Basie

American  

[bey-see] / ˈbeɪ si /

noun

1. William Count, 1904–84, U.S. jazz pianist, bandleader, and composer.

---

Basie British  

/ ˈbeɪsɪ /

noun

1. William , known as Count Basie . 1904–84, US jazz pianist, bandleader, and composer: associated particularly with the polished phrasing and style of big-band jazz

---

Example Sentences

Many bands are widely known and still beloved, none more so than that of Count Basie, which kept going for decades.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 2026

Born in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, he began his career on BBC radio, and interviewed composers and musicians as varied as Francis Poulenc, Count Basie, Oscar Hammerstein and Glenn Gould in 1950s and 60s.

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2025

I just assume he couldn't recollect or revel in discussions about Count Basie and Duke Ellington and sitting on the bandstand and blowing trumpet with many other people, especially in Hollywood.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2025

Whatever the reality of their days and nights on the road, Ellington, Basie and Armstrong built the expectation that touring is all about luxe accommodations and fat paychecks.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2024

Now Count Basie turned on the showtime blast, and the other dancers moved off the floor, shifting for good watching positions, and began their hollering for their favorites.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey