Nathaniel was born to Niel Gow and Margaret Wiseman, at Inver, near Dunkeld, Perthshire, on 28 May 1763; with brothers William, John, and Andrew also showing early musical talent.
Gow became prominent as the leader of many bands, and was important at many assemblies such as the Caledonian Hunt Balls.
[3] Between 1799 and 1824, he published a significant number of collections of tunes, including some by Scottish composer Magdalene Stirling.
[4] Gow played for King George IV at the Royal Caledonian Hunt ball during his visit to Scotland in 1822.
Only one of his daughters, Augusta Gow (13 July 1815 – 23 February 1893),[5] followed in the family profession, and became a teacher of music in Edinburgh.