William James Count Basie (4 results)

Vintage photograph of Count Basie with his orchestra in the RCA-Victor studio in 1947. Provenance stamps and the stamp of photographer Conrad Eiger on the verso. Basie was one of the best known jazz pianist band leaders in history, having begun his career by accompanying silent films and moving on to create his own innovative jazz orchestra, which pioneered techniques like riffing with a large band, emphasizing the rhythm section, and utilizing arrangers to broaden their sound (including a young Quincy Jones). From the archive of the PIX Agency, an American photo house that acted as an intermediary between emigre photographers (as well as those still living in Europe) and the American magazine and newspaper market between 1935-1969. 10 x 8 inches. Very Good plus, with layout annotations in manuscript ink on the recto margins.

4to (229 x 305 mm). Wire-stitched in the original glossy three-colour printed card wraps. Illustrated throughout. First and only edition. Programme for the 1957 incarnation of the annual Birdland tour, signed at their portraits by Count Basie, Bud Powell (1924-1966), and Joe Williams (1918-99). - A little rubbed on the wraps, light median crease, overall very good.

Condition: Good. Vintage sheet music in black and cream printed paper covers. 10¾'' x 7''. Contains 9 pages (4 section concertina) + covers folding sheet music. Cheap paper is browning and in Good condition. Member of the P.B.F.A. SHEET MUSIC.

Condition: Very Good. Verso of business card signed in blue ink thus: "To Alex / Count Basie" - an in person autograph, collected by Alexander Wright (on his own business card) Lead Skycap at Sky Harbor, who retired in 1998. Born William James Basie on August 21, 1904 in Red Bank, New Jersey, "Count" Basie became one of the greatest band leaders of all time. His unique style of fusing blues and jazz, established swing as a predominant music style in the mid-twentieth Century. He was the first black artist to win a Grammy award in 1958. He played himself in a number of movies, among them, Cinderfella (1960), Sex and the Single Girl (1964) and Blazing Saddles (1974). Mr. Basie was a Free Mason. He died of pancreatic cancer on April 26, 1984, in Hollywood, Florida.