacher that he concentrated solely on piano.
Early in his music career, Basie played with several groups in Kansas City, New York, Dallas, and Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1935 Basie returned to Kansas City to work as a solo musician. Later, he joined with a trio before jointly leading the Barons of Rhythm with altoist Buster Smith. Under Basie's leadership, the band broadcast over Station WXBY. From that time Basie was nicknamed Count. Shortly after the broadcast, Basie embarked on his first national tour.
Throughout the 1940s, the Basie band played in most of the major ballrooms and theaters throughout the United States. From the 1950s until his death, Basie toured worldwide.
Basie's piano style was recognizable by the predominant use of his right hand. In 1981 he received national recognition at the Kennedy Center, in Washington, D.C. He is the composer of such popular classics as "April in Paris," "Jumpin' at the Woodside," "Broadway," and the "One O'Clock Jump."