Earl, Duke and Count

[Sonyme]

Three of the pre-war American big band leaders (all pianists) were Earl Hines, Duke Ellington and Count Basie.
Earl Kenneth Hienes was\christened Earl - That was his name. Edward Kennedy Ellington was given the nickname "Duke" for his sartirial elegance - always appearing in top hat white tie and tails. But why was William Jamies Basie calles "Count"?

[Sonyme]

Thanks for that - It woud seem that it was self styled like most of the other titles, and I have always been under the impression that he was dubbed "Count" by others.