Little Known Black History Facts

The contributions and influence of jazz bandleader Count Basie remains strong to this day. The New Jersey native was born August 21, 1904 in the town of Red Bank. William James Basie was born to parents with musical backgrounds, thus he had little choice but to take to music. As a child, his mother taught […]

Little Known Black History Facts

Edward “Duke” Ellington’s time as the house band leader for Harlem’s Cotton Club began on December 4, 1927 and lasted four years. The move enhanced Ellington’s career and that of his band mates and collaborators. Ellington’s band received the opportunity to play at the Cotton Club after jazz bandleader King Oliver turned down the gig. This […]