Nathaniel Carlyle Adderley, known as Nat Adderley, was born on November 25, 1931, in Tampa, Florida, and passed away on January 2, 2000, in Lakeland, Florida. A prominent figure in the jazz genre, Nat was a talented trumpeter and composer, as well as the younger brother of the renowned saxophonist Julian "Cannonball" Adderley. The Adderley brothers were influential in the development of the soul jazz genre, with Nat's warm, lyrical cornet playing complementing Cannonball's dynamic alto saxophone.

Nat began his musical journey with the trumpet, later switching to the cornet in 1950. His early career included playing in the U.S. Army band and a stint with Lionel Hampton's big band. Nat and Cannonball initially formed the Cannonball Adderley Quintet in 1956, which, after a brief disbandment, reunited in 1959 to great success. The quintet became known for its soul jazz sound, a blend of hard bop with gospel and rhythm and blues influences.

Nat Adderley was also a prolific composer, with his 1960 composition "Work Song" becoming a jazz standard. Other notable compositions include "Jive Samba" and "Sermonette," which were hits for the Cannonball Adderley Quintet. The brothers also collaborated on a musical about the mythical African American railroad man John Henry, recorded as "Big Man" in 1975 and staged as "Shout Up a Morning" in 1986.

Following Cannonball's death in 1975, Nat briefly retired but returned to lead his own groups, often featuring a saxophonist in the style of his late brother. Over his career, Nat Adderley played on nearly 100 albums as both a leader and a sideman. His career was effectively ended by health issues related to diabetes, which led to the amputation of a leg in 1997. Despite these challenges, Nat Adderley's contributions to jazz remain significant, marked by his innovative compositions and performances.