Old King Cole surname Coles) said his nickname was inspired by "Old King Cole". The "King" in Nat Cole's name was usually used in quotation marks during his lifetime, but today it is often seen as though it were part of his name. Cole Alexander of Atlanta punk band Black Lips has also adopted the name, and performs solo as Old King Cole Younger, a name also partially derived from Confederate guerilla and later Old West outlaw Cole Younger. The United States military has used versions of the traditional rhyme in the form of marching cadences, since at least the 1920s up to
John Cate & The van Gogh Brothers and Dave Mattacks formerly with Fairport Convention, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison. Musicians who have also contributed significantly to albums include Jimmy Ryan (Blood Oranges), George Ricele (Bob Dylan), Jim Gambino (Swinging Steaks), Paul Kochanski (Swinging Steaks), and producer Anthony J. Resta (Elton John, Duran Duran, Collective Soul). The spin-off project, "Voices of van Gogh," includes Bob Dylan protege, violinist Scarlet Rivera; Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, John Durrill, known for his legendary songwriting history; bassist Brian Jenkins; and drummer, Quinn, known for his work with Kanye, Disney, T-Bone Burnett and others. Cate writes extensively with other writers