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| The New York Optimist February 2009 |
Nathaniel Adams Coles (March 17, 1919 – February 15, 1965), known professionally as Nat King Cole, was an
American musician who first came to prominence as a leading jazz pianist. Although an accomplished pianist, he owes
most of his popular musical fame to his soft baritone voice, which he used to perform in big band and jazz genres. He
was the first black American to host a television variety show and has maintained worldwide popularity over 40 years
past his death; he is widely considered one of the most important musical personalities in United States history.
Los Angeles and the King Cole Trio
Nat Cole and three other musicians formed the "King Cole Swingers" in Long Beach and played in a number of local
bars before getting a gig on the Long Beach Pike for US$90 per week.
Nat married dancer Nadine Robinson, who was also with "Shuffle Along," and moved to Los Angeles, where he
formed the Nat King Cole Trio. The trio consisted of Nat on piano, Oscar Moore on guitar, and Wesley Prince on
double bass. The trio played in Los Angeles throughout the late 1930s and recorded many radio transcriptions. Nat's
role was that of piano player and leader of the combo
American musician who first came to prominence as a leading jazz pianist. Although an accomplished pianist, he owes
most of his popular musical fame to his soft baritone voice, which he used to perform in big band and jazz genres. He
was the first black American to host a television variety show and has maintained worldwide popularity over 40 years
past his death; he is widely considered one of the most important musical personalities in United States history.
Los Angeles and the King Cole Trio
Nat Cole and three other musicians formed the "King Cole Swingers" in Long Beach and played in a number of local
bars before getting a gig on the Long Beach Pike for US$90 per week.
Nat married dancer Nadine Robinson, who was also with "Shuffle Along," and moved to Los Angeles, where he
formed the Nat King Cole Trio. The trio consisted of Nat on piano, Oscar Moore on guitar, and Wesley Prince on
double bass. The trio played in Los Angeles throughout the late 1930s and recorded many radio transcriptions. Nat's
role was that of piano player and leader of the combo
