Irving Ashby, 66; Guitarist for Cole, Peterson Trios

Irving Ashby, guitarist with the old Nat King Cole and Oscar Peterson trios and who also was a member of the first Jazz at the Philharmonic troupe to tour Europe in 1952, has died of an apparent heart attack.

The Perris resident was 66 and had a history of heart trouble. He died at his home April 22, his daughter, Irvelle, said this week.

Ashby, who had been teaching and recording occasionally since the 1960s, attended the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston and joined the Lionel Hampton band in 1940. He replaced Oscar Moore, the original King Cole Trio guitarist, in 1947 and stayed with Cole through 1950.

Over the years, he recorded with Lester Young, Ernie Freeman, Jackie Davis, Louis Jordan, Wardell Gray and, most recently, Count Basie.

Besides his daughter, his survivors include his wife, Pauline, another daughter and two grandchildren.