Biography
Nat King Cole, born Nathaniel Adams Coles on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama, was raised in a musical family and demonstrated prodigious talent from an early age, teaching himself piano by age four. Moving to Chicago as a child, he was influenced by the city's vibrant jazz scene and began performing professionally as a teenager. In the late 1930s, Cole formed the Nat King Cole Trio in Los Angeles, a groundbreaking group noted for its drummerless format and sophisticated interplay, which helped define the sound of small-group jazz during the swing era. The trio's early hits, such as 'Straighten Up and Fly Right' and '(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66,' showcased Cole's virtuosic piano skills and smooth, understated vocal style.
By the mid-1940s, Cole's focus shifted from jazz piano to vocal pop, and he became renowned for his velvety baritone voice and romantic ballads. Signing with Capitol Records in 1943, Cole released a string of chart-topping singles, including 'Nature Boy,' 'Mona Lisa,' and the perennial holiday favorite 'The Christmas Song.' His crossover appeal made him one of the first African American artists to achieve mainstream commercial success in the United States. In 1956, Cole broke new ground as the first African American to host a national television variety show, 'The Nat King Cole Show,' further cementing his legacy as a trailblazer in entertainment.
Throughout his career, Cole recorded over 150 charting singles and became an enduring icon of vocal jazz and adult standards. He faced and challenged racial barriers, contributing to the advancement of civil rights in America. Cole's influence extended beyond his lifetime, with posthumous honors including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a virtual duet with his daughter Natalie Cole on 'Unforgettable,' which introduced his artistry to new generations. He died of lung cancer on February 15, 1965, in Santa Monica, California, but his music and impact remain timeless.
Fun Facts
- Nat King Cole was the first African American to host a national television variety show, 'The Nat King Cole Show,' in 1956.
- Capitol Records' iconic round building in Hollywood was nicknamed 'The House That Nat Built' due to Cole's immense commercial success.
- Cole's recording of 'The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)' has become one of the most enduring holiday standards, certified six-times platinum.
- He appeared in several feature films, including 'St. Louis Blues' (1958) and 'Cat Ballou' (1965).
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Earl Hines - Influenced Cole's piano style and approach to jazz improvisation during his formative years in Chicago. (Cole modeled his early piano playing after Hines's recordings.) [1930s]
Key Collaborators
- Oscar Moore - Guitarist in the Nat King Cole Trio, known for his interplay with Cole's piano. (The King Cole Trio albums, early Capitol recordings) [1937–1947]
- Wesley Prince - Original bassist of the Nat King Cole Trio, foundational to the group's sound. (The King Cole Trio recordings) [1937–1942]
- Johnny Mercer - Songwriter and co-founder of Capitol Records; collaborated on several songs. ('Save the Bones for Henry Jones', Capitol sessions) [1940s–1950s]
Artists Influenced
- Ray Charles - Inspired by Cole's crossover from jazz to popular music and his vocal style. (Ray Charles's early pop ballads and vocal phrasing) [1950s–1960s]
- Natalie Cole - Daughter; carried on his musical legacy and recorded a Grammy-winning virtual duet. ('Unforgettable... with Love' (1991))
- Harry Connick Jr. - Cited Cole as a major influence on his approach to vocal jazz and piano. (Connick's vocal jazz albums) [1980s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| L-O-V-E | 1965-01-11 | Album |
| The Nat King Cole Story | 1961-09-25 | Album |
| Unforgettable | 1954-01-01 | Album |
| The Christmas Song (Expanded Edition) | 1962 | Album |
| Love Is The Thing | 1957-08-01 | Album |
| Nat King Cole Sings George Shearing Plays | 1962-03-01 | Album |
| Sings For Two In Love | 1953-08-01 | Album |
| Ballads Of The Day | 1956-04-01 | Album |
| A Mis Amigos | 1959-09-13 | Album |
| Cole Espanol | 1958-08-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- L-O-V-E (L-O-V-E)
- Unforgettable (Unforgettable)
- When I Fall In Love (Love Is The Thing)
- (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons (The Nat King Cole Story)
- Unforgettable (Unforgettable: With Love)
- Orange Colored Sky (The Nat King Cole Story)
- The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) (The Christmas Song (Expanded Edition))
- Smile - Mono / 1954 Version / Remastered 1992 (Ballads Of The Day)
- Smile (The Nat King Cole Story)
- Deck The Hall (The Christmas Song (Expanded Edition))
External Links
Tags: #anthology, #easy-listening, #jazz
References
Heard on WWOZ
Nat King Cole has been played 21 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.