Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole
Born	17 March 1919
Birthplace	Montgomery, Alabama, U.S.
Occupation	Singer, pianist, actor
Known for	Smooth vocal style; "Mona Lisa"; "Unforgettable"; integration of jazz and pop music

Nat King Cole was an American singer, pianist, and actor whose velvety baritone voice and mastery of the piano redefined the landscape of 20th-century popular music. Born Nathaniel Adams Coles in 1919, he adopted the stage name "Nat King Cole" in the 1940s, a moniker that reflected his reverence for the legendary jazz pianist King Oliver. Over his career, Cole became among the most influential figures in American music, blending jazz improvisation with the accessibility of pop and crooning styles. His recordings, including the timeless classics "Mona Lisa" and "Unforgettable," remain cornerstones of the American songbook. Beyond his musical contributions, Cole broke racial barriers in entertainment, becoming one of the first Black performers to host a nationally syndicated television show. His legacy endures not only in the recordings that defined an era but also in his advocacy for civil rights and his role in expanding opportunities for Black artists in the entertainment industry.

Early Life

Nat King Cole was born Nathaniel Adams Coles on 17 March 1919 in Montgomery, Alabama, to a family of modest means. His father, Edward Coles, was a Baptist minister, and his mother, Lillie Coles, played piano and sang in church, introducing Nat to music at an early age. The family moved to Chicago in 1921, where Nat's father became a pastor at the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. By the age of six, Cole was playing piano by ear, and by 12, he was performing publicly. His early exposure to jazz came through his uncle, Eddie Coles, a pianist who played in local clubs.

Cole's first professional experience came in 1935 when he joined the King Cole Trio, a group he formed with his brothers, Eddie and Max. The trio gained popularity in Chicago, performing in clubs and on radio programs. In 1936, the group moved to Los Angeles, where they signed with the Bluebird record label. Their 1936 recording of "Straighten Up and Fly Right" became a hit, marking Cole's first major success. The King Cole Trio's blend of jazz, blues, and gospel laid the foundation for Cole's later work as a solo artist.

Career

The King Cole Trio

The King Cole Trio, comprising Nat, Eddie, and Max Coles, became a staple of the swing era, known for their tight harmonies and energetic performances. Their recordings for Bluebird Records in the 1930s and early 1940s showcased Cole's growing reputation as a pianist and vocalist. The trio's 1936 hit "Straighten Up and Fly Right" was a breakthrough, earning them a spot on national radio programs and increasing their visibility. However, the group disbanded in 1941 when Max Coles left to pursue a solo career, and Eddie Coles departed shortly thereafter.

Solo Career and Capitol Records

After the trio's dissolution, Cole began performing as a solo artist, focusing on his vocal abilities. In 1943, he signed with Capitol Records, a label that would become central to his career. Capitol's decision to record Cole in a studio with a full orchestra, rather than the typical small jazz ensembles of the time, marked a shift toward a more polished, pop-oriented sound. This approach proved successful, with Cole's 1945 recording of "Too Young" becoming his first major hit.

Cole's 1950s recordings, including "Mona Lisa" (1951) and "Unforgettable" (1951), solidified his status as a pop icon. "Unforgettable," a duet with his then-wife, Maria Eller, became among the most enduring songs of the 20th century. These recordings showcased Cole's ability to blend jazz sophistication with mainstream appeal, a balance that defined his work for decades.

Television and Film

Cole's transition to television in the 1950s was groundbreaking. In 1956, he became the first Black host of a nationally syndicated television show, *The Nat King Cole Show*, which aired on NBC. The show, which featured performances by prominent Black and white musicians, faced challenges due to segregationist policies that limited the number of Black artists on television. Despite these obstacles, Cole's show was a critical and commercial success, with an estimated 25 million viewers.

Cole also appeared in films, including *St. Louis Blues* (1958) and *The Magic of Lassie* (1958), though his film career was limited by the era's racial barriers in Hollywood. His performances in these films, however, demonstrated his versatility as an actor and musician.

Later Career and Legacy

In the 1960s, Cole continued to record and perform, though his health began to decline. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1964, a condition he kept private until shortly before his death. His final recordings, including the 1965 album *L-O-V-E*, were critically acclaimed and reflected his enduring artistry. Cole died on 15 February 1965 in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 45.

Cole's influence extended beyond his music. He was a vocal advocate for civil rights, using his platform to speak out against racial discrimination. In 1956, he refused to perform at a segregated venue in Birmingham, Alabama, a decision that drew both praise and criticism. His activism, though often overshadowed by his musical achievements, was a significant part of his legacy.

Personal Life

Nat King Cole was born into a family of six children, with his father, Edward Coles, serving as a Baptist minister and his mother, Lillie Coles, a pianist and singer. He married his first wife, Maria Eller, in 1948; the couple had two children, Natalie and Edward. After Maria's death in 1965, Cole married Barbara Morrison, a singer and pianist, in 1966. Morrison continued to promote Cole's legacy after his death, preserving his recordings and advocating for his recognition as a trailblazer in the music industry.

Cole's personal life was marked by his dedication to his family and his commitment to social justice. He was known for his kindness and humility, traits that were evident in both his public and private life. His son, Edward Coles, later became a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, working as a producer and manager for various artists.

Recognition

Nat King Cole's contributions to music and culture have been widely recognized. He was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1974 for his recordings of "Mona Lisa" and "Unforgettable." In 1991, he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2002, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Cole's influence on subsequent generations of musicians has been acknowledged by numerous artists, including Frank Sinatra, who praised Cole's vocal technique and stage presence. In 2001, the U.S. Postal Service issued a stamp in his honor, celebrating his legacy as a cultural icon.