Nat Gonella And His Georgians

Nat Gonella and His Georgians were a popular British jazz and dance band in the 1930s, led by trumpeter and vocalist Nat Gonella. Influenced heavily by Louis Armstrong, Gonella brought a vibrant, swinging style to British jazz at a time when the genre was still evolving outside the U.S. The Georgians, formed in 1935 as a spin-off of the larger studio dance band scene, quickly became known for their lively interpretations of American jazz tunes such as "Nagasaki" and "Georgia on My Mind," demonstrating a strong Dixieland influence.

Gonella's charismatic stage presence and appealing vocal style helped the group gain popularity, and they toured extensively throughout the U.K. Their records were a big hit during the pre-war swing era, blending hot jazz energy with a uniquely British charm. Though the Georgians disbanded as musical tastes shifted after World War II, Nat Gonella remained an influential figure in British jazz circles for decades to come.