Oscar Moore

Charlie Christian's approach after 1939 exerted a clear influence on the gifted guitarist Oscar Moore. Moore formed an essential component of the Nat King Cole Trio from 1937 to 1947 and appeared on virtually every recording Cole issued throughout those years. He also participated in sessions alongside Lionel Hampton, Art Tatum in 1941, the Capitol Jazzmen, and Lester Young. Moore encountered limited success once his association with Cole ended; from 1947 through the mid-1950s he performed with his brother Johnny Moore in the Three Blazers, an ensemble whose appeal faded after pianist/singer Charles Brown departed, and he cut three albums for Verve and Tampa in 1953-1954, after which he remained largely removed from music except for a 1965 Cole tribute album.