Nat King Cole, born Nathaniel Adams Coles on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama, was an iconic American singer, jazz pianist, and actor. He rose to prominence in the late 1930s and 1940s, becoming one of the first African-American entertainers to host a nationally televised show, "The Nat King Cole Show."
Nat King Cole was the youngest of five children born to Edward James Coles, a Baptist minister, and Perlina Adams Coles. His family moved to Chicago when he was four, where he began playing the piano at the age of four. By age 12, he was performing in public. He adopted the stage name "Nat Cole" when he started his career, later adding "King" after being known as "King Cole" by fans during his time with the King Cole Trio.
In 1939, Cole formed the King Cole Trio with guitarist Oscar Moore and bassist Wesley Prince. The trio was groundbreaking for its time, mixing jazz with pop standards, and became famous for its unique sound and Cole's smooth vocal style. Hits like "Sweet Lorraine" and "Straighten Up and Fly Right" showcased his talents both as a pianist and a vocalist.
Cole's solo career took off in the mid-1940s. His warm, rich voice and his ability to convey emotion through song made him a beloved figure. Some of his most famous recordings include:
In 1956, Nat King Cole became the first African-American host of a TV variety program, "The Nat King Cole Show." Despite its popularity, the show faced difficulties securing sponsors due to racial prejudices, leading to its cancellation after 13 months. Cole's participation in civil rights activities, including his association with Martin Luther King Jr., further highlighted his commitment to racial equality.
Nat King Cole died on February 15, 1965, from lung cancer. His influence on music spans genres, with his smooth vocal style influencing numerous artists across jazz, pop, and R&B. His work has been covered by artists like Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé, and Natalie Cole, his daughter, who famously duetted with him posthumously on "Unforgettable" using technology to blend their voices.
Throughout his career, Cole received numerous accolades: