Nathaniel A. Plummer

NATHANIEL ALPHONSO PLUMMER, the youngest son of the late Mr. William Plummer and Mrs. Julia White Plummer was born in Baltimore, Maryland on July 27, 1924. He received his education in Baltimore City Public Schools and was awarded a Certificate of High School Equivalence.

At the age of 18, Nathaniel enlisted in the United States Army, initially serving three years, reenlisting, and serving 20 more years. While serving, Nathaniel discovered and honed his skills as a musician with the Depot Orchestra called the Keynoters, an accomplishment for which he received a Letter of Commendation. Nathaniel was honorably discharged after faithful service to this country.

Nathaniel married his sweetheart, whom he affectionately called “Helen Frances”. Upon retiring from the Army, Nathaniel and Helen made Colorado Springs, Colorado their home. He loved music and performing at venues when invited.

In the words of John Turner, “I first met Nathaniel Plummer in 1977 while playing with the Johnny Johnson Quartet at the Broadmoor Hotel. At that time "Nat" was on crutches because he had injured his knee. I just assumed he was the singer in the band and was surprised to see him playing the drums and singing on our next gig. His singing style reminded me of Billy Eckstein, a famous heartthrob of the 40's and 50's, and his drumming was always right in the "pocket" as they say. In other words he knew how to swing. During the ensuing years he often would ask me to do big band arrangements for him so he could realize his first love - singin' with the big bands. He performed in the Wasson musical "Working," as if he were just another student, which at the time seemed a little odd to me but he did create a little musical niche for himself at Wasson and was loved and appreciated by all the students who worked with him. He and I accompanied all of their show choir productions under the direction of Renee Tabet. We three became great pals. Mr. Plummer was young at heart, eager to never stop learning and passionate about all facets of music. His music and his joy of living will be sorely missed.”

In the words of Renee Tabet, “Mr. Nathaniel Plummer showed up in my choir classroom in 1996. I called him my guardian angel because he was always looking after me. He worked hard finding me accompanists for my Show and Jazz choirs and after the third try, he found me John Turner. We became quite the team! With Mr. Plummer's expertise on the drums and singing Jazz Improvisation and John Turner's Jazz and Show Choir arrangements along with his expertise Wasson Choirs became well known within the district, city, state and nationally. Through the years the Wasson Choirs performed and competed throughout the city and state but also accompanied by Mr. Plummer and Mr. Turner we won many First Place Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada; Washington D.C. and Disneyland! The students always knew how lucky they were to experience both of these men. We were a force to be reckoned with. We were chosen as one of the top three choirs in the state for 10 years in the state of Colorado, all because of the expertise of these two men. Mr. Plummer sang at the end of every year for our final concert of the year as we honored our Seniors. His two favorite songs were ‘Unforgettable’ and ‘A Whole New World’.

Throughout the years that I knew Mr. Plummer, he continued to challenge himself in many ways. When he felt that he needed to know more about singing in order to help my choirs and sing with them, he took private voice lessons. When his teacher found out what a gem he was, she asked him to sing at many performances throughout the community. He was even a lead in the musical "Amahl and the Night Visitors" with The Colorado Springs Conservatory. At one point, he also decided to try classical guitar and enrolled in classes at Pikes Peak Community College. This was only in the last 10 years of his life. That would have been his late 70's and early 80's. I often remarked that he was a life learner. He never allowed himself to become stagnate. Often times he would stay up until 2 a.m. because of his gigs and then not fall asleep until 3 a.m. After waking up at noon or one o'clock the next day he would go into his basement and practice singing and drumming until he was proficient on new songs. I am hoping throughout my retirement I heed his advice and always continue to be a lifelong learner. Thank you Mr. Plummer!”

Always looking for ways to self-improve, Nathaniel attended the Peabody Conservatory of Music, United States Naval School of Music, the Marine Corp Institute (Music Theory), and Pikes Peak Community College earning an Associate’s Degree.

Nathaniel will be missed as he joins his wife, Helen; siblings William, John, Naaman, Ernest and Bertha who preceded him in death, while he leaves to mourn his nephew John William Wynder of Baltimore, Maryland; nieces Shirley Plummer of Columbia, Maryland, Lillie Mae Skinner of Brandywine, Maryland, and Cynthia Vannina Lyles-Quinn of Randallstown, Maryland; great-nieces and nephews, and cousins, and cherished friends and guardians John Turner and Renee Tabet.