Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) today introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives honoring the life and musical contributions of renowned jazz pianist and bandleader, William "Count" Basie.

Pallone legislation marks the 100th anniversary of Count Basie's birth in Red Bank, New Jersey, located in the New Jersey congressman's district. Count Basie and the Count Basie Orchestra dominated the swing era in jazz and set the standard for jazz musical ensembles. Count Basie is considered one of the premiere big band leaders of the era.

"I am honored to recognize Count Basie, one of New Jersey and Monmouth County's most honored sons," said Pallone. "With this resolution, Congress acknowledges the life and musical contributions of an American artist who revolutionized jazz and set the standard that other musicians would strive to attain for the next thirty years."

"If you were making a list of the top 25 or so most influential American musicians and composers of the last century, and not just in jazz, in any genre, Count Basie would certainly be on it," said Numa C. Saisselin, CEO of the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank. "Basie was much honored in his lifetime, receiving multiple Grammy awards, including one in the very first year the Grammy's were awarded, as well as the Kennedy Center Honors. Although Mr. B. is no longer with us, it is right that via efforts such as the resolution initiated by Congressman Pallone, the nation continues to honor its best and most creative citizens."

"William 'Count' Basie was from Red Bank and it shows. Over the years the borough has paid tribute to Basie and kept his memory alive by naming parks and schools and the historic Count Basie Theatre in his honor," said Richard Struse, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Count Basie Theatre. "We are grateful that Congress, through the efforts of Rep. Pallone, has bestowed this great honor on one of the all-time legends of music."

Count Basie was born on August 21, 1904 in Red Bank, NJ. It was in Red Bank that Basie, at the encouragement of his mother and a local music teacher, first learned piano. In the 1920's, Basie moved to Harlem, New York and learned under jazz greats, such as Thomas "Fats" Waller. Basie perfected a style of piano know as "comping," a highly precise style of chords on the piano. While on tour with a jazz band, Count Basie settled in Kansas City, Missouri where

he met the musicians that would create the Count Basie Orchestra. Throughout his career, Count Basie won nine Grammy Awards, as well as the Grammy Trustees award and Lifetime Achievement Award.

Pallone is joined on the resolution by original cosponsors, Reps. Charles Rangel (D-Harlem, NY) and Karen McCarthy (D-Kansas City, MO).