Nat Towles (August 10, 1905 – January 1963) was an American musician, jazz and big band leader popular in his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana, North Omaha, Nebraska and Chicago, Illinois.
[1][2] The son of string bassist Phil "Charlie" Towles, Nat was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on August 10, 1905.
In 1934, Towles organized a band of young musicians studying music at Wiley College in Austin, Texas.
[1] In 1943 he also held a three-month stint at the Rhumboogie Club in Chicago,[6] and later that year took up residency again in Omaha's Dreamland Ballroom.
[9] In his role as their bandleader, Towles is credited with influencing a variety of musicians including Sir Charles Thompson and Neal Hefti, as well as superior saxophonists Jimmy Heath, Oliver Nelson and Paul Quinichette.