Count Basie (1904-1984) and Duke Ellington (1899-1975) were the most important and successful big band leaders in jazz history. While the many individualists in Ellington's band made it a perfect vehicle to let the Duke's compositions and arrangements take on tonal form, Basie put his focus on rhythm and its transformation via the radiance of a large ensemble. The Count also put a lot of emphasis on precision. Characteristics that inspired all the great vocalists, leading to many a collaboration with the Basie Band. Jimmy Rushing was a great blues shouter and the first important singer of the Basie band from 1937 to 1950. His role was later taken over by Joe Williams when Basie restarted with a fresh sound and ensemble after a brief breakup. Williams was an excellent exponent of a more modern blues vocal style, but also a great improviser and ballad artist. In addition to these treasures you will find highlights of the Basie band with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr., Billy Eckstine, Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, Sarah Vaughan, and Ella Fitzgerald on this 10 CD box set.