Nat Brooks Orchestra at the Copa Cabana

This may be the only known video of the Nat Brooks Orchestra. Videotaped on October 6, 1979, this was, perhaps, Nat's last performance at a private party held in the Copa Cabana in NYC. Nat and his band were famous in the Catskills from the 1940s - 1970s. Nat Brooks was known for his wild and crazy antics; it was said that he "swung from the rafters". He was, also, the orchestra leader for NBC's Star Time Kids show and a classically trained pianist who often conducted symphonies.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Nat Brooks Orchestra
• Band leader
• Catskill mountains
• Catskills
• star time kids
• Copa Cabana

[cantbeatelite]

That's nice to hear and I'm glad that you enjoyed. I have a cousin-in-law (Jerry Raymond) who played in that band also. Is your dad still alive???

Bob

[bandino88]

Hey KIM this is Charlie of CHarles and Lillian I never dreamed I would See your Dad again I loved him very much and your Mom also I hope you are well GOD bless

[cantbeatelite]

Hi Charlie,

I videotaped and posted this clip. I'm so flattered that you enjoyed it. I remember often passing Brown's billboards on the Quickway. Presumably, you are that famous Charles. I'm so glad that you are well and I'm curious how old you are???

Bob

[KenGrossProductions]

Kimberlee -

I've posted this clip on my channel (Ken Gross Productions) with some annotations. Watch it!

- Ken

[divazahn]

Tony Leonard (my father) is the clarinet player playing with the broken clarinet towards the end of the film (3:53)

[Phoebe884]

Hi....my father, Nat Harvey, was in the band on Startime at some point as well. It was so nostalgic to see this clip of Nat Brooks, my father's good friend......Phoebe

[button1938]

Dear Kim--What a joy to see your Dad. I am Lillian of Charles & Lillian who appeared on StarTime for which Nat was the musical director. I believe your famly kept in contact with the Raymonds (Charlie and Vera) who were the parents of Verna Raymond who also appeared on the show. If so, could you please put me in touch with Verna....Thanks, button1938

[bandino88]

NO cantbeatelite I am CHARLES of the dance team CHARLES and LILLIAN who performed on STARTime with NAT for some 5 years I am CURRENTLY 72 years old.Please let me know who you are Thanks. and if you have any more videos of NAT or startime Best regards Charlie

[kimsanleanne]

My father Nat Brooks and I joked at the accordion player who never cracked a smile through out all of the craziness. What could he have been thinking? I always heard it was oboe players that suffered brain damage. ROFL.

[levittlegacy]

Nat was very close to our family. A true original.