Early Life
Nat King Cole was born Nathaniel Adams Coles on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama. He was the son of Edward Coles, a Baptist minister, and Perlina Coles, a church choir director. Nat was the second youngest of five children and grew up in a family that valued music and education.In 1923, Nat’s family moved to Chicago, where his father became the pastor of the True Light Baptist Church. Nat attended Wendell Phillips High School, where he showed a talent for music and began playing the piano. He dropped out of school during his junior year to pursue a career in music.In the mid-1930s, Nat formed a jazz trio with his brother Eddie and a guitarist named Oscar Moore. The group began performing in Chicago clubs and eventually landed a regular gig at the Club DeLisa, where they caught the attention of record producer John Hammond. In 1939, Nat recorded his first hit song, “Sweet Lorraine,” and began touring with his trio. Over the next several years, he recorded a string of successful singles and albums, including “Route 66,” “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” and “Nature Boy.” He also became the first African American to host a national television show in 1956, “The Nat King Cole Show.”
Professional Career
Nat King Cole’s professional career spanned over three decades, from the mid-1930s until his death in 1965. He was a highly successful musician, singer, and composer who made a significant impact on the world of music.
In the mid-1930s, Nat formed a jazz trio with his brother Eddie and a guitarist named Oscar Moore. The group began performing in Chicago clubs and eventually landed a regular gig at the Club DeLisa. In 1939, Nat recorded his first hit song, “Sweet Lorraine,” which helped to launch his career. Over the next several years, Nat and his trio recorded a string of successful singles and albums, including “Route 66,” “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” and “Nature Boy.” Nat’s smooth, velvety voice and unique phrasing style made him a favorite among audiences around the world.In addition to his work with his trio, Nat also recorded with orchestras, including the Count Basie Orchestra and the Nelson Riddle Orchestra. He also collaborated with other musicians, such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong. Nat was also an accomplished pianist and composer, and he wrote several popular songs, including “Mona Lisa” and “Unforgettable.” His rendition of “Unforgettable” became one of his signature songs and is still widely recognized today.
Throughout his career, Nat faced racism and discrimination, particularly while touring in the southern United States. Despite these challenges, he continued to perform and record music until his death in 1965. Today, Nat King Cole is remembered as one of the most influential and beloved jazz musicians of the 20th century.
Famous Songs
Nat King Cole was not only a remarkable vocalist and pianist, but he was also a talented songwriter. Some of the famous songs written by Nat King Cole include:
- “Straighten Up and Fly Right” (1943) – This song was one of Nat King Cole’s early hits and became a signature tune for him. It is a catchy, upbeat song with witty lyrics.
- “Nature Boy” (1948) – Written by Eden Ahbez, Nat King Cole’s recording of “Nature Boy” became one of his most iconic songs. It is a hauntingly beautiful composition that reflects on the mysteries and wonders of life.
- “Mona Lisa” (1950) – This romantic ballad won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1950. Nat King Cole’s rendition of “Mona Lisa” is considered one of his definitive recordings.
- “Unforgettable” (1951) – Another timeless classic, “Unforgettable” is a tender and emotional love song. It was originally written by Irving Gordon but became strongly associated with Nat King Cole after his recording of it.
- “L-O-V-E” (1964) – Released towards the later part of his career, “L-O-V-E” is an infectious and joyous song that celebrates the power of love. It became one of Nat King Cole’s most popular hits.
These songs, among many others, showcase Nat King Cole’s versatility as both a performer and songwriter. His compositions often embodied his smooth and captivating musical style, leaving a lasting impact on the world of music.
Legacy
Nat King Cole left a lasting legacy as one of the most influential and beloved musicians of the 20th century. His smooth, velvety voice and unique phrasing style set him apart from other vocalists of his time, and his compositions and performances helped to define the sound of jazz and popular music in the mid-20th century. Nat King Cole’s contributions to music have been widely recognized and celebrated. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 and received numerous other honors, including 21 gold records, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In addition to his musical legacy, Nat King Cole was also a trailblazer for black artists in the entertainment industry. He was one of the first black musicians to host his own television show, “The Nat King Cole Show,” which debuted in 1956. The show faced significant challenges due to racism and segregation in the entertainment industry, but Cole remained committed to breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of black performers.
Nat King Cole’s music continues to be beloved by audiences around the world, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless musicians who have been inspired by his talent and artistry. He remains an enduring icon of American music and a beloved figure in the history of jazz and popular music.
Bibliography
-https://jazzjournal.co.uk/2020/10/09/straighten-up-and-fly-right-the-life-and-music-of-nat-king-cole/https://www.npr.org/2019/03/17/703805637/nat-king-cole-still-remains-one-of-the-great-gifts-of-nature-100-years-later
-https://www.jazz.org/blog/celebrate-nat-king-cole-our-five-favorite-facts/
-https://archives.nypl.org/scm/22329
-https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01956051.1979.9944200?journalCode=vjpf20
-https://www.jstor.org/stable/41212048?casa_token=pZA_JsjRPwkAAAAA%3AkGW3c3J-mMOniEYhxk36OZ3VaVC_u2nJ6Y6qE7DPxnLWFLlghDRU8oohLK-rFMSZYd-ct8KvdY–BjDEFcA8YSGybcEoSr1qwus83YyeDnNyjtsSRPbk
