Nat King Cole
Biography
The world lost one of its most distinctive voices on February 15, 1965, when Nathaniel Adams Coles, known professionally as Nat King Cole, succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 45. His death marked the end of an era for American popular music, silencing a voice that had become synonymous with sophistication, warmth, and unparalleled artistry. The irony was not lost on those who knew him – a man who rarely smoked had fallen victim to a disease often associated with the habit, likely due to his constant exposure to smoke-filled nightclubs and recording studios throughout his career.
In his final years, Cole had achieved unprecedented success as both a recording artist and television personality. His groundbreaking variety show, "The Nat King Cole Show," which aired from 1956 to 1957, made him the first African American to host a network television program. Despite featuring stellar guests and Cole's magnetic presence, the show struggled to find national sponsors willing to support a Black entertainer during the height of the civil rights era, ultimately leading to its cancellation after just one season.
The 1950s represented the pinnacle of Cole's commercial success, with a string of hits that would become American standards. "Mona Lisa," released in 1950, became his signature song and earned him his first number-one hit on the pop charts. The decade also brought us "Too Young," "Unforgettable," "Answer Me My Love," and "Smile," each showcasing his ability to transform any melody into an intimate conversation with the listener. His 1956 album "After Midnight" demonstrated his continued evolution as an artist, featuring a more mature, contemplative approach to his craft.
Cole's transition from jazz pianist to pop vocalist wasn't without controversy among jazz purists. Throughout the 1940s, he had been leading the innovative Nat King Cole Trio, revolutionizing the jazz combo format with his sparse, elegant arrangements featuring just piano, guitar, and bass. The trio's recordings of "Sweet Lorraine," "Embraceable You," and "The Christmas Song" established Cole as one of the most influential jazz pianists of his generation. His piano style was characterized by its clarity, restraint, and impeccable timing – qualities that would later define his vocal approach.
Born in Montgomery, Alabama, on March 17, 1919, Cole was raised in Chicago after his family moved north when he was four years old. His musical education began early, with piano lessons from his mother, Perlina, who was the church organist. The influence of gospel music would remain evident throughout his career, particularly in his phrasing and emotional delivery. His father, Edward, was a Baptist minister, and the family's deep religious faith provided both stability and musical foundation for young Nathaniel.
Cole's professional career began in his teens when he formed a band called the Rogues of Rhythm while still in high school. His early influences included Earl Hines, Teddy Wilson, and Art Tatum, but Cole developed his own distinctive style that emphasized space and subtlety over flashy technique. This approach would prove revolutionary in the jazz world and later translate perfectly to his vocal performances.
The formation of the King Cole Trio in 1937 marked the beginning of Cole's rise to prominence. Initially an all-instrumental group, the trio began incorporating Cole's vocals almost by accident when audience members requested songs. His voice – smooth, intimate, and conversational – proved to be his ticket to mainstream success. The trio's innovative use of electric guitar, courtesy of Oscar Moore, and the steady bass lines of Johnny Miller created a sound that was both sophisticated and accessible.
Cole's influence on American popular music cannot be overstated. He paved the way for future African American entertainers while maintaining his dignity in the face of racial prejudice and segregation. His smooth vocal style influenced countless singers, from Johnny Mathis to Tony Bennett, while his piano technique continued to inspire jazz musicians long after his death. Songs like "Unforgettable" found new life decades later when his daughter Natalie Cole created a posthumous duet in 1991, introducing his artistry to new generations.
Today, Nat King Cole is remembered as one of the most important figures in 20th-century American music. His recordings continue to soundtrack romantic moments, his piano style remains a template for jazz elegance, and his breakthrough achievements in television and civil rights continue to inspire. He transformed popular music by proving that sophistication and commercial success could coexist, leaving behind a legacy that remains unforgettable.
