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    University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Libraries

    NAT KING COLE - Biography - Page 3 Nat was still in high school when he organized a 14-piece band in which he played the piano. Their "fee" was $1. 50 per man a night, and they were often "paid" with left-over refreshments in lieu of cash. In his spare time Nat played sandlot baseball and football. His interest in baseball has never waned, and today he is one of the most enthusiastic fans to be found anywhere. Nat has a permanent box at the Dodgers?╟╓ Stadium in Los Angeles, and it is a sad day when he has to miss a Dodger home game. In fact, a record he confesses to having derived tremendous and special pleasure in waxing is the popular "Goodnight Little Leaguer," a favorite among young and old baseball buffs alike. Incidentally, the national Little League shares in the profits from this Capitol release. In March 1937 after graduating from high school, Nat went on the road as bandleader with a revue, "Shuffle Along." The tour ended sud- denly in Long Beach, California, when a member of the company absconded with the $800. 00 boxoffice receipts, leaving the others stranded. Attracted by the climate and not wanting his family to know of his mis - fortune, Nat elected to remain on the West Coast and try his luck on his own. He worked in practically every beer joint in Southern California, he recalls, never earning more than $5. a night. Nat formed a trio when a nightclub manager offered him $75 a week for a quartet. Cole picked up a guitarist, bass fiddle and drummer, ?╟≤ ?╟≤ ?╟≤ more