Count Basie Quotes

“I was always willing to say, “Let’s see what happens,” when something came up that looked like it might help me get a little closer to where I wanted to be . . .”

Count Basie 

“I decided that I would be one of the biggest new names; and I actually had some little fancy business cards printed up to announce it, “Count Basie. Beware, the Count is Here.”" Count Basie 

“Contrary to several conflicting stories, I got the name “Count” right in Kansas City in 1936 while at the Reno Club. I was known as Bill Basie at that time. One night, while we were broadcasting, the announcer called me to the microphone for those usual few words of introduction. He commented that Bill Basie was a rather ordinary name, and further that there were a couple of well-known bandleaders named Earl Hines and Duke Ellington. Then he said, `Bill, I think I’ll call you Count Basie from now on. Is that all right with you?’ I thought he was kidding, shrugged my shoulders and replied, `OK.’” Count Basie 

“Of course, there are a lot of ways you can treat the blues, but it will still be the blues.” Count Basie  

“Well, if you find a note tonight that sounds good, play the same damn note every night!” Count Basie 

“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.” Count Basie 

“If you play a tune and a person don’t tap their feet, don’t play the tune.” Count Basie “It’s the way you play that makes it . . . Play like you play. Play like you think, and then you got it, if you’re going to get it. And whatever you get, that’s you, so that’s your story.” Count Basie