Nathaniel Pierce Blish Jr., professionally known as Nat Pierce, was an influential American jazz pianist, composer, and arranger born on July 16, 1925, in Somerville, Massachusetts. He passed away on June 10, 1992, in Los Angeles, California. Pierce is best known for his work with the Woody Herman band, where he served as pianist and arranger from 1951 to 1955 and again from 1961 to 1966. His compositions were primarily crafted for big bands, maintaining the simplicity and drive of swing era scores.

Pierce studied at the New England Conservatory and began his career as an amateur musician in Boston. He led his own band from 1949 to 1951, featuring Charlie Mariano. After his tenure with Woody Herman, Pierce moved to New York City, where he freelanced with notable musicians such as Pee Wee Russell and Lester Young. He also arranged music for the 1954 CBS television special "The Sound of Jazz."

In 1975, Pierce co-founded the Capp/Pierce Juggernaut Band with Frank Capp, which remained active into the 1990s. Throughout his career, Pierce recorded with prominent artists like Quincy Jones and Coleman Hawkins. He was also known for his ability to emulate Count Basie's piano style, often deputizing for Basie in his later years. Pierce's legacy is marked by his contributions to big band jazz and his role as a pivotal figure in the jazz scene of his time.