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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZCOLE, Cozy(b William Randolph Cole, 17 Oct. '09, East Orange NJ; d 29 Jan. '81, Columbus OH) Drummer. Family moved to NY '26; brothers Teddy and Donald played piano professionally; Cozy went pro '28; had own band, recorded with Jelly Roll Morton '30; worked for Benny Carter '33-4, Cab Calloway '38-42, Benny Goodman, theatre work, own group at Onyx Club c'43; also studied at Julliard '40s. Own small groups late '40s, with Louis Armstrong All Stars '49-53; started drum school with Gene Krupa '54. Had unexpected pop hit '58 reviving "Topsy', a Basie arr. from late '30s by Edgar "Puddinghead' Battle (1907-77) and Eddie Durham, as a two-part drum vehicle; side 1 made no. 1 USA. Toured with own band; later joined quartet led by Jonah Jones, also a swing era veteran who had big success in clubs of the '50s. Appeared in Goodman film Make Mine Music '44; Glenn Miller Story '54. |