Dennis Rowland: Renowned Jazz Vocalist
Renowned jazz vocalist and educator Dennis Rowland, known for his time as a singer with the Count Basie Orchestra, is dedicated to Keeping the Beat alive in the world of music.
About Dennis Rowland
Dennis Rowland is a renowned jazz vocalist whose career reflects the enduring elegance of the big band tradition. As featured singer with the legendary Count Basie Orchestra from 1977 to 1984, he performed under Count Basie during the orchestra’s final, influential years. With a rich baritone voice and commanding presence, Rowland has performed on stages across the country, earning respect for his artistry, discipline, and deep understanding of the music. Now based in Phoenix, he continues to perform and mentor young musicians while sharing the lessons of a lifetime in jazz. (Photo Dan Vermillion, Herberger Theater Center)
The Book . . . a memoir and guide for principled leadership
In Keeping the Beat, jazz vocalist Dennis Rowland reflects on his seven years as the featured singer with the legendary Count Basie Orchestra. Through vivid stories from the bandstand and life on the road, Rowland shares eight leadership lessons shaped by Basie and the talented musicians around him—insights on preparation, listening, mentorship, and trust that resonate far beyond the world of jazz.
At the heart of Keeping the Beat are eight guiding principles drawn from Rowland’s experiences with the Count Basie Orchestra: be prepared, listen deeply, respect the ensemble, lead with restraint, trust the moment, honor mentorship, stay adaptable, and let the music speak. Each lesson emerges through story—on stage, on the road, and in rehearsal—offering a timeless framework for leadership grounded in rhythm, discipline, and quiet confidence.
Dennis Rowland's book Keeping the Beat: What Count Basie Taught Me About Music, Mentorship and Leade
Events
Spring 2026
In recognition of Jazz Appreciation Month, recent media coverage has spotlighted Dennis Rowland’s enduring connection to the Count Basie tradition and the release of Keeping the Beat. For additional background and local perspective, readers may explore coverage frrmnd the talented musicians around him—insights on preparation, listening, mentorship, and trust that resonate far beyond the world of jazz.
At the heart of Keeping the Beat are eight guiding principles drawn from Rowland’s experiences with the Count Basie Orchestra: be prepared, listen deeply, respect the ensemble, lead with restraint, trust the moment, honor mentorship, stay adaptable, and let the music speak. Each lesson emerges through story—on stage, on the road, and in rehearsal—offering a timeless framework for leadership grounded in rhythm, discipline, and quiet confidence.
In recognition of Jazz Appreciation Month, recent media coverage has spotlighted Dennis Rowland’s enduring connection to the Count Basie tradition and the release of Keeping the Beat. For additional background and local perspective, readers may explore coverage on PRNewswire, Arcadia News and North Central News.
Dennis performs with Beth Lederman on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at Warren's Supper Club in Chandler, AZ and at the Arizona Barbeque Shack in Scottsdale on Saturdays: May 9th, 23rd and 30th, 2026.
Dennis Rowland on a Sunday evening with improv jazz trumpeter, Derrick Becker. Photo: Carla Meeske