Count Basie was a renowned jazz bandleader from the early 20th century. He was born William James Basie in Red Bank, New Jersey in 1904 and is considered one of the most influential figures in jazz music. He was known for his big band sound and his signature style of swing. He led the Count Basie Orchestra for almost 50 years and won nine Grammy Awards. He was inducted into the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame in 1984 and was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1986.