Nate Rawls Biography

Conductor, trumpeter, composer, arranger and teacher, Nathaniel (Nate) Rawls was born in Mississippi and raised in Los Angeles, CA. A child music prodigy, Nate aspired at an early age to become a successful musician, working with such organizations as "The National Drum and Bugle Corps" and the world champions, "The Los Angeles Junior Band". Following prep school Nate studied at LA City and LA Valley colleges in Los Angeles, CA. It was in Los Angeles that Nate developed his music skills by receiving practical training at The Henry Grant Music Center, under notable bands, such as the famed Gerald Wilson and Ray Charles Bands.

Early in his career Nate worked with a band called "In Cold Blood" and he traveled across country working with the popular R&B group "Little Anthony and the Imperials". This and other music experiences inspired Nate to relocate to the East Coast and settling in Rochester, New York.

Upon moving to Rochester, NY in the early 70's, Nate pursued further music training at the Eastman School of Music. It was in Rochester that Nate founded the "Sound Spectrum Band" comprised of as many as (9) musicians. In 1982, Nate's career underwent a renewal, which gave birth to the "Nate Rawls Band" and the 18-piece "Nate Rawls Big Band". Under his leadership this band has developed a unique style and euphonic sound of jazz and blues reminiscent of the days of the famous Duke Elllington and Count Basie Bands. The band has achieved considerable notoriety, not just in Rochester, NY, but in other cities including Canada.  Hotels, festivals, weddings, fundraisers, clubs, lounges, dances, parties, Country Clubs, etc. have all enjoyed the captivating sound of the Nate Rawls Band and the Nate Rawls Big Band.

Nate's qualifications and pristine style extend beyond the band and to the walls of academia and pavement of community service. Currently, he is a faculty member of the Hochstein School of Music, a Private Music Teacher and he serves as Minister of Music at his church. He also co-hosted a local tv talk show "Rochester Talks". Nate can also be found contributing time to community organizations such as; S.W.A.N. Community Band and in the past, the RPO's Music Collaborative Workshop Program.

As the protagonist of the Nate Rawls Band and overall talented musician, Nate has been the recipient of numerous awards including "The Education for Peace Award". Recently, and the prestigious "Duke Ellington Award" for excellence in music.