I think the band can really swing when it swings easy, when it can just play along like you are cutting butter.

Freddie Green has been my right arm for thirty years. And if he leaves the band one day, I'll probably leave with him.

I just think swing is a matter of some good things put together that you can really pat your foot by. I can't define it beyond that.

I decided that I would be one of the biggest new names; and I actually had some little fancy business cards printed up to announce it, 'Count Basie. Beware, the Count is Here.'

If you play a tune and a person don't tap their feet, don't play the tune.

I was always willing to say, "Let's see what happens," when something came up that looked like it might help me get a little closer to where I wanted to be . . .

It's the way you play that makes it . . . Play like you play. Play like you think, and then you got it, if you're going to get it. And whatever you get, that's you, so that's your story.