On January 19, 2000, legendary blues musician B.B. King performed at the Count Basie Theatre, but prior to taking the stage, he unveiled a new bronze sculpture of Basie, known around these parts by his signature song, “The Kid from Red Bank.”
William “Count” Basie was born and raised in Red Bank. He was a contemporary of other future musical giants such as Sonny Greer, whose abilities as a drummer persuaded Basie to forgo a career in percussion and stick with the piano. Basie would go on to be a giant in the big band era, and was the first African American to win a Grammy.
The bust of Basie was commissioned by the borough of Red Bank as part of an effort to “honor performers for artistry and for dedication to Count Basie Theatre.” It was created by sculptor Brian P. Hanlon of Toms River, and put on permanent display in the theater lobby.
A few years later, a committee formed to celebrate the centennial of Basie’s birth decided to commission Hanlon to replicate the bust and place this new sculpture where it could be more accessible, given that the theater lobby is closed unless a performance is scheduled. They ended up placing the bust first inside the Red Bank train station, but were frustrated that the town never held any formal unveiling or dedication, and felt the sculpture deserved a more prominent locale. Eventually, the bust was removed to its present location, where it sits in a landscaped triangle of land at the Monmouth Street entrance to the train station parking lot.
IF YOU GO: There is no free parking in this area. The Red Bank train station parking lot is reserved for those with annual passes. On-street parking is generally available for a modest fee. From the train station, head east for two blocks and you can visit the Count Basie Center for the Arts.
BLACK HISTORY TRAIL: Click here to go back to Day 1, Step 2: Marlpit Hall. Click here to move on to the next stop, Day 1, Stop 4: Maple Hall.
Sources:
Barris, Mike. (2004). A Man of Note. Asbury Park Press, Asbury Park, N.J., January 25, 2004, P E4.
Cotter, Kelly-Jane. (2000). Bust Honoring Basie to Jazz up Namesake Theater. Asbury Park Press, Asbury Park, N.J., January 19, 2000, P. 2.
Ward, John T.(2009). Five Years Late, Basie Bust Gets Props. Redbankgreen, October 5, 2009. Available: https://www.redbankgreen.com/2009/ 10/five-years-late-basie-bust-gets-props/
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