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Cozy Cole was born, William Randolph Cole, in October 1909 around East Orange, New Jersey. He began playing drums at a young age landing his first job with Wilber Sweatman in 1928. After leaving Wilber he played for Jelly Roll Morton’s Red hot Poppers in 1930, recording a very early drum solo on the song “Load of Coal.”
Who ever said networking doesn’t pay off was wrong. Those early days of hard playing and long trips from city to city really worked its magic. From 1931-1933 he played with Blanche Calloway, then from 1934-1935 he played with Benny Carter, then Willie Bryant from 1935-1936, moving then to Stuff Smith’s combo from 1936-1938, and finishing up with Cab Calloway from 1938-1942. Cole even showed up in movies including the film “Don’t Knock the Rock.” He played on television and on the backgrounds of many albums in the 1950’s for many big artists. In 1958 he scored a million selling hit with his version of “Topsy.”
Now remember that I said he was a drummer. That’s true and he was a darn good one. Mostly focusing on swing and jazz with out vocals or just having a featured lady or gentleman that would croon the lyric with the band being featured. Following in the lead of Louis Armstrong, many musicians from this era came from behind the instrument and up to the microphone. Cole was no different. His voice a little deeper than the rest. Maybe it could have been a bit harsher than you’d have expected, but somehow when he did it the song worked. Not a crooner or a singer but definitely a stylist and a man deserving of a post here.
I’ve included the song by Cozy Cole called “Old Man Moze” I don’t know much about this song except that a version might have been recorded also by Louis Armstrong. It may be the same as Decca 622 but since I’ve not heard that one I can’t claim it to truth. This was released as a single by Cole during the latter part of the 1950s. The exact date I don’t know since I have nothing else to reference. Comments are welcome on this one. 
Cole lived in Ohio until 1981 until he died of cancer. If you have a moment try to find something by him. Just a side note the stuff in the 60’s got a little funky…but it was still fun.
Listen to Cole he tries to croon and while doing so he emulates cool, style, and silk. Rough around the edges I can only compare it to suede on cement with the scent of roses bellowing from a bush somewhere down the street. Sorry I got a little poetic….I’m just excited I found this and had to let you hear it. “Old Man Moze”
P.S. don’t get this one confused with the Les Humphries singers “Old Man Mozes” it’s not the same song.
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