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.'
More Quotes from Count Basie:
Of course, there are a lot of ways you can treat the blues, but it will still be the blues.Count Basie
I'm saying: to be continued, until we meet again. Meanwhile, keep on listening and tapping your feet.
Count Basie
Well, if you find a note tonight that sounds good, play the same damn note every night!
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
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Based on Topics: Name Quotes, Night Quotes, Time QuotesBased on Keywords: bandleaders, basie, hines, shrugged
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