Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Nat Ginsberg (birth name unknown, although it was probably Nathan Ginsberg) was born in South Africa (exact city and date also unknown, but likely in the 1910s or early 1920s given his activities by the 1940s) as part of the Jewish community. He followed two separate careers, one as a musician and the other as a professional football player.
As a musician he mostly used the name Nat Berg (sometimes indicated as Nat Ber, which was probably a stylized shortening) and he gained popularity in South Africa as the leader of a jazz combo called “Nat Berg and his Trio”, although they adopted various music styles, including jazz, swing, and popular tunes of the day. They performed on radio (possibly the South African Broadcasting Corporation which was launched in the 1930s) and at live events in nightclubs, dance halls and hotels, and are remembered as being a part of the vibrant mid-20th-century music scene.
South Africa in the 1930s–1950s had a flourishing entertainment circuit with numerous local bands. While detailed documentation of Nat Berg and His Trio’s repertoire is limited, evidence suggests they enjoyed local acclaim and stood out as a prominent act, especially among the English-speaking and Jewish communities. They were known for their polished arrangements and lively performances that brought American and European swing music to South African listeners. It was common at the time for small combos (trios, quartets, etc.) to entertain in hotels or restaurants, providing live background music or headline performances for ballroom dances. Nat’s trio likely filled such roles, contributing to the Jazz Age atmosphere in cities like Johannesburg or Cape Town. They presumably performed popular songs of the day, such as jazz numbers, foxtrots, and swing ballads.
In terms of recordings, South Africa’s recording industry was still in its infancy when Nat’s trio was active. A few local labels (such as Gallo Records, established in 1926) were beginning to record dance bands. It is possible that Nat Berg and His Trio recorded a handful of 78 rpm records for a South African label, though specific titles are unknown.
In the realm of sports, Nat’s primary claim to fame is as a goalkeeper. During an era when South African football was largely amateur, Nat broke new ground by turning professional. He signed with Millwall, an English club, reportedly making him the first South African goalkeeper to play professional football abroad. This was a significant milestone, as few (if any) South Africans had played in the English Football League at the time. Nat’s stint at Millwall took place in the early 1920s, shortly after World War I, when Millwall had just entered the Football League.
His move to England provided historical context to South African sports development: domestic leagues in South Africa remained amateur for decades, so a South African player turning professional overseas was remarkable. As Millwall’s keeper, he would have faced competitive league matches in England’s lower divisions. While detailed match records of his performances are scarce, simply earning a spot in a professional English club was a feat that paved the way for other South African players in later years. His pioneering role is underscored by his inclusion in sports histories – for example, he is listed among notable Jewish sportspeople as a South African goalkeeper for Millwall. However, with the disruption of WWII and limited opportunities thereafter, his football career faded and by the late 1940s he reverted from professional football to being a musician.
Details of his later life are obscure, and it’s not known whether he continued in music through the 1960s or retired from show business, or where and when he passed away.
This song is from the album "Nat Berg At The Paddock", released in 1965.
Nat Ginsberg (birth name unknown, although it was probably Nathan Ginsberg) was born in South Africa (exact city and date also unknown, but likely in the 1910s or early 1920s given his activities by the 1940s) as part of the Jewish community. He followed two separate careers, one as a musician and the other as a professional football player.
As a musician he mostly used the name Nat Berg (sometimes indicated as Nat Ber, which was probably a stylized shortening) and he gained popularity in South Africa as the leader of a jazz combo called “Nat Berg and his Trio”, although they adopted various music styles, including jazz, swing, and popular tunes of the day. They performed on radio (possibly the South African Broadcasting Corporation which was launched in the 1930s) and at live events in nightclubs, dance halls and hotels, and are remembered as being a part of the vibrant mid-20th-century music scene.
South Africa in the 1930s–1950s had a flourishing entertainment circuit with numerous local bands. While detailed documentation of Nat Berg and His Trio’s repertoire is limited, evidence suggests they enjoyed local acclaim and stood out as a prominent act, especially among the English-speaking and Jewish communities. They were known for their polished arrangements and lively performances that brought American and European swing music to South African listeners. It was common at the time for small combos (trios, quartets, etc.) to entertain in hotels or restaurants, providing live background music or headline performances for ballroom dances. Nat’s trio likely filled such roles, contributing to the Jazz Age atmosphere in cities like Johannesburg or Cape Town. They presumably performed popular songs of the day, such as jazz numbers, foxtrots, and swing ballads.
In terms of recordings, South Africa’s recording industry was still in its infancy when Nat’s trio was active. A few local labels (such as Gallo Records, established in 1926) were beginning to record dance bands. It is possible that Nat Berg and His Trio recorded a handful of 78 rpm records for a South African label, though specific titles are unknown.
In the realm of sports, Nat’s primary claim to fame is as a goalkeeper. During an era when South African football was largely amateur, Nat broke new ground by turning professional. He signed with Millwall, an English club, reportedly making him the first South African goalkeeper to play professional football abroad. This was a significant milestone, as few (if any) South Africans had played in the English Football League at the time. Nat’s stint at Millwall took place in the early 1920s, shortly after World War I, when Millwall had just entered the Football League.
His move to England provided historical context to South African sports development: domestic leagues in South Africa remained amateur for decades, so a South African player turning professional overseas was remarkable. As Millwall’s keeper, he would have faced competitive league matches in England’s lower divisions. While detailed match records of his performances are scarce, simply earning a spot in a professional English club was a feat that paved the way for other South African players in later years. His pioneering role is underscored by his inclusion in sports histories – for example, he is listed among notable Jewish sportspeople as a South African goalkeeper for Millwall. However, with the disruption of WWII and limited opportunities thereafter, his football career faded and by the late 1940s he reverted from professional football to being a musician.
Details of his later life are obscure, and it’s not known whether he continued in music through the 1960s or retired from show business, or where and when he passed away.
This song is from the album "Nat Berg At The Paddock", released in 1965.
