Today's the 103rd anniversary of Count Basie's birth. Pianist, composer, band leader, one can't think of him without remembering the cameo with his band in Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles. Basie's iconic arrangement of "April in Paris" was the perfect, albeit anachronistic backdrop to showcase Cleavon Little's "urban sophisticate," Sheriff Bart. It also nicely balanced Cole Porter's "I Get a Kick Out of You" heard earlier in the movie.
We've got a recording of "April in Paris." We've got Blazing Saddles. Heck, we've even got "I Get a Kick Out Of You." Knock yourselves out.