Count Basie's normal band instrumentation was:-
5 saxophones, 4 trumpets, 3 trombones, guitar, bass, drums and piano.
Count Basie's family included his parents, Harriet and William Basie. He also had a brother named Philip and a sister named Eloise. Throughout his life, Basie was known to have had close relationships with his family, which influenced his musical career.
Count Basie's biggest scandal occurred in the late 1940s when he faced allegations of financial mismanagement and exploitation of his band members. Some musicians claimed they were underpaid and that Basie's management was not transparent about the band's earnings. This controversy drew attention to the treatment of artists in the music industry, but Basie's reputation largely remained intact due to his musical contributions and leadership. Ultimately, the scandal highlighted the challenges faced by many musicians during that era.
Duke Ellingtons band played more complicated music than The Counts band. I see The Duke as the natural successor to Jelly Roll Morton a New Orleans Pianist/Composer who based his music more on The European Classics rather than the Blues. Count Basies band was very much a blues based band with a natural swing.