Count Basie (1904–1984), pianist and bandleader, whose Kansas City–bred orchestra perfected riff-driven swing and relaxed, bluesy elegance. His “All-American Rhythm Section” (Freddie Green, Walter Page, Jo Jones) set the template for time and feel. Signatures: “One O’Clock Jump,” “April in Paris,” “Jumpin’ at the Woodside.” He spotlighted Lester Young and kept the Basie band thriving for decades.