Irving Cottler (February 13, 1918 – August 8, 1989), a Hollywood, Los Angeles–based musician, and was a first-call drummer/percussionist. Cottler's credits include "L-O-V-E", "Impossible", "Stardust", and "Unforgettable" recorded with Nat King Cole. Cottler also recorded and performed live with Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby, Walt Disney, Peggy Lee, Dinah Shore, Ella Fitzgerald, Neal Hefti, Nelson Riddle, Count Basie, and many others.
Irving Cottler | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 13, 1918 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Died | August 8, 1989 (aged 71) Templeton, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Big band |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instrument(s) | Drums and Vibraphone |
| Years active | 1938–1989 |
In the early 1950s, Cottler was the drummer for the NBC live broadcasts from Hollywood, and for The Dinah Shore Show. Frank Sinatra made an appearance on the show and loved Cottler's distinctive sound.[1] Sinatra offered Cottler double what NBC was paying him. Beginning in 1955, Cottler went on to perform as the drummer and percussionist on dozens of hit songs for multiple artists, including “(Love Is) The Tender Trap”, “South of the Border”, ”Love Is Here to Stay", "I've Got You Under My Skin", and "Nice 'n' Easy" with Sinatra. In the early 1960s, Cottler was the drummer and percussionist on many Disney films, including Herbie, The Jungle Book, and Mary Poppins.
Cottler died of a heart attack in Templeton, California, at the age of 71.[2]
Discography edit
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With Count Basie
- Basie's in the Bag (Brunswick, 1967)
With Hoagy Carmichael
- Hoagy Sings Carmichael (Pacific Jazz, 1956)
With Sammy Davis Jr.
- It's All Over but the Swingin' (Decca, 1957)
With Stan Kenton
- Kenton / Wagner (Capitol, 1964)
With Barney Kessel
- To Swing or Not to Swing (Contemporary, 1955)
With Skip Martin and His Orchestra
- Perspectives in Percussion (Somerset, 1960)
With André Previn
- Let's Get Away From It All (Decca, 1955)
With Carly Simon
- Playing Possum (Elektra Records, 1975)
With Keely Smith
- The Intimate Keely Smith (Reprise, 1964)
Bibliography edit
- Cottler, Irv (2000). I've Got You Under My Skins. Alfred Music. ISBN 978-0739017074.
References edit
- ^ Borst, Tracy (April 1981). "Irv Cottler: Keeper of the Time". Modern Drummer. ISSN 0194-4533.
- ^ "Drummer Irv Cottler, 71; Called 'Best in the Business' by Sinatra". Los Angeles Times. August 10, 1989.
External links edit
- Irving Cottler at AllMusic
- Irving Cottler discography at Discogs
- Irving Cottler at IMDb
- Irving Cottler interview at the National Jazz Archive