Nat King Cole, American singer and pianist (b. 1919)

Nat King Cole: An Enduring Legacy in American Music

Nathaniel Adams Coles (March 17, 1919 – February 15, 1965), globally celebrated as Nat King Cole, was an iconic American singer, a pioneering jazz pianist, and a distinguished actor. His remarkable career, tragically cut short at the age of 45, left an indelible mark on music and entertainment, breaking barriers and setting new standards for artists worldwide. Born in Montgomery, Alabama, and raised in Chicago, Cole began playing piano at a young age, quickly developing a sophisticated style that blended the innovations of jazz greats like Earl Hines and Teddy Wilson.

A Voice of Velvet and a Piano Virtuoso

While often remembered for his smooth, velvety baritone voice that graced countless pop hits, Nat King Cole first rose to prominence as an extraordinary jazz pianist. His influence on the genre is profound, particularly through the groundbreaking Nat King Cole Trio. Formed in 1937 with Oscar Moore on guitar and Wesley Prince (later Johnny Miller) on bass, this innovative ensemble revolutionized the small jazz group format. Their sparse yet sophisticated arrangements, featuring Cole's nimble piano work at the forefront, became the definitive model for subsequent jazz trios and quartets, demonstrating a new level of interplay and musicality.

Cole's transition from primarily a jazz instrumentalist to a vocal pop superstar began in the late 1940s. He recorded over 100 songs that achieved widespread success on the pop charts, cementing his status as a mainstream sensation. These timeless classics include enduring hits such as "Mona Lisa" (1950), which topped the Billboard charts, "Too Young" (1951), "Nature Boy" (1948), and the perennial holiday favorite, "The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)," first recorded in 1946 and re-recorded in 1961 to even greater acclaim. His unique ability to infuse popular songs with a jazz sensibility and his impeccable diction made his recordings instantly recognizable and enduringly popular.

Breaking Barriers Beyond the Recording Studio

Nat King Cole's talents extended beyond music into acting and television, where he also made significant contributions as an African-American entertainer in a racially segregated era. He appeared in several films, including "China Gate" (1957) and "St. Louis Blues" (1958), where he portrayed blues legend W.C. Handy. Cole also graced television screens and performed on Broadway, continually pushing boundaries.

A monumental achievement in his career was becoming the first African-American man to host an American network television series. "The Nat King Cole Show" debuted on NBC in 1956, a courageous undertaking during a time of pervasive racial prejudice. Despite critical acclaim and Cole's immense popularity, the show faced significant challenges in securing national sponsorship due to advertisers' reluctance to support a show headlined by a Black man. This unfortunate reality ultimately led to its cancellation in 1957 after only 64 episodes, highlighting the systemic racism prevalent in the entertainment industry at the time, even for a star of Cole's magnitude. Nevertheless, his pioneering role paved the way for future generations of African-American performers in television.

A Lasting Family Legacy

Nat King Cole's musical lineage continued through his talented daughter, the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Natalie Cole (1950–2015). Natalie carved out her own highly successful career, famously paying tribute to her father through the posthumous duet of "Unforgettable" in 1991. This innovative recording earned multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year, and introduced Nat King Cole's artistry to a new generation, demonstrating the timeless appeal of his voice and legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nat King Cole

When was Nat King Cole born and when did he pass away?
Nat King Cole was born Nathaniel Adams Coles on March 17, 1919, and passed away on February 15, 1965, at the age of 45.
What made Nat King Cole unique as a musician?
He was exceptional as both a groundbreaking jazz pianist, leading the influential Nat King Cole Trio, and as a velvety-voiced pop singer who recorded over 100 chart-topping hits. His ability to seamlessly blend jazz sophistication with mainstream appeal was truly unique.
What was the significance of "The Nat King Cole Show"?
It marked a historic moment as Nat King Cole became the first African-American man to host an American network television series. Despite its short run due to a lack of sponsorship during a racially prejudiced era, it was a pivotal step in breaking racial barriers in television.
Did Nat King Cole have any famous children?
Yes, his daughter was the acclaimed singer-songwriter Natalie Cole, who achieved significant success in her own right, including a famous posthumous duet with her father on "Unforgettable."
Which are some of Nat King Cole's most famous songs?
Some of his most iconic hits include "Mona Lisa," "Too Young," "Nature Boy," and the evergreen holiday classic "The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)."