Dennis Rowland facts for kids

Dennis Rowland is an American jazz singer. He was born and grew up in Detroit, Michigan. He is famous for his strong voice and for singing with the legendary Count Basie Orchestra.

Dennis Rowland's Musical Journey

Dennis Rowland grew up in a family that loved jazz music. Because of this, he started to appreciate jazz from a very young age. When he was only five or six years old, he heard the amazing voice of Joe Williams. Joe Williams was a singer with the Count Basie Orchestra. This experience really inspired Dennis and shaped how he sings even today.

Singing with Count Basie

In the early 1970s, Dennis Rowland worked as a singer and actor in Detroit. Then, in 1977, something incredible happened! The famous jazz bandleader Count Basie hired him to sing on tour. This was a dream come true for Dennis. He was taking on the same role that his heroes, Joe Williams and Jimmy Rushing, had held before him.

Dennis toured with Count Basie for seven exciting years. During this time, he got to share the stage with many other jazz legends. These included Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Tony Bennett. Dennis also appeared in a movie called Real Gone Cat, where he played a character named Jimmy Baker.

Dennis Rowland's Albums

Dennis Rowland has released several of his own albums. These albums show off his unique vocal style and his love for jazz music.

Studio Albums

• Rhyme, Rhythm & Reason (Concord Jazz, 1995)
• Get Here (Concord Vista, 1996)
• Now Dig This! A Vocal Celebration of Miles Davis (Concord Jazz, 1997)