Cozy Cole

Drummer

Birthday October 17, 1909

Birth Sign Libra

Birthplace East Orange, NJ

DEATH DATE Jan 9, 1981 (71)

#208161 Most Popular

About

Jazz artist whose hit with Benny Goodman, "Topsy Part 2," sold more than one million copies and went Gold.

Before Fame

He worked for CBS Radio in 1942 as a member of its first mixed-race orchestra.

Trivia

He had a cameo in the 1956 musical film Don't Knock the Rock, starring Alan Dale and featuring such hit acts as Bill Haley & His Comets and Little Richard.

Family Life

He resided in Columbus, Ohio until his death from cancer in 1981.

Associated With

He influenced many future rock drummers, such as Cozy Powell, who gave himself Cole's nickname, "Cozy."