Nat King Cole Trio

Biography

The Nat King Cole Trio was formed in 1937 in Los Angeles by pianist Nat King Cole, guitarist Oscar Moore, and bassist Wesley Prince. The group quickly distinguished itself with a unique sound that blended jazz, swing, and vocal harmonies, all without the use of a drummer. Their innovative approach to instrumentation—often making the piano and guitar sound like a single instrument—earned them acclaim in jazz circles and helped shape the sound of small-group jazz combos. The trio specialized in both instrumental tracks and vocal performances, with Cole’s smooth baritone voice becoming a defining feature. Their first major hit, 'Straighten Up and Fly Right' (1943), was followed by a string of successes including 'The Christmas Song,' 'Route 66,' and '(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons.' The group’s popularity led to appearances on radio, television, and in films, and they became one of the most influential jazz trios of the era.

As the 1940s progressed, the trio’s sound evolved, with Cole increasingly focusing on vocals and the group recording with orchestral arrangements. By the early 1950s, Cole’s solo career began to overshadow the trio, and the group disbanded in 1951. The Nat King Cole Trio’s legacy endures as a pioneering force in vocal jazz and small-group jazz, influencing generations of musicians and setting a standard for musical sophistication and innovation.

Fun Facts

• The Nat King Cole Trio was unique for not using a drummer, relying instead on the interplay between piano and guitar.
• Cole’s hit 'Straighten Up and Fly Right' was inspired by a sermon from his father.
• The group’s recording of 'The Christmas Song' was the first time Cole sang with string accompaniment.
• The trio’s success helped launch Nat King Cole’s solo career, making him one of the most popular vocalists of the 20th century.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Johnny Mercer - Signed the trio to Capitol Records and supported their early career (Capitol Records contract) [1943–1951]
• Louis Armstrong - Musical influence and occasional collaborator (Studio recordings) [1940s]

Key Collaborators

• Oscar Moore - Original guitarist of the Nat King Cole Trio (The King Cole Trio) [1937–1947]
• Wesley Prince - Original bassist of the Nat King Cole Trio (The King Cole Trio) [1937–1942]
• Irving Ashby - Guitarist who replaced Oscar Moore (The King Cole Trio) [1947–1951]
• Johnny Miller - Bassist who replaced Wesley Prince (The King Cole Trio) [1942–1951]

Artists Influenced

• Oscar Peterson - Cited Nat King Cole as a major influence on his piano style (Jazz piano recordings) [1940s–1950s]
• Ella Fitzgerald - Collaborated with Cole and was influenced by his vocal style (Studio recordings) [1940s–1950s]
• Frank Sinatra - Admired Cole’s vocal phrasing and style (Pop vocal recordings) [1940s–1950s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. 'Tis Autumn
2. I Miss You So
3. Too Marvelous For Words
4. Monday Again
5. All I Want For Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)
6. 'Deed I Do - Remastered 1993 (The Nat King Cole Trio - The Complete Capitol Transcription Sessions)
7. Blue And Sentimental - 1947 Version
8. Orange Colored Sky - Remastered 2005 (The World Of Nat King Cole (Expanded Edition))
9. You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You
10. All I Want For Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia