Nat King Cole was a legendary American singer and pianist, widely regarded as one of the greatest vocalists of all time. Born in Montgomery, Alabama in 1919, Cole’s unique voice and charismatic stage presence captivated audiences around the world.
With a career spanning over three decades, Cole recorded countless hits, including “Unforgettable,” “Mona Lisa,” and “Route 66.” His smooth, velvety voice and impeccable phrasing continue to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers alike. Join me as we delve into the life and legacy of this musical icon.
Nat King Cole was a renowned American singer, pianist, and jazz musician who gained fame in the 1940s and 1950s. He was known for his smooth and velvety voice, which was heard in hit songs like “Unforgettable” and “Mona Lisa.” Cole was also the first African American to host a television variety show, “The Nat King Cole Show.” Despite facing racial discrimination, Cole continued to make music and inspire generations of musicians. He passed away in 1965 at the age of 45. The legacy of Nat King Cole continues to live on through his music and influence on the industry.
Some Hidden Facts About Nat King Cole
| Name: | Nathaniel Adams Coles |
| Nickname: | Nat King Cole |
| Profession: | Singer, pianist, and songwriter |
| Date of Birth: | March 17, 1919 |
| Age: | 52 (died on February 15, 1965) |
| Net Worth: | $5 million (at the time of his death) |
| Height: | 6’0″ (183 cm) |
| Weight: | Unknown |
| Body Measurements: | Unknown |
| Eye Color: | Brown |
| Hair Color: | Black |
| Birthplace/Hometown: | Montgomery, Alabama, United States |
| Nationality: | American |
| Gender: | Male |
| Ethnicity: | African-American |
| Religion: | Unknown |
| Sexuality: | Straight |
| Sun Sign (Zodiac Birth Sign): | Pisces |
| House Location: | Unknown |
| Wiki Page: | Nat King Cole |
| Facebook Link: | Nat King Cole Facebook Page |
| Twitter Profile Link: | @natkingcole |
Physical Statistics
| Height (Tall) | 6’0″ |
| Weight | 175 lbs |
| Profession | Singer, pianist, and television personality |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Shoe Size (UK) | 9 |
| Hair Color | Black |
Note: This table provides the physical statistics of Nat King Cole, who was an American singer, pianist, and television personality.
Family
| Parents | Weight | Siblings |
|---|---|---|
| Nat King Cole’s father was Edward James Coles, a Baptist minister | N/A | Nat King Cole had four siblings: Eddie Cole, Ike Cole, Freddy Cole, and Evelyn Cole |
As a professional writer, it is important to not only provide accurate and detailed information but also ensure the proper use of HTML markup. The table above provides information about Nat King Cole’s family, including his parents, weight (N/A since it is not relevant to the topic), and siblings. The div class name “tdhr” is added to define a style for the table.
Unknown Facts about Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole: The Man Behind the Music
Nat King Cole is a name that has become synonymous with smooth jazz and romantic ballads. He was one of the most successful artists of his time, and his music continues to be celebrated today. But how much do you really know about the man behind the music? What were his early years like? What inspired him to pursue a career in music? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the life and career of Nat King Cole and uncover some little-known facts about this legendary musician.
The Rise to Fame
Nat King Cole’s rise to fame was nothing short of meteoric. He started his career as a jazz pianist, playing in various nightclubs and bars, and it wasn’t long before his unique style caught the attention of record producers. His first hit, “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” was released in 1943, and it quickly became a sensation. Over the next few years, Cole released a string of hits, including “Mona Lisa” and “Unforgettable,” which cemented his status as one of the most popular and influential musicians of his time.
The Legacy of Nat King Cole
Today, Nat King Cole is remembered not only for his music but also for the significant impact he had on the music industry as a whole. He was one of the first African American artists to achieve mainstream success, paving the way for countless others who would follow in his footsteps. Cole’s smooth, sophisticated style continues to inspire musicians around the world, and his music remains as popular today as it was during his lifetime. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the legacy of Nat King Cole and explore some of the reasons why his music continues to resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
Nat King Cole: A Musical Genius
Early Life and Career
Childhood and Family
Nat King Cole was born on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama. His parents were Reverend Edward James Cole and Perlina Adams. The family moved to Chicago when Nat was still a child. Nat’s mother was a church pianist, and she taught him how to play the piano at a young age.
Musical Talent and Education
Nat King Cole’s musical talent was apparent from a young age. He began formal piano lessons at the age of 12 and quickly developed his skills. He dropped out of high school to pursue a career in music, and by the age of 16, he was playing in jazz clubs in Chicago.
Early Career and Success
In the late 1930s, Nat King Cole formed the King Cole Trio with guitarist Oscar Moore and bassist Wesley Prince. They began performing in Los Angeles and quickly gained a following. Their first hit song, “Sweet Lorraine,” was released in 1940. The trio’s popularity continued to grow, and they became one of the most successful jazz groups of the 1940s.
Rise to Fame
The Nat King Cole Show
In 1956, Nat King Cole became the first African American to host his own television show, The Nat King Cole Show. The show was groundbreaking at the time, but it faced many challenges due to racism and segregation. Despite these obstacles, Cole continued to produce the show until 1957.
Crossover Success
Nat King Cole’s music appealed to a wide audience, and he became one of the first African American artists to achieve mainstream success. His 1951 recording of “Unforgettable” became one of his most popular songs and remains a classic to this day. Cole also had success with pop songs like “Mona Lisa” and “Nature Boy.”
Influence on Music
Nat King Cole’s smooth, melodic voice and unique style had a profound influence on music. He paved the way for future African American artists to achieve mainstream success and helped to break down racial barriers in the music industry. His music continues to inspire and influence musicians today.
Legacy and Honors
Grammy Awards
Nat King Cole won nine Grammy Awards during his career, including Best Performance by a Pop Single Artist and Best Performance by a Male Vocalist. He was also awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990, and his recordings have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 1960, Nat King Cole was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
Impact on Civil Rights Movement
Nat King Cole’s success as an African American artist helped to break down racial barriers and pave the way for future generations. He used his platform to speak out against racism and segregation and helped to raise awareness for the civil rights movement.
The Nat King Cole Society
The Nat King Cole Society was established in 1989 to preserve and promote his legacy. The society actively works to promote his music and to educate future generations about his contributions to music and civil rights.
Nat King Cole Stamp
In 1994, the United States Postal Service issued a stamp honoring Nat King Cole as part of its Black Heritage series. The stamp features a portrait of Cole and the words “The Man and His Music.”
Nat King Cole’s impact on music and the civil rights movement is immeasurable. His smooth, melodic voice and unique style continue to inspire and influence musicians today. His legacy lives on through his music and the many honors and awards he received during his career.
Nat King Cole was an American singer, pianist, and songwriter who is considered one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. His smooth, velvety voice and impeccable phrasing made him a household name, and his music continues to captivate audiences to this day. Cole’s legacy is one of talent, perseverance, and trailblazing, and his impact on the music industry cannot be overstated.
Cole’s career spanned over three decades, during which he released countless hit songs and albums. He was the first African American to host a television show, and his success helped pave the way for other black musicians and entertainers. His music crossed racial and cultural boundaries, and his popularity reached audiences around the world.
Beyond his musical contributions, Cole was also a civil rights activist who used his platform to speak out against racism and discrimination. He faced numerous challenges throughout his career, but he never let these obstacles dampen his spirit or his love for music.
In conclusion, Nat King Cole was a trailblazing musician, a civil rights activist, and a beloved icon whose music continues to inspire and delight audiences to this day. He left an indelible mark on the music industry and paved the way for future generations of artists. His legacy is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and talent.