Died On This Date (January 29, 1981) Cozy Cole / Influential Jazz Drummer
themusicsover William “Cozy” Cole
October 17, 1909 – January 29, 1981
Cozy Cole was a jazz drummer whose career spanned from the 1930s to the 1970s. After his first job backing Wilber Sweatman in 1928, Cole joined up with the great Jelly Roll Morton. He subsequently played with the likes of Benny Carter and Cab Calloway. In 1938, Cole played on Benny Goodman’s “Topsy Part 2,” his lengthy solo being one of the few in history to land in the Top 5 of the pop charts. It peaked at #2 that year. Rock drummers like Cozy Powell are said to be heavily influenced by Cole. Cozy Cole died of cancer on January 29, 1981.
Jane Jarvis was a jazz pianist who is perhaps best remembered as a longtime organist at New York’s Shea Stadium. Jarvis began playing the piano as a child, and even in those early years, she was recognized for her advanced talents. Jarvis began studying under college professors while still a child. One of her early professional jobs was as the staff pianist at a local Milwaukee television station. During the mid-50s, Jarvis was hired by the Milwaukee Braves to play between innings at their home games. In the early ’60s, Jarvis moved to New York City where she went to work for Muzak, the company that provided background music for retail stores. There, she worked as the staff composer and arranger. In 1964, the New York Mets hired Jarvis to play the organ at their home games. She became a local celebrity for her work at the stadium….particular for her rendition of “Meet the Mets.” She retired from the Mets in 1979, but stayed active throughout the New York jazz scene for many years. Jane Jarvis was 94 when she passed away on January 25, 2010.
Thomas A. Dorsey was a ’20s era singer, musician and composer who has been called the “Father of Gospel.” Dorsey’s career began in jazz during the early ’20s, a time when he formed the backing band for 
