Count Basie

The first ever male African-American to win a Grammy Award, jazz pianist and bandleader Count Basie helped to define the swing era with his distinctive blend of minimal sparse solos and jumping beats. Mentored by the likes of Fats Waller and Willie 'The Lion' Smith, Basie began his career performing in various groups around the major jazz cities before forming the orchestra that he would go on to lead for over half a century. Responsible for launching the careers of such seminal musicians as Lester Young, Buck Clayton and Freddie Green, Basie also helped to showcase the talents of legendary vocalists Billie Holiday, Jimmy Rushing and Joe Williams, and unlike many of his peers, managed to remain a key musical figure long after the big band sound's decline in popularity.