Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole was born Nathaniel Adams Coles on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama, USA. He was the son of Edward Coles, a Baptist minister, and Perlina Coles, a choir director. The family moved to Chicago, Illinois, when Cole was four years old, where he learned to play the organ from his mother and began his formal music training. Growing up in a musical household, he demonstrated a deep love of jazz and the sounds of the city. Cole developed his musical talents into a distinctive jazz style that would later make him famous worldwide.

In 1943, Nat King Cole formed The King Cole Trio with guitarist Oscar Moore and bassist Wesley Prince. This group marked a turning point in Cole's career, allowing him to showcase his piano playing and smooth vocal style. The trio gained popularity for their unique blend of jazz and pop, and they began recording hits like 'Straighten Up and Fly Right,' which became a major success. The King's Cole Trio laid the foundation for Cole's future success as a solo artist and became a defining moment in his transition from jazz musician to mainstream entertainer.

'The Christmas Song,' also known as 'Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,' was first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946. Written by Mel Tormé and Bob Wells, the song quickly became a holiday classic and one of Cole's signature songs. The lush orchestration and Cole's warm vocal delivery helped solidify his status as a leading pop and jazz vocalist. 'The Christmas Song' has been repeatedly covered by artists worldwide, but Cole's version remains the definitive and most beloved rendition. It remains a staple of holiday music to this day.

Nat King Cole became the first African American to host a national television show in the United States with the debut of 'The Nat King Cole Show' on NBC. Premiering in November 1956, the show featured many famous guest stars, including Ella Fitzgerald and Tony Bennett, and highlighted Cole's musical versatility. Although the program faced challenges in securing national sponsors due to racial prejudice, it remains a significant milestone in television history. Cole's dignified presence broke barriers for future African American entertainers on national television.

'Mona Lisa,' recorded by Nat King Cole in 1950, became an iconic song and one of his biggest hits. Written by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston, the song was featured in the film 'Captain Carey, U.S.A.' and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Cole's silky vocals and smooth delivery made 'Mona Lisa' a timeless classic that topped the Billboard charts for several weeks. The overwhelming success of the single further elevated Cole's status as a leading pop vocalist of his era.

'Love is the Thing' was released in 1956 by Nat King Cole, showcasing a collection of romantic ballads arranged by Gordon Jenkins. This album highlighted Cole's smooth, emotive voice and was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard charts. Featuring classics like 'When I Fall in Love' and 'Stardust,' 'Love is the Thing' is considered one of Cole's greatest achievements. The lush string arrangements and Cole's vocal artistry made this album a favorite amongst fans and solidified his reputation as a master of love songs.

In 1959, Nat King Cole released 'A Mis Amigos,' an album recorded during a tour in Latin America. The album featured songs sung in Spanish and Portuguese, showcasing Cole's ability to connect with diverse audiences globally. 'A Mis Amigos' includes interpreted classics from the Latin American songbook, beautifully merging Cole's vocal prowess with the rhythms and melodies of Latin music. Cole's dedication to reaching new audiences and embracing different musical styles further solidified his international appeal.

Nat King Cole's album 'Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer' was released in 1963, containing a mix of light-hearted pop tunes and nostalgic tracks that celebrated the carefree spirit of summer. The title track became an instant hit and exemplified Cole's ability to adapt to contemporary musical trends while maintaining his unique sound. The album's playful and summery vibe resonated with audiences, becoming a commercial success and showcasing Cole's versatility as an artist. This album remains a reminder of the summers of the early 1960s and Cole's continued relevance in popular music.

In August 1964, Nat King Cole recorded his final studio album 'L-O-V-E,' which would be released posthumously in 1965. The album featured a series of romantic songs, including the titular 'L-O-V-E,' which has become one of Cole's most enduring and beloved tracks. 'L-O-V-E' demonstrated Cole's timeless appeal and his ability to convey deep emotion through his voice. The album was recorded just months before his death and stands as a testament to his enduring legacy in the music industry as one of the greatest vocalists of his time.

Nat King Cole passed away on February 15, 1965, in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 45, due to lung cancer. His death marked the end of a remarkable career as one of America's most beloved jazz and pop musicians. Cole's smooth baritone voice and charismatic presence made him an enduring figure in the music world. He left behind a rich legacy of numerous recordings and set a precedent for aspiring African American musicians. His funeral was attended by large crowds, reflecting the immense impact he had on his fans and the music industry.