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 vaudeville and later played piano in various jazz bands in the Midwest. Basie’s band became one of the most popular and influential big bands of the swing era, known for its tight, rhythmic sound and the virtuosity of its soloists, including saxophonists Lester Young and Coleman Hawkins. They recorded many classic jazz standards, such as “One O’Clock Jump,” “Jumpin’ at the Woodside,” and “April in Paris.” Basie’s piano style was sparse and understated, emphasizing rhythm and groove. Basie won many honors throughout his career, including nine Grammy Awards and induction into the DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame. He performed and recorded music until shortly before his death in 1984.

A new project called Late Night Basie will be released on April 7, 2023, featuring contemporary artists paying tribute to Basie’s legacy. The project includes a range of artists and styles, with the next single, “St. Thomas,” dropping on March 10. The Soul Rebels and Cimafunk feature on this record, connecting the Cuban/New Orleans sound to Basie’s legacy. The project has a wide variety of tracks, with several contributions from New Orleans favorites, such as “Didn’t You” by Lettuce (featuring Talib Kweli), “M-Squad” by The Count Basie Orchestra (featuring Terence Blanchard), and “Blue & Sentimental” by Larkin Poe (featuring Will Lee and Shawn Pelton), among others. Late Night Basie aims to capture the essence of Basie’s music, celebrating the artist’s spirit, prestige, and musicianship. His influence is felt across various musical styles, especially in the bands that dominate the late-night television landscape. For both longtime fans and new listeners, Late Night Basie is sure to impress and make New Orleanians feel right at home.