Nathaniel (Nat) Pierce, Jazz Pianist and Bandleader, Dies

Nathaniel (Nat) Pierce, jazz pianist, arranger and composer who had co-led the 16-piece band Juggernaut since 1975, died Wednesday, his wife, Cathy Sweeney Pierce, said.

He was 66.

Mrs. Pierce said her husband died at Kaiser Permanente Hospital of complications from an abdominal infection that he contracted about two weeks ago.

The band that Pierce jointly led with drummer Frank Capp frequently played at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel’s Blossom Room and the Biltmore Hotel’s Grand Avenue Bar. The group also appeared regularly at the Malibu Arts Festival and the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl, and performed at the Hyatt Newporter in Newport Beach.

“Pierce remains the undefeated champion of the (Count) Basie impersonators,” Times jazz critic Leonard Feather noted when the Juggernaut played the Roosevelt last year. “In an extended blues solo, his idol’s choice of notes, subtle beat and elliptical humor were flawlessly lined.”

Pierce replaced Basie when the legendary jazz master was ill, and worked with the Basie group off and on for 30 years.

A native of Summerville, Mass., Pierce was the last bandleader to perform in the old Savoy Ballroom in New York.

In addition to his wife, Pierce is survived by three daughters, Cher Cameron of London, and Linda Fey and Robin Glish of Orange; a stepdaughter, Shawnn Huelbig, and four grandchildren.