Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole was a renowned American Musician, Singer, and Pianist known for his smooth and velvety voice, as well as his exceptional piano skills, which were influenced by Jazz greats such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie. Born in Montgomery, Alabama, Cole began his music career at a young age, performing with his brother Eddie Cole in the Chicago area, where he was exposed to the works of Louis Armstrong and Earl Hines. He later formed the Nat King Cole Trio with Oscar Moore and Wesley Prince, and they began performing at popular venues such as the Swing Club in Los Angeles and the Cotton Club in New York City. Cole's music was also influenced by Classical music composers such as Chopin and Debussy, which is evident in his unique piano style.

Early Life and Career

Nat King Cole was born on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama, to Rev. Edward James Coles Jr. and Perlina Adams Coles. He began playing the Piano at the age of four and was heavily influenced by Jazz and Blues musicians such as Fats Waller and Art Tatum. Cole's family moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he attended Dunbar Vocational Career Academy and began performing with his brother Eddie Cole in local Nightclubs and Theaters, including the Regal Theater and the Apollo Theater. He later formed the Nat King Cole Trio with Oscar Moore and Wesley Prince, and they began performing at popular venues such as the Hollywood Palladium and the Carnegie Hall in New York City, where they shared the stage with other notable musicians such as Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller.

Music Style and Influences

Nat King Cole's music style was a unique blend of Jazz, Pop music, and Blues, which was influenced by musicians such as Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald. His smooth and velvety voice was reminiscent of Crosby, Stills & Nash and Frank Sinatra, and his piano skills were influenced by Classical music composers such as Mozart and Beethoven. Cole's music was also influenced by Latin music and Rhythm and blues, which is evident in his recordings of songs such as Tito Puente's "Ran Kan Kan" and Ray Charles's ("What'd I Say"). He was a major influence on other musicians such as Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and Aretha Franklin, and his music was featured in various Films and Television shows, including The Ed Sullivan Show and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.

Discography

Nat King Cole's discography includes numerous Albums and Singles that were released during his lifetime, including "Unforgettable", "(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66", and "Mona Lisa". His music was released on various Record labels, including Capitol Records, Decca Records, and RCA Records, and he worked with notable Record producers such as Lee Gillette and Dave Cavanaugh. Cole's music was also featured on various Compilation albums, including "The Nat King Cole Story", "Nat King Cole Sings/George Shearing Plays", and "The World of Nat King Cole", which were released on Capitol Records and EMI Records. He collaborated with other notable musicians such as Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Peggy Lee, and his music was influenced by Big band musicians such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie.

Film and Television Appearances

Nat King Cole made numerous Film and Television appearances during his career, including Cat Ballou, St. Louis Blues, and The Nat King Cole Show. He was one of the first African American performers to host his own Television show, The Nat King Cole Show, which aired on NBC from 1956 to 1957 and featured guest appearances by notable musicians such as Ella Fitzgerald and Harry Belafonte. Cole also appeared on various Television shows, including The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and What's My Line?, and he performed at numerous Concerts and Festivals, including the Newport Jazz Festival and the Hollywood Bowl. He worked with notable Film directors such as Richard Quine and Sidney Lumet, and his music was featured in various Films, including The Bridges at Toko-Ri and The Seven Year Itch.

Personal Life and Legacy

Nat King Cole was married to Maria Hawkins Ellington and had three children, Natalie Cole, Timolin Cole, and Casey Cole. He was a close friend of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, and he was a member of the Rat Pack, a group of entertainers that included Sammy Davis Jr. and Peter Lawford. Cole was also a Civil rights activist and performed at numerous Benefit concerts, including the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and the Selma to Montgomery Marches. He was awarded numerous Awards and Honors during his career, including Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards, and a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Cole's legacy continues to be celebrated by musicians such as Diana Krall, Harry Connick Jr., and Michael Bublé, and his music remains popular to this day, with songs such as Unforgettable and Mona Lisa remaining Jazz standards. Category:American jazz pianists