MUSE/IQUE explores the enduring music of Nat King Cole and his impressive L.A. story, from his lasting legacy on television, on the Billboard charts, in the recording booth, and beyond, in a show at The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens in San Marino on Wednesday and Thursday, September 22 and 23, starting at 7:30 p.m.
In “The House that Nat Built,” MUSE/IQUE connects Capitol Records, the legendary recording studio that is synonymous with the Los Angeles music scene, to Nat King Cole’s successful career as one of Capitol’s top recording artists from the mid-1940s to 1965.
Cole started out as a young jazz pianist, after learning to play the organ at a Baptist church in Chicago, where his father was the minister, and his mother the church organist. When he was 15, Cole dropped out of high school to pursue a music career, encouraged by his brother Eddie, who played bass and toured with composer and playwright Noble Lee Sissle.
Capitol Records was founded in 1942 as the first West Coast-based record label of note in the United States.
“The House That Nat Built” is part of L.A. Composed: A Festival of Los Angeles Music, where MUSE/IQUE, led by Artistic Director Rachael Worby,tells the story of Los Angeles, celebrating the intersections where musical magic was made. The festival explores “the musical legacy of Los Angeles – full of musical change-makers, rule-breakers, and risk-takers.”
Aside from The Huntington, shows are also performed at The Skirball in Los Angeles.
To check for tickets, call (626) 539-7085 or visit www.muse-ique.com/showinfo.
