Cozy Cole

William Randolph “Cozy” Cole (1909-1981) was an African American Jazz drummer that scored a # 1 Cashbox magazine hit with the record, “Topsy Part 2”. This hit peaked at # 3 on Billboard Hot 100 and was # 1 on the R&B chart. Cole was awarded a gold disc when “Topsy” sold over 1 million copies.

Cole was also noted as extremely influential by many contemporary rock drummers. Cozy Powell, English rock drummer, who was well known for his work with major rock bands like The Jeff Beck Group, took his nickname from Cole.

New Orleans Connection
Cole was born in East Orange, NJ. His first music job was with Wilbur Sweatman in 1928 and in 1930, Cole played with Jelly Roll Morton’s Red Hot Peppers band. In 1942, Cole was a hired by CBS radio music director Raymond Scott as part of network radio’s 1st mixed-race orchestra. After this success, Cole played with Louis Armstrong’s All Stars band.

Later Years
During the 1960s & 70s, Cole continued to perform in a variety of settings including New York’s famed Metropole and appeared in the movie, “Don’t Knock the Rock”.

Cole died of cancer in 1981 in Columbus, OH and his legacy and influence can still be heard on the American percussion scene.