William James “Count” Basie (1904-1984) was a historical jazz icon and the leader of the Count Basie Orchestra. He was a composer, organist, pianist; a significant bandleader, and trailblazer to the big bands' era. 

Over the years he had been to several bands including Bennie Moten Band, Count Basie, and his Cherry Blossoms, Barons of Rhythm (Count Basie and His Barons of Rhythm), the group that produced the infamous “One O’ Clock Jump” and eventually the New Testament Band which performed all across Europe and earned phenomenal reviews in Germany, Netherlands, and France.

He was undeniably a historical significance, able to collaborate with other musical geniuses of his generation, and was widely heralded leader of the big bands' era. 

His influence was never unnoticed, he was awarded a whopping nine Grammy awards over the course of his career, the first-ever African-American on the prestigious list!

​Learn more about his life and works at: https://galaxymusicnotes.com/pages/count-basie-a-phenomenal-jazz-big-band-leader-and-pianist

William Thomas Strayhorn or known as Billy Strayhorn (1915-1967) was a multi-talented arranger, composer, lyricist, and jazz pianist. He earned his own spot because of his massive contribution through collaborations with Duke Ellington. He was the great force behind the majority of Ellington's in-house sessions and musical pieces.

 A musical genius at an early age, his passion, and love for music inspired him to work his way first on classical music and eventually jazz. He soon met his idol, Duke Ellington, and they had undeniable musical chemistry. Ellington became the father figure and Strayhorn weaved his magic through his works where the band successfully performed across many places including Germany and Italy. 

Billy Strayhorn also pursued his solo career, showcasing his own signature rhythms, harmonies, musical structures, and orchestration. He was a proud member of the LGBTQ community, an influential voice amidst racism and homosexuality in the flamboyant world of music. 

Learn more about his life and works at: https://galaxymusicnotes.com/pages/billy-strayhorn-powerful-behind-the-scene-arranger-and-composer

Arthur Tatum, Jr. (1909-1956) was an extraordinary technical jazz pianist, a recipient of the most coveted Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and landed a memorable spot in the Hall of Fame of Downbeat Jazz.

He was already lauded at a young age, seeing his great potential in playing the piano. 

Despite his vision being impaired, he was a jazz visionary who rose to fame because of his ingenuity and technical brilliance, taking jazz at an entirely new level that had never been seen by the world before. 

He revolutionized unique techniques with the way he played, totally non-traditional with intermittent usage of bitonality, chord substitutions, and unpredictable reharmonization making his audience totally glued to their seats with his improvisations. He was undeniably a master of substitution in jazz. 

Learn more about his life and craftsmanship at: https://galaxymusicnotes.com/pages/art-tatum-the-exceptional-african-american-jazz-pianist