Count Basie was an American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer. He was one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century and led his own band for almost 50 years. He was known for his distinctive style and was a major figure in the development of big band jazz. He was also known for his collaborations with other jazz greats such as Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald. Count Basie was a bandleader who had a long and successful career.