Count Basie

Born on this day in 1904.  Died in 1984.  When I was a kid, I met the great bandleader while he was playing at Birdland in NYC.  I asked him for his autograph while he was sitting at a table on a break with friends.  After he signed, he passed it along to Earl Garner for his signature, as well.

HERE is the April in Paris clip from the great Mel Brooks movie, where Basie is featured in the desert scene.

Happy Birthday, Count Basie