Dennis Rowland spent years as a featured vocalist with the Count Basie Orchestra, absorbing lessons in music, mentorship, and discipline from one of the most consequential bandleaders in American history. Now he’s put those lessons on the page. ‘Keeping the Beat: What Count Basie Taught Me About Music, Mentorship and Leadership,’ written with Phoenix author Marla Sheiner, is out now, timed to Jazz Appreciation Month and arriving forty years after Count Basie’s passing in April 1984.
The memoir places Rowland in a distinguished lineage that includes Basie vocalists Jimmy Rushing and Joe Williams, voices that helped define the orchestra’s sound across generations. “Dennis Rowland represents the living lineage of the Basie tradition,” says Count Basie Orchestra Director and Grammy-winning trumpet soloist Scotty Barnhart. “His story reflects the values that have sustained this music for generations.” A portion of proceeds from the book supports music scholarships.
Rowland’s motivation to write it came from a deeply personal place. Following a stroke, he felt the urgency of passing forward what Basie had given him. “Basie’s example taught me that a life in music is really about mentorship, discipline, and respect,” Rowland said. ‘Keeping the Beat’ is available now through Amazon and booksellers nationwide.