"The rich ethnic enclave provided the necessary environoment for the Kay

Cee sound to take hold. Over time,

some of the best musicians in the 

country flocked to the 18 th and Vine

area to jam all night . . .As anywhere else, outside of

New Orleans,  Ragtime, and Dixieland, was the music

in Kansas City until the 1920's. Jumpin' the blues

evolved in late 1930's with Count Basie's band being

on the cutting edge, defining the sound."

KC Contribution:

welding swing and jazz

Heard Count Basie on radio WXRY , he was inpressed and signed the band to a recording contract. A few hitches developed, like, Basie signing with Decca.
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Photo:[AllMusic Guide]

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