Mort Ruby; Nat King Cole’s Road Manager

Mort Ruby, 97, who managed such musicians as Nat King Cole. Ruby did advance work for Charlie Barnet and Spike Jones, and then became the first road manager for Cole when the young pianist was beginning his career. Ruby remembered Cole playing solo piano at Los Angeles’ Swannee Inn in the early 1940s, shortly before the King Cole Trio was formed. Ruby spent five years as Cole’s road manager and in his later years wrote a book, “The King and Me.” Ruby had his own theatrical booking agency in Hollywood for many years. In retirement, Ruby became a volunteer at Cedars Sinai Medical Center, where he was honored with a luncheon and certificate of appreciation. On Monday in Los Angeles.