Nat King Cole: The Timeless Jazz Icon
Nat King Cole was a renowned American jazz pianist and vocalist. Born on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama, his velvety-smooth voice and charismatic performances enthralled audiences around the world. With timeless hits like “Unforgettable” and “Mona Lisa,” Cole left an indelible mark on the music industry. His legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans.
Biography
| Born | March 17, 1919 |
|---|---|
| Died | February 15, 1965 |
| Occupation | Singer, Jazz Pianist, Actor |
| Notable Singles |
|
| Album | The Magic of Christmas (The Christmas Song) |
| Best-Selling Christmas Album | Ranked as one of the 40 essential Christmas albums (2019) by Rolling Stone |
| Awards |
|
| Legacy | Selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Recording Registry |
| Family | Father of singer Natalie Cole (1950–2015) |
Early Life
Nat King Cole was born on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama. He was raised in Chicago, where his father was a Baptist minister and his mother was the church organist. The family later moved to the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago, which was known for its vibrant music scene. It was in this environment that Nat King Cole developed a love for music and began to pursue a career as a jazz pianist and singer.
Family
| Parents | Siblings |
|---|---|
| Mother: Perlina Adams | Sister: Evelyn |
| Father: Edward James Coles | Brother: Eddie Coles |
Nat King Cole’s mother, Perlina Adams, was a domestic worker and his father, Edward James Coles, was a Baptist minister. Nat King Cole had a sister named Evelyn and a brother named Eddie Coles. The family lived in Chicago where Nat’s father presided over the True Light Baptist Church. His parents encouraged his musical talents, and his siblings also pursued musical careers.
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Measurements | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’0″ (183 cm) |
| Weight | 165 lbs (75 kg) |
| Chest | 40 inches |
| Waist | 32 inches |
| Hip | 38 inches |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Nat King Cole was married to Maria Cole. They got married on March 28, 1948. Maria was his wife until his passing. They had five children together.
| Wife/Girlfriend | Relationship Period |
|---|---|
| BONITA CABRERA (1958 – 1959) | |
| NURSE for Nat King Cole | |
| MARIA COLE (1948 – 1965) | Spouse |
| Carol Connors (1955 – 1958) |
Career, Achievements And Controversies
Nat King Cole was an influential American jazz pianist and vocalist known for his rich voice and impeccable musical talent. He became famous through his remarkable performances and contribution to the music industry.
Nat King Cole achieved fame through his exceptional musical talents, captivating audiences with his unique voice and ability to play the piano. His breakthrough came with the success of his hit song “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” which garnered widespread attention and established him as a prominent figure in the music industry.
Nat King Cole’s career began as a jazz pianist and later transitioned into a successful vocalist. Some of his most popular works include “Unforgettable,” “Mona Lisa,” and “The Christmas Song,” which continue to be celebrated as timeless classics.
Nat King Cole received numerous accolades throughout his career, including several Grammy Awards and a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. His contributions to music were recognized with honors and induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Despite his musical prowess, Nat King Cole faced racial discrimination and controversy during his career. He encountered challenges due to segregation and unequal treatment, especially during live performances and tours. His resilience and talent ultimately helped him break barriers and pave the way for future generations of musicians.
Faq
Nat King Cole was an influential American jazz pianist and vocalist who achieved great success as a singer in the mid-20th century. He is best known for his smooth vocal style and popular songs like “Unforgettable” and “Mona Lisa.”
Nat King Cole is best known for his rich, velvety voice and his timeless renditions of classic songs. He was a pioneer in the realm of popular music and was one of the first African American musicians to find success in both the jazz and pop music worlds.
Some of Nat King Cole’s most famous songs include “Unforgettable,” “Mona Lisa,” “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire),” “L-O-V-E,” and “Nature Boy.”
Nat King Cole’s legacy is one of musical excellence and groundbreaking achievement. He broke down racial barriers in the music industry and left an indelible mark with his distinctive voice and timeless recordings. His influence can still be felt in the world of music today.
