Nat Cole

Biography

Nathaniel Adams Coles, known professionally as Nat King Cole, was born on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama. Raised in Chicago, Cole was exposed to music early through his mother, a church organist, and began formal piano lessons at age 12. By his teens, he was performing in jazz clubs and eventually formed the King Cole Trio in the late 1930s, pioneering a unique piano-guitar-bass format that influenced the development of small jazz ensembles.[2][6] The trio's blend of jazz and vocal harmonies quickly gained popularity, and their breakthrough came with the hit 'Straighten Up and Fly Right' in 1943.[5][6]

Cole's velvety baritone and sophisticated style propelled him from jazz pianist to international pop star. Signing with Capitol Records in 1942, he recorded a string of hits including 'Sweet Lorraine,' 'Route 66,' 'Nature Boy,' 'Mona Lisa,' and 'Unforgettable.'[1][4][5] His crossover appeal made him one of the first African American artists to achieve mainstream success, and in 1956, he became the first African American to host a national television show, breaking significant racial barriers in the entertainment industry.[3][7] Cole's career spanned radio, film, and television, and he remained a beloved figure until his untimely death from lung cancer in 1965.[2][3]

Nat King Cole's legacy endures as a foundational figure in vocal jazz and pop music. His influence is evident in the work of countless artists who followed, and his recordings remain standards in American music. Cole received numerous accolades, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an 'Early Influence.'[2][4] His pioneering role in breaking down racial barriers and his timeless musical contributions continue to inspire generations.

Fun Facts

• Nat King Cole was the first African American to host a national television variety show, 'The Nat King Cole Show,' in 1956.[3][7]
• His hit 'Straighten Up and Fly Right' was inspired by a sermon from his father, who was a Baptist minister.[7]
• Cole appeared in several Hollywood films, including 'St. Louis Blues' (1958) where he portrayed legendary composer W.C. Handy.[2]
• He recorded over 100 songs that became hits on the pop charts, and his signature song 'Unforgettable' was posthumously remade as a duet with his daughter Natalie Cole.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Earl Hines - Cole cited jazz pianist Earl Hines as a major stylistic influence, shaping his approach to jazz piano. (Cole's early trio recordings show Hines's influence.) [1930s-1940s]

Key Collaborators

• Oscar Moore - Guitarist in the King Cole Trio, contributed to the trio's signature sound. (King Cole Trio recordings) [1937-1947]
• Johnny Miller - Bassist in the King Cole Trio, foundational to the group's arrangements. (King Cole Trio recordings) [1937-1947]
• Nelson Riddle - Arranger and conductor for Cole's orchestral pop recordings. ('Mona Lisa', 'Unforgettable', 'Too Young') [1950s-early 1960s]
• Gordon Jenkins - Arranger for several of Cole's major hits. ('Nature Boy', 'Too Young') [1950s-early 1960s]
• Ella Fitzgerald - Collaborated on recordings and live performances. (Live performances, studio collaborations) [1950s]
• Louis Armstrong - Collaborated in studio and on television. (Studio recordings, TV appearances) [1950s]

Artists Influenced

• Natalie Cole - His daughter, who became a successful singer and famously recorded 'Unforgettable' as a duet with her late father. ('Unforgettable... with Love' (1991)) [1990s]
• Ray Charles - Cited Cole's crossover success and vocal style as influential in his own career. (Ray Charles's pop and jazz recordings) [1950s-1960s]
• Harry Connick Jr. - Inspired by Cole's piano and vocal style. (Connick's jazz vocal albums) [1990s-present]
• Michael Bublé - Frequently covers Cole's songs and cites him as a major influence. (Bublé's renditions of 'Unforgettable', 'Mona Lisa') [2000s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. L-O-V-E (L-O-V-E)
2. Unforgettable (Unforgettable)
3. When I Fall In Love (Love Is The Thing)
4. (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons (The Nat King Cole Story)
5. Unforgettable (Unforgettable: With Love)
6. Orange Colored Sky (The Nat King Cole Story)
7. The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) (The Christmas Song (Expanded Edition))
8. Smile - Mono / 1954 Version / Remastered 1992 (Ballads Of The Day)
9. Smile (The Nat King Cole Story)
10. Deck The Hall (The Christmas Song (Expanded Edition))

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia