One of Red Bank's most notable citizens, William "Count" Basie, a pioneer of swing music, was honored during a rededication ceremony of a sculpture of the jazz great on Oct. 2.

CHRIS KELLY staff Phyllis Rudlow, Red Bank, shares memories of her great-cousin, jazz legend William "Count" Basie, with those who attended a ceremony marking the placement of a bust of the "Kid from Red Bank" at the Red Bank Train Station plaza on Oct. 2. The bronze bust of the Count, sculpted by New Jersey artist Brian Hanlon, has been housed at the Visitors Center at the Red Bank Train Station for the past few years.

"When first commissioned in 2004 to commemorate the Count's 100th birthday, the original plan called for the Basie statue to be displayed outdoors on the train station plaza," said Councilman Arthur V. Murphy III, who served as the emcee for the ceremony.

Murphy explained that due to construction of the high-level platforms and other changes to the train station, those plans were delayed.

"Through the efforts of Basie enthusiasts and art benefactors Dr. Eugene Cheslock and Raymond Brennan, the Red Bank Men's Club, NJ Transit and several other groups, it was decided to move the Basie statue to a more visible, prominent, outdoor location," Murphy stated.

PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff Eugene Cheslock, Little Silver, speaks during a rededication of the monument honoring Count Basie, at the Red Bank Train Station on Oct. 2. "It would have made more sense to do this five years ago on the Count's 100th birthday, but because of construction, we waited," Brennan explained.

Brennan hopes that the relocation will bring a higher awareness and create a more public profile of the world-renowned musician and conductor.

"I hope the town pauses and takes time to reflect on the 'Kid from Red Bank' when they pass by," Brennan said.

In an interview, Brennan said that Basie put the borough on the map.

"There are few international superstars, and we're lucky to have one from Red Bank. It's so rare to have someone of that caliber.

"I hope this is the beginning of something bigger, that it evokes an interest in town. I hope young people are inspired," Brennan said.

Basie remembered his hometown when he recorded "The Kid from Red Bank" and "The Red Bank Boogie," both of which were played during the ceremony.

Brennan explained that he and Cheslock used the money they made on a good stock investment to purchase the bust.

"We secretly coughed up the money. The missus could have had a lot of heavy metal, but we got this heavy bronze metal instead," Brennan joked, gesturing to the bust.

Margaret Mass, of the Visitors Center, said that Basie would now be seen and appreciated by all visitors, residents, commuters and pedestrians walking along the gateway to the borough's arts corridor along Monmouth Street.

"The Count is finally out, and he's going to make a lot of people smile.

"I hope another kid from Red Bank will become inspired by the Count," Mass added.

"You can't love jazz without loving Basie," Brennan said during his speech at the ceremony.

According to a biography of the Count provided at the ceremony, Basie was born in 1904 to Harvey Lee Basie and Lilly Ann Childs Basie at 229 Mechanic St.

The borough has since named a theater, street, learning center and park in his honor.

An excerpt from the ceremony's program states: "In the history of jazz, there have been few bandleaders and musicians as savvy, generous and successful as Basie.

"Over a 60-plus-year career, Basie helped establish jazz as a serious art form played not just in clubs but in theaters and concert halls throughout the world."

Phyllis Rudrow, a great-cousin of the Count, reflected on her memories with Basie.

Rudrow recalled Basie sitting down for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners at her home located on West Bergen Place, now Drs. James Parker Blvd.

"I would play piano for him. I was his entertainer. I would go to his concerts. He would always send for my mom and me. I remember him as being a gentle and quiet man," Rudrow said.

"I wish he could have been here today to see all this," she continued.

In an interview prior to the ceremony, Rudrow said she has put together a book of Basie's accomplishments to give to her son.

"I told him, 'It's your heritage, it's something to be proud of,' " Rudrow said.

Rudrow was born in the borough and moved west to attend college as a music major but kept her lineage secret from her peers at school.

"I finally told one of my good friends. I told her that there was someone she should meet and I took her to see him. She was so surprised," Rudrow recalled.

"I've got so many good memories. I'm glad I knew him and that he's part of my family," Rudrow said.

Despite the inclement weather, an impressive crowd turned out for the rededication ceremony.

Council members Michael DuPont, Edward Zipprich and Juanita Lewis were in attendance. Borough School Superintendent Dr. Laura C. Morana, Historical Preservation Commission President George Bowden, Assistant Administrator Gary Watson and Freeholder Amy Mallet were among the many familiar faces in the crowd

"The bust greeting travelers is just what the borough needed at this time. It brings a sense of pride to the borough," Watson said.

Mayor Pasquale Menna said that Basie's music brings people together, just as his bust is now a focal point in the hub of the borough.

"The Count has come home and is smiling on us," Menna said.

"We're going to do better in the area surrounding the train station. Thomas Clark, of NJ Transit, and Nancy Adams, of RiverCenter, are dedicated to the successful expansion of this area," said Menna.

The Rev. Dr. Henry P. Davis, NAACP president, echoed Menna's optimism for the borough.

"This is a great day in the history of Red Bank. I've been around for over 80 years and I know what a special community Red Bank is.

"The eyes have not seen, nor ears have yet heard all the good that is to come to the borough of Red Bank," Davis said in prayer.