Internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist Dennis Rowland has written a new memoir with local author Marla Sheiner titled “Keeping the Beat: What Count Basie Taught Me About Music, Mentorship and Leadership” (photo courtesy of the author).
Phoenix favorite and former Count Basie Orchestra vocalist Dennis Rowland released a new memoir in April that reflects on the musical and leadership lessons from his years with the legendary orchestra.
An internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist, Rowland wrote “Keeping the Beat: What Count Basie Taught Me About Music, Mentorship and Leadership,” with Phoenix author Marla Sheiner. In the book, he recounts his time as a featured singer with the Count Basie Orchestra and explores the values he absorbed from one of jazz’s most influential bandleaders. The book arrived 40 years after Count Basie’s passing in April 1984 – a defining moment in jazz history.
Rowland joins the distinguished lineage of Basie vocalists, including Jimmy Rushing and Joe Williams, whose voices helped define the orchestra’s sound.
“Dennis Rowland represents the living lineage of the Basie tradition,” said Scotty Barnhart, Director of the Count Basie Orchestra. “To be a vocalist with this orchestra means you’re entrusted with a tradition that helped define American music. Dennis understands what that responsibility means, and his story reflects the values that have sustained this music for generations.”
Valley audiences know Rowland as far more than a former Basie vocalist. For decades, he has been a vibrant presence in the Phoenix arts community – as a featured performer with Arizona Theatre Company, a longtime collaborator at the Herberger Theater Center, a regular performer at The Nash and as an educator and mentor in Phoenix-area high schools and community colleges.
For his part, Rowland continues to carry forward the swing tradition by performing and mentoring young musicians, and he says that the memoir grew from a desire to pass on the lessons he has learned – especially after suffering a stroke more than a decade ago.
“After my stroke, I realized how precious time is,” Rowland said. “If I’m still able to sing, teach and share what I learned from Basie, then that’s what I want to do. Basie’s example taught me that a life in music is really about mentorship, discipline and respect – and I hope young musicians can see what that tradition really means.”
“Keeping the Beat” serves as both tribute and reflection – honoring Basie’s enduring influence while inviting a new generation to understand the principles that helped keep the music swinging across decades. The book is available through major booksellers, with a portion of book proceeds supporting music scholarships.
