Nat King Cole was an American singer, pianist, and jazz icon whose velvet voice and musical versatility made him a global sensation. Known for his smooth baritone and timeless songs, Cole broke racial barriers in the entertainment industry and remains one of the most influential figures in American music history.
Nat King Cole Career Highlights
1936 Formed the King Cole Trio, pioneering a new style of jazz with hits like "Straighten Up and Fly Right."
1948 Released "Nature Boy," his first No. 1 single, solidifying his transition from jazz pianist to mainstream vocalist.
1950s Achieved massive success with hits like "Unforgettable" and "Mona Lisa," cementing his place as a pop legend.
1956 Became the first African American to host a national television variety show, The Nat King Cole Show.
1961 Recorded The Christmas Song, which became one of the most enduring holiday classics.
1965 Released his final album, L-O-V-E, shortly before his untimely death from lung cancer.
Nat King Cole Band
As a jazz pianist, he led the King Cole Trio with Oscar Moore (guitar) and Wesley Prince (bass), influencing countless jazz musicians.
Frequently collaborated with top arrangers like Nelson Riddle and Gordon Jenkins to create lush orchestrations for his vocals.
Nat King Cole Awards
1950 Academy Award for Best Original Song (Mona Lisa).
1963 Grammy Hall of Fame induction for "The Christmas Song."
1990 Posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Numerous other accolades for his contributions to music and racial equality in entertainment.
3 Most Famous Nat King Cole Songs
- Unforgettable
- Mona Lisa
- The Christmas Song
Nat King Cole Scandal/Gossip/Trivia
Despite his immense popularity, Cole faced racism throughout his career, including death threats for hosting a national TV show.
He was a civil rights advocate, performing for integrated audiences and speaking out against racial inequality.
Cole’s daughter, Natalie Cole, carried on his legacy, famously recording a duet with him on "Unforgettable" decades after his passing.
Nat King Cole ratings
