The COUNT of Jazz is a nickname given to the American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader William 'COUNT' Basie (18 August 1904 – 26 April 1984). He was known for leading one of the most popular big bands in the swing era of the 1930s and 1940s. Basie's music was characterized by a light, swinging rhythm and a bluesy sound. He was also known for his use of two-beat and four-beat rhythms, which gave his music a distinctive feel.