For a mild-mannered man whose music was always easy on the ear, Nat King Cole managed to be a figure of considerable controversy during his 30 years as a professional musician. Cole made television history in 1956 when he became the first African American performer to host a variety TV series. His numerous awards include the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990, and being inducted into the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame in 1997 and into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 as a major influence on early rock & roll. Soon after, Colestarted playing … Apparently, his part-time efforts paid off, because by the time he was 15, he had dropped out of school and was pursuing music full-time. When Cole was four years old, his father, Edward, a Baptist minister, accepted a pastorship of a church in Chicago. He succumbed to the disease just months later, on February 15, 1965, at the age of 45, in Santa Monica, California. The American musician Nat "King" Cole was beloved by millions as a singer of popular songs, but his specialty was piano in the tradition of "cool" jazz. At the age of four, Cole's family shifted base to North Chicago, Illinois where his father became the pastor of the church. Released around this time, L-O-V-E proved to be Cole's final recording. Cole married for the first time when he was only 17. He was succeeded by Queen Elizabeth II in 1952. Mona … In 1937, Nat King Cole arrived in Los Angeles where he formed the original lineup of the Nat King Cole Trio.The trio consisted of Nat on piano, Oscar Moore on guitar, and Wesley Prince on double bass - the absence of a drummer making the combo unique among the swing/jazz outifts of that time. He received music lessons from his mother and his family moved to Chicago when he was only five, where his father, Edward James Coles, was a minister at the True Light Baptist Church and later Pastor of the First Baptist Church. Cole grew up in Chicago, where, by age 12, he sang and played organ in the church where his father was pastor. The 1962 country-influenced hit "Rambin' Rose" reached the number two spot on the Billboard pop charts. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Nathaniel Adams Coles (March 17, 1919 – February 15, 1965), known professionally as Nat King Cole, w Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. He had encountered racism firsthand, especially while touring in the South. In 1937, after touring with a Black musical revue, he began playing in jazz clubs in Los Angeles. He landed some sizable parts in the late 1950s, appearing in the Errol Flynn drama Istanbul (1957). Known for his smooth and well-articulated vocal style, Cole actually started out as a piano man. The trio specialized in swing music with a delicate touch in that they did not employ a drummer; also unique were the voicings of piano and guitar, often juxtaposed to sound like a single instrument. Cole attained his greatest commercial success, however, as a vocalist specializing in warm ballads and light swing. album: "The Nat King Cole Story" (1961) Straighten Up And Fly Right. Nathaniel Adams Coles (March 17, 1919 – February 15, 1965), known professionally as Nat King Cole, was an American musician who first came to prominence as a leading jazz pianist. In 1956, Cole had been attacked by white supremacists during a mixed race performance in Alabama. "Straighten Up and Fly Right," inspired by one of his father's sermons, became another hit for the group in 1944. He eventually abandoned classical for his other musical passion — jazz. “Nature Boy,” “Mona Lisa,” “Too Young,” “A Blossom Fell,” and “Unforgettable” were among his major hits of the period. Cole blamed the show's demise on the lack of a national sponsor. Their first chart success, “Straighten Up and Fly Right” (1943), was followed by hits such as “Sweet Lorraine,” “It’s Only a Paper Moon,” “(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons,” and “Route 66.” Eventually, Cole’s piano playing took a backseat to his singing career. Gerald Ford became the 38th president of the United States following Richard Nixon's resignation, in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. © 2021 Biography and the Biography logo are registered trademarks of A&E Television Networks, LLC. He appeared on such popular programs as The Ed Sullivan Show and The Garry Moore Show. Relacionados Jazz. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Nat King Cole's first lessons in music were imparted by his mother, a church organist. He was rebuked by other African Americans, however, for his less-than-supportive comments about racial integration made after the show. Earl Hines, a leader of modern jazz, was one of Cole's biggest inspirations. A "who's who" of the entertainment world, including the likes of Rosemary Clooney, Sinatra and Jack Benny, attended the legendary musician's funeral, held a few days later in Los Angeles. Cole was born on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama. He and his first wife, Nadine Robinson, divorced in 1948. Cole was one of the first African Americans to host a television variety show, with "The Nat King Cole Show" premiering on November 5, 1956, on NBC. Cole joined forces with his brother Eddie for a time, which led to his first professional recordings in 1936. (From left) Irving Ashby, guitarist; Johnny Miller, bass player; and Nat King Cole, at the piano. Director Jon Brewer profiles the life of the musician using private journals. Handy in St. Louis Blues (1958). In 1964, Cole discovered that he had lung cancer. The Christmas Song. Nat Turner was the leader of a violent enslaved people rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia, in 1831. Sweet Lorraine. He scored numerous hits, with such songs as "Nature Boy," "Mona Lisa," "Too Young" and "Unforgettable." Nat 'King' Cole, Soundtrack: The Nat King Cole Show. Natalie recorded his hit "Unforgettable" and put their vocals together as a duet. Brother Nat King Cole was a member of Thomas Waller Lodge No. He occasionally revisited his jazz roots, as on the outstanding album After Midnight (1956), which proved that Cole’s piano skills had not diminished. Nat King Cole was born Nathaniel Adams Cole in 1919. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us! Edward VIII became king of the United Kingdom following the death of his father, George V, but ruled for less than a year. Fotos Ver todas +3. His career returned to top form in the early 1960s. One of the great pop vocalists of all time, and a major figure in the development of jazz piano. He also met and befriended other stars of the era, including popular crooner Frank Sinatra. They toured extensively and finally landed on the charts in 1943 with "That Ain't Right," penned by Cole. Nat King Cole was born Nathaniel Adams Coles (he later dropped the "s" in his surname) in Montgomery, Alabama. He later joined a national tour for the musical revue Shuffle Along, performing as a pianist. Handy in the film. The trio continued its rise to the top with such pop hits as the holiday classic "The Christmas Song" and the ballad "(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons.". The prejudices of the era in which Cole lived hindered his potential for even greater stardom. Nat King Cole, byname of Nathaniel Adams Cole, family name originally Coles, (born March 17, 1919, Montgomery, Alabama, U.S.—died February 15, 1965, Santa Monica, California), American musician hailed as one of the best and most influential pianists and small-group leaders of the swing era. An influence on jazz pianists such as Oscar Peterson, Cole was known for a compact, syncopated piano style with clean, spare, melodic phrases. The son of a Baptist pastor, Cole may have started out playing religious music. Nat King Cole was born Nathaniel Adams Coles on Montgomery, AL, on March 17, 1919. Cole attained his greatest commercial success, however, as a vocalist specializing in warm ballads … In 1991, she helped her father achieve a posthumous hit. By the 1950s, he worked almost exclusively as a singer, with such notable arrangers as Nelson Riddle and Billy May providing lush orchestral accompaniment. Nat was the first black performer to have his own nationwide network TV variety show. That same year, Cole appeared in the war drama China Gate with Gene Barry and Angie Dickinson. He grew up in Chicago, the son of a Baptist minister. Quotations by Nat King Cole, American Musician, Born March 17, 1919. Nat King Cole was an American musician who first came to prominence as a jazz pianist. The King Cole Trio, 1947. Enjoy the best Nat King Cole Quotes at BrainyQuote. One of the key jazz voices of the 20th Century, Nat King Cole picked up fourteen UK Top 10 singles while his first album Love Is The Thing reached Number 1 in 1957. Cole's presence on the record charts dwindled in the late 1950s. Although an accomplished pianist, he owes most of his popular musical fame to his soft baritone voice, which he used to perform in big band and jazz genres. About Billboard. Nat King Cole was born on March 17, 1917, in Montgomery, Alabama. Nat King Cole Biography by William Ruhlmann + Follow Artist. Charles II was the monarch of England, Scotland and Ireland during much of the latter half of the 17th century, marking the Restoration era. He first learned to play around the age of four with help from his mother, a church choir director. His only major starring role came in 1958, in the drama St. Louis Blues, also starring Eartha Kitt and Cab Calloway. ', American singer-songwriter Natalie Cole, daughter of mid-century crooner Nat King Cole, was best known for her Grammy Award-winning album 'Inseparable.'. By the 1950s, Cole emerged as a popular solo performer. At 15, he dropped out of school to become a jazz pianist full time. Find album reviews, stream songs, credits and award information for 20 Best Songs of Nat King Cole - Nat King Cole on AllMusic A musical childhood Nathaniel Adams Coles, the youngest son of the Reverend Edwards Coles and Perlina (Adams) Coles, was born on March 17, 1917, in Montgomery, Alabama. He joined in 1938. Nat King Cole was a singer and pianist famous for hit singles as well as for being the first African-American man to host a national TV show. Nat King Cole, byname of Nathaniel Adams Cole, family name originally Coles, (born March 17, 1919, Montgomery, Alabama, U.S.—died February 15, 1965, Santa Monica, California), American musician hailed as one of the best and most influential pianists and small-group leaders of the swing era. Cole played the role of blues great W.C. Nature Boy. After his show went off the air, Cole continued to be a presence on television. He owes most of his popular musical fame to his soft baritone voice, which he used to perform in big band and jazz genres. On the big screen, Cole had first started out in small roles in the 1940s, largely playing some version of himself. The lodge was founded by a group of African-American musicians who were members of Musicians Local 767, and Cole joined with his friend and drummer Lee Young. Nat King Cole became the first African American performer to host a variety TV series in 1956. Nat King Cole (1919-1965) Nat King Cole was born Nathaniel Adams Coles in 1919 in Montgomery, Alabama. Only a short time later, Cole married singer Maria Hawkins Ellington, with whom he raised five children. They found their greatest success, however, when Cole began doubling as a solo singer. He was the youngest son of Reverend Edwards Coles and Perlina Coles. We strive for accuracy and fairness. Cole had greater success with concert performances during the late 1950s and early ’60s and twice toured with his own vaudeville-style reviews, The Merry World of Nat King Cole (1961) and Sights and Sounds (1963). “The Nat King Cole Show” aired on NBC from November, 1956 to December, 1957. Rockin' Boppin' & Blues 2006 • Álbum Very Best of Nat King Cole 2006 • Álbum Edição Limitada: Nat King Cole 2005 • Álbum Nat, Matt & Dean 1988 • Álbum. Share with your friends. "use strict";(function(){var insertion=document.getElementById("citation-access-date");var date=new Date().toLocaleDateString(undefined,{month:"long",day:"numeric",year:"numeric"});insertion.parentElement.replaceChild(document.createTextNode(date),insertion)})(); Subscribe to the Biography newsletter to receive stories about the people who shaped our world and the stories that shaped their lives. His daughter Natalie was also a popular singer who achieved her greatest chart success in 1991 with “Unforgettable,” an electronically created duet with her late father. Noted for his warm tone and flawless phrasing, Cole was regarded among the top male vocalists, although jazz critics tended to regret his near-abandonment of the piano. Nat King Cole Lyrics. Marianne Ruuth writes how it was his mom who convinced his father to allow him to look for work as a jazz pianist on weeknights, so long as he continued playing for the church. Nat King Cole’s first solo hit – in 1948, where it reached the top of the chart and stayed there for 8 weeks. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. In 1956, Cole became the first African American performer to host a variety television series, and for many white families, he was the first Black man welcomed into their living rooms each night. The title track of the album remains hugely popular to this day and has been featured on a number of film soundtracks. The couple had three biological children, daughters Natalie, Casey and Timolin, and two adopted children, daughter Carol and son Nat Kelly. Read Full Biography. NBC was losing money, and Cole … Nat King Cole in 1956-57 paved the way for Flip Wilson in 1970, who became the first African American to host a network TV show that was an unqualified hit. Louis XVI was the last king of France (1774–92) in the line of Bourbon monarchs preceding the French Revolution of 1789. Cole’s popularity allowed him to become the first African American to host a network variety program, The Nat King Cole Show, which debuted on NBC television in 1956. She taught her son the art of playing the piano. There he formed the King Cole Trio (originally King Cole and His Swingsters), with guitarist Oscar Moore (later replaced by Irving Ashby) and bassist Wesley Prince (later replaced by Johnny Miller). Nat King Cole Lyrics "Too Young" They try to tell us we're too young Too young to really be in love They say that love's a word A word we've only heard But can't begin to know the meaning of And yet we're not too young to know This love will last though years may go Adapting his style, however, was one factor that kept Cole popular up to his early death from lung cancer in 1965. It's Only A Paper Moon (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66 (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons. The Nat King Cole Show had a large audience, but no national sponsor would back a show with a black host for fear of alienating Southern viewers. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. His rendition of "The Christmas Song" has become a holiday classic and many of his other signature songs are frequently selected for film and television soundtracks. Nat King Cole became the first African American performer to host a variety TV series in 1956. But this decline did not last long. Playlists Ver mais playlists. In his early teens, Cole had formal classical piano training. From the start, Nat King Cole's mother supported his musical ambitions. From the late '40s to the mid-'60s, he was a massively successful pop singer who ranked with such contemporaries as Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, and Dean Martin. He has maintained worldwide popularity since his death in 1965. The sponsorship problem has been seen as a reflection of the racial issues of the times with no company seemingly wanting to back a program that featured African American entertainers. Omissions? He made his last appearances on the pop charts in his lifetime in 1964. 49, PHA, Los Angeles, California. Nat King Cole was one of the most popular performers in the history of the music business. Terms of Use; Privacy Policy; AdChoices; Advertising; California Privacy Rights; Do Not Sell My Personal Information © 2019 Billboard Media, LLC. Corrections? (In his early years of music-making, he dispensed with the "s" at the end of his name.) Unlimited free Nat King Cole music - Click to play Unforgettable, The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) and whatever else you want! His final film appearance came in 1965: He performed alongside Jane Fonda and Lee Marvin in the light-hearted Western Cat Ballou. His hits of the early ’60s—“Ramblin’ Rose,” “Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer,” and “L-O-V-E”—indicate that he was moving even farther away from his jazz roots and concentrating almost exclusively on mainstream pop. The Nat King Cole Show featured many of the leading performers of the day, including Count Basie, Peggy Lee, Sammy Davis Jr. and Tony Bennett. https://www.biography.com/musician/nat-king-cole. He's best known for his soft baritone voice and for singles like "The Christmas Song," "Mona Lisa" and "Nature Boy.". Updates? In the studio, Cole got to work with some of the country's top talent, including Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, and famous arrangers such as Nelson Riddle. The following year, Cole started to put together what would become the King Cole Trio, the name being a play on the children's nursery rhyme. Unfortunately, the series didn't last long, going off the air in December 1957. And the Cole show itself has never been forgotten. The following spring, Cole won over music fans with the light-hearted tune "Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer." He abdicated the throne in order to marry his lover, Wallis Simpson, thereafter taking the title Duke of Windsor. Cole basically took the stance that he was an entertainer, not an activist. He formed his first jazz group, the Royal Dukes, five years later. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nat-King-Cole, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Biography of Nat "King" Cole, Encyclopedia of Alabama - Biography of Nat "King" Cole, Nat King Cole - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). It was a variety program that not only featured Nat’s singing, but also presented the greatest entertainers of the day as guest stars. During the late 1930s and early ’40s the trio made several instrumental recordings, as well as others that featured their harmonizing vocals. The show fell victim to the bigotry of the times, however, and was canceled after one season; few sponsors were willing to be associated with a Black entertainer. He first recorded with a full orchestra (the trio serving as rhythm section) in 1946 for “The Christmas Song,” a holiday standard and one of Cole’s biggest-selling recordings. As an African American performer, Cole struggled to find his place in the Civil Rights movement. Calypso Blues. Posts Ver mais. With Nat 'King' Cole, Tony Bennett, Ralph Carmichael, Johnny Mathis. Nat "King" Cole (March 17th 1919–February 15th 1965) was a popular American singer and jazz musician. His talents extended beyond singing and piano playing: he excelled as a relaxed and humorous stage personality, and he was also a capable actor, evidenced by his performances in the films Istanbul (1957), China Gate (1957), Night of the Quarter Moon (1959), and Cat Ballou (1965); he also played himself in The Nat “King” Cole Musical Story (1955) and portrayed blues legend W.C. Natalie Maria Cole (February 6, 1950 – December 31, 2015) was an American singer, songwriter, and actress. As a piano player, he formed a jazz trio in 1938 that played Los Angeles nightclubs, one of the first jazz trios featuring guitar and piano. A gifted composer and lyricist, Cole Porter created songs like "Night and Day," and the music for Broadway shows such as 'Anything Goes' and 'Kiss Me, Kate. Modest successes compared to his earlier hits, Cole delivered two ballads — "I Don't Want to Hurt Anymore" and "I Don't Want to See Tomorrow" — in his signature smooth style. George VI served as king of the United Kingdom during World War II and was an important symbolic leader. He was married to Marie Antoinette and was executed for treason by guillotine in 1793. Nat King Cole Lyrics "Pretend" Pretend you're happy when you're blue It isn't very hard to do And you'll find happiness without an end Whenever you pretend Remember anyone can dream And nothing's as bad as it may seem The little things you haven't got could be a lot if you pretend His daughter Natalie Cole also carried on the family profession, becoming a successful singer in her own right. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Since his death, Cole's music has endured. From the early 1940s with his jazz combo, the King Cole Trio, through his later solo career, he was responsible for numerous hit records, including pop and ballad classics such as “ Sweet Lorraine, ” “ Nature Boy, ” “ The Christmas Song, ” “ Ramblin ’ Rose, ” and “ Mona Lisa. Lush Life. 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