the son of string bassist phil "charlie" towles, nat was born in new orleans, louisiana, on august 10, 1905. starting his musical career as a guitarist and violinist at the age of 11, towles switched to the bass at the age of 13. he performed in new orleans through his teenage years with gus metcalf's melody jazz band, eventually playing with a number of bands, including those of buddie petit, henry "red" allen, jack carey, and the original tuxedo jazz orchestra.