1984 - Count Basie Dies at 79 – Jazz Legend Remembered

On April 26, 1984, the world lost a jazz titan when William “Count” Basie passed away at the age of 79. Born in Red Bank, New Jersey, in 1904, Basie rose to prominence in the 1930s with his swing-era big band, the Count Basie Orchestra. His innovative style emphasized rhythm, improvisation, and blues-influenced piano, helping define the sound of American jazz. Basie was the first African American male Grammy winner, earning multiple awards over his five-decade career. From his iconic collaborations with Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra to his influence on Duke Ellington and modern jazz, Basie’s legacy remains a cornerstone of Black musical excellence.