I got everything I wanted. When I was young in Kansas City, I knew nothing about Frank Sinatra, Billy Eckstine, Ella Fitzgerald, of all those concert…

- 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 g…

- Count Basie

Keep on listening & tapping your feet.

- Count Basie

Of course, there are a lot of ways you can treat the blues, but it will still be the blues.

- Count Basie

If you play a tune and a person don't tap their feet, don't play the tune.

- Count Basie

I never thought innovation as such was very important. Not when you have to think about it... If you're going to come up with a new direction or a re…

- Count Basie

Learn to deal with the valleys and the hills will take care of themselves.

- Count Basie

I just think swing is a matter of some good things put together that you can really pat your foot by. I can't define it beyond that.

- Count Basie

If you find a note tonight that sounds good, play the same damn note every night!

- Count Basie