Cole's jazz trio was rare for its day. Most bands then were the big bands, which people love so much. But, when Nat came to L.A. he was too poor to hire more than two other musicians. He is remembered as a singer, but his distinctive jazz compositions, such as Straighten Up And Fly Right are perhaps of a higher artistic merit. His NBC variety show never had a sponser, even though it was the highest rated show in its timeslot. Racism?