Conversation so far:
What was the Count Basie's big break?
Back in Harlem in 1925, Basie gained his first steady job at Leroy's, a place known for its piano players and its cutting contests.
Did Count Basie's first steady job at Leroy's lead to other opportunities?
He met Fats Waller, who was playing organ at the Lincoln Theater accompanying silent movies, and Waller taught him how to play that instrument.
Whose parties did the Count Basie play at?
Willie the Lion Smith helped Basie out during the lean times by arranging gigs at house-rent parties, introducing him to other leading musicians, and teaching him some piano technique.

Question: After the parties, what did the Count do for work?
Self-contained rewrite: After the house-rent parties, what did the Count Basie do for work?