Count and Catherine Basie were entertainers who contributed to the Jazz Scene in Oakland, CA, Rochester, NY, and Chicago, IL.

William James “Count” Basie (1904-1984) earned his name as the “King of Swing” by composing, recording, and orchestrating his band Count Basie and His Barons of Rhythm, later known as The Count Basie Orchestra. He’s worked with many other notable musicians such as Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Sammy Davis Jr.. but also built a reputation as an icon through his band, night club, and as a stand-alone pianist. As a result of his work, he became the first African-American man to receive not one, but nine Grammy Awards.

Catherine (1914-1983) also known as Kathy was a dancer for the Whitman Sisters where she developed her career in performance through gigs with Bennie Molten’s band, where she met Count. After a decade of courtship, they got married, moved to St. Albans, Queens and continued to pursue work in their respective field. Catherine went on to put her efforts into civic engagement and community service resulting in her receiving the Woman-of-the-Year award from the Queens County Council Jewish War Veterans Auxiliary.

As a couple, these two figures brought cultural value to the neighborhood of St. Albans as it was one of the first wealthy, influential predominately African American communities. Catherine and Count Basie Middle School was founded in the 1960s by the NYC School Board in honor of their accomplishments. This school embodies these contributions through the guidance of youth through multimedia and performance art.