This revealing biography, told in Count Basie’s own words,

uncovers for the first time the private passions and ambitions that inspired the world-famous bandleader and pianist.

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Basie’s musical achievements were remarkable: the first African-American to win a Grammy, and he went on to earn eight additional Grammys, and brought the Blues to the big band podium.

He was ‘the King of the Swing Kings’. The programme features rare performances with Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Sammy Davis Jnr. and many others and digs deeper to explore the inner motivation and passions that drove Basie’s career as he became a unique link between jazz and America’s turbulent social history.

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Director Jeremy Marre

Count Basie's words spoken by Clarke Peters

Exec Producers Geoff Kempin, Terry Shand, and Mark Cooper

Eagle Rock Films

BBC TV 75 mins 2020