I, of course, wanted to play real jazz. When we played pop tunes, and naturally we had to, I wanted those pops to kick! Not loud and fast, understand, but smoothly and with a definite punch.

1943: Joe Newman Snooky Young Eli Robinson Robert Scott Jimmy Powell Rudy Rutherford Rodney Richardson. With the 'New Testament' Basie band in full swing and arrangements written by a youthful Quincy Jones this album proved a swinging respite from her Songbook recordings and constant touring Count Basie did during this period. Soon they were booked at the Roseland Ballroom for the Christmas show.

His mother first taught him piano and he started performing in his teens. In 1924 he went to Harlem where his performing career expanded; he toured with groups to the major jazz cities of Chicago St. William "Count" Basie (August 21 1904 – April 26 1984) was an American jazz pianist organist bandleader and composer.