Harlem Man William James “Count” Basie 1904 – 1984 (video)

William James “Count” Basie August 21, 1904 – April 26, 1984, was an American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer. His mother taught him to play the piano and he started performing in his teens. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Select list(s) to subscribe toHarlem World Magazine Example: Yes, I would like to receive…

Big Maybelle Louis Smith, Harlem (video)

Mabel Louise Smith was born in Jackson Tennessee (May 1, 1924 – January 23, 1972). In the early nineteen thirties the young Mabel won an amateur singing contest in Memphis, and decided that performing was for her. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Select list(s) to subscribe toHarlem World Magazine Example: Yes, I…