Remembering 'The Kid from Red Bank'

In addition to the commemorative sites in Red Bank, which honor the name of William "Count" Basie, I would like to suggest that an official announcement of this musician's date of birth - Aug. 21, 1904, in Red Bank - be mentioned annually in some official announcement.

This could be done in the town newsletter or local newspapers, or put on the marquee of the Count Basie Theatre, at town hall or the west side pocket park marquee.

I don't think many people know his birth date and just once a year it should be mentioned because he's done so much for music, especially jazz.

Ralph "Johnny Jazz" Gatta

Johnny's Jazz Market

Red Bank