King Cole Trio

King Cole Trio

King Cole Trio is a jazz and swing group from Los Angeles, United States, active from 1937 to 1950. It is formed by Nat King Cole in 1937 and centres on Cole as pianist and group leader. The trio’s early line-up includes Oscar Moore on guitar and Wesley Prince on double bass, with Johnny Miller later taking over on bass after Prince leaves during World War II. Irving Ashby replaces Oscar Moore in 1947.

The group performs in Los Angeles throughout the late 1930s and records a number of radio transcriptions. In 1943 it signs with Capitol Records, then a fledgling label. The trio’s work is closely tied to Nat King Cole’s role as both pianist and frontman, and it later gives way to his solo career.

The membership associated with the group includes Wesley Prince, Nat King Cole, Oscar Moore and Johnny Miller.