The "King" has had a colorful career. Born in Montgomery, Alabama, he began his musical activity under the direction of his mother. At the age of 12, he played organ in a Chicago church and was also a member of the choir. But it was the hot music of the Windy City's night life that quickly attracted the "King". Chicago of the '20's was the home of such great musicians as Louis Armstrong, Fletcher Henderson, Earl Hines and other Jazz immortals whose bands dazzled young Cole.
The original King Cole Trio was formed in 1937, and almost immediately clinched a contract with Los Angeles' "Swanee Inn". A month's booking turned into a year's stay. Then in succession came sensational stands at the famed "Radio Room" (where they remained for three years), the "331 Club", and, finally, the swank "Trocadero", where the management honored the Trio's master by naming a new room The King Cole Room. Movie contracts and a long term arrangement with Capitol Records followed.
Although Nat's pianistics have long been the talk of musicians everywhere, students have had only King Cole records to study.
I am sure that that all pianists will find these songs exciting and rewarding. The analysis of King Cole's unique style, supple meeting the solos, provides the technical foundation on which teachers may help students build a richer understanding and mastery of Jazz piano.