Nathaniel Charles Gonella, known as Nat Gonella, was an influential English jazz trumpeter, bandleader, vocalist, and mellophonist, born on March 7, 1908, in Islington, London. He passed away on August 6, 1998, in Gosport, Hampshire. Gonella is best remembered for founding the big band The Georgians during the British dance band era and for his distinctive vocal style reminiscent of Louis Armstrong.

Gonella's musical journey began at St Mary's Guardian School in Islington, where he learned to play the cornet. His professional career started in 1924 with Archie Pitt's Busby Boy's Band. He was significantly influenced by Louis Armstrong's music, which he transcribed and learned by heart. Gonella's career progressed as he played with Bob Bryden's Louisville Band and later joined Billy Cotton's band, where he recorded his first solos and explored scat singing.

In the 1930s, Gonella played with Roy Fox and Lew Stone, establishing his reputation. He met Louis Armstrong in 1932, forging a friendship that influenced his career. In 1935, Gonella formed The Georgians, named after his popular rendition of "Georgia on My Mind." The band became a headline act on the variety circuit before World War II.

During the war, Gonella joined the army in 1941, entertaining troops in the Stars in Battledress campaign. After the war, he reformed his band but faced changing musical tastes. He briefly explored bebop but returned to traditional jazz and variety shows in the 1950s.

The late 1950s revival of traditional jazz saw Gonella reform The Georgians in 1960. He continued performing until his retirement in 1973, although he occasionally returned to the stage thereafter. Gonella's influence on British jazz trumpeters, including Humphrey Lyttelton and Digby Fairweather, remains significant.