Cozy Cole

Cozy Cole studied percussion with a member of the New York Philharmonic, then attended the Juilliard School Of Music. He made his professional debut in 1928 with Wilbur Sweatman's band, then conducted his own orchestra (1928-1930). In 1930, he worked with pianist Jelly Roll Morton, joined Blanche Calloway's orchestra (1931-1933), and worked with Benny Carter (1933-1934) and Stuff Smith (1936-1938). Cab Calloway (Blanche Calloway's brother) hired him in his big band for four years (1938-1942), during which Cozy Cole made numerous recordings, including some historic sessions with Lionel Hampton. During the war, Cozy Cole studied at the Juilliard School, worked in theaters, played mainly for recording studios, and appeared in a few films, including "Make Mine Music" (1945). Benny Goodman played a memorable "After You've Gone" with his quartet. After the war, Cole joined Benny Goodman's band for a few months, set up his own quintet (1948) and sextet (1949), but was mainly a member of the All Stars led by Louis Armstrong (1949-1953). In 1952, he founded a drumming school with Gene Krupa, their playing style forming a fine sonic blend. Various musical experiences led him to play with Jack Teagarden and Earl Hines. In 1958, Cozy Cole re-formed a band and recorded "Topsy", which was a great international success. He toured Africa in 1962 and 1963, teamed up with Jonah Jones (1969), and worked as a freelance musician for the last ten years of his life.

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