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June 23, 2025

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6 Arts Notes

Nat King Cole’s 100th Year Featuring Allan Harris

July 31, 2019 by Spy Desk

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Allan Harris

How fitting it is that for our Tenth Anniversary we are featuring the music of the great Nat “King” Cole, who would have turned 100 this year had he survived the cancer that felled him at age 45. Growing up in the church, as did so many black musicians, it is not surprising that his first big hit, “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” was based on one of his father’s sermons.

Nat Cole’s musical life began at the piano and he could hold his own next to the best of them, including Art Tatum, Earl Hines, and Erroll Garner. But white audiences mostly know him as a singer whose lush baritone voice, accompanied by his piano and the sidemen of the Nat King Cole Trio, was welcomed into living rooms through the medium of television, a first in the 1950s for so many. His enduring hits include “Mona Lisa,” “Nature Boy” and “Unforgettable.”  He is a global icon and is one of Monty Alexander’s most important mentors.

It is appropriate to have the marvelous Allan Harris render the tribute to Nat “King” Cole on Friday Night’s Festival opening.  Outside of jazz circles Allan Harris may not be a household name, but  it should be, with, as The New York Times describes him, having a “formidable baritone with…husky edges and deep resonant low notes.”

He has done a good deal of work on African American history, including the landmark “Cross That River” album (2006), which explores the role of African Americans in the Western expansion of the United States. Allan is truly a powerhouse and we are privileged to have him here to celebrate Jazz on the Chesapeake turning 10 during the late great Nat “King” Cole’s 100th year.

Plan for Friday, August 30th at 8pm at the Avalon Theatre. Tickets are $45 for reserved seats; $25 for balcony. More info/to purchase: jazzonthechesapeake.com

By Bill Edgar

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 6 Arts Notes

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Letters to Editor

  1. Linda hall says

    July 31, 2019 at 3:26 PM

    The article is great but it doesn’t say where or when he is playing?? Linda Hall [email protected]

  2. Betsy Durham says

    July 31, 2019 at 3:40 PM

    This article never clearly stated from the beginning where this artist wAs being featured. Needed to read through and find reference to the Monty Alexander Festival, as well as a reference to “Jazz on the Chesapeake”. Some readers, especially up in Kent and QA counties would probably not know the association. It was confusing!

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