Former Basie Vocalist Dennis Rowland Releases New Memoir During Jazz Appreciation Month

Rowland Reflects On Lessons From Count Basie And A Lifetime In Jazz

NEW YORK and PHOENIX, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As the jazz world observes Jazz Appreciation Month, former Count Basie Orchestra vocalist Dennis Rowland is releasing a new memoir reflecting on the musical and leadership lessons from his years with the legendary orchestra.

Keeping the Beat: What Count Basie Taught Me About Music, Mentorship and Leadership, written with Phoenix author Marla Sheiner, recounts Rowland's 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 arrives forty 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."

Rowland said the memoir grew from a desire to pass those lessons forward.

"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.

Availability
Keeping the Beat is available through major booksellers, including Amazon, and through national book distribution channels. A portion of book proceeds supports music scholarships.

About Dennis Rowland
Dennis Rowland is an internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist and former featured singer with the Count Basie Orchestra. He continues to perform and mentor young musicians, carrying forward the swing tradition.

About Scotty Barnhart
Scotty Barnhart is Director of the Count Basie Orchestra, a Grammy-winning trumpet soloist, educator, and author of The World of Jazz Trumpet, published by Hal Leonard.

SOURCE Dennis Rowland / Marla Sheiner