Nathaniel Adams Coles, known professionally as Nat King Cole, began his musical journey in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1919. A versatile performer, he established himself as a pianist, singer, and actor, leaving an indelible mark on American music across three decades. His career traversed jazz, pop, and classical influences, resulting in over 100 hit songs.
Early Development and Education
Born to a Baptist minister and a church organist, Cole moved to Chicago with his family at age four. He began formal piano lessons at age 12, studying a broad spectrum of musical traditions ranging from classical works to gospel. He attended Wendell Phillips Academy High School and later participated in the music program at DuSable High School before leaving formal schooling at 15 to pursue music professionally.
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In the late 1930s, Cole formed a jazz ensemble with bassist Wesley Prince and guitarist Oscar Moore. Originally dubbed the King Cole Swingsters, they transitioned into The King Cole Trio and became a dominant force on Capitol Records. By 1944, the track "Straighten Up and Fly Right" reached the top of the charts, establishing the group as a model for small jazz ensembles.
Transition to Solo Success and Media
Starting in 1950, Cole focused on his career as a solo vocalist. His extensive discography includes "Unforgettable," "Mona Lisa," "Nature Boy," and "The Christmas Song." Beyond music, he broke barriers in television, hosting The Nat King Cole Show on NBC from 1956 to 1957 as the first Black American to front a nationally broadcast variety series.
Activism and Legacy
Throughout his life, Cole navigated significant racial discrimination. He maintained a membership in the NAACP and participated in the 1963 March on Washington. Following his death in 1965 in Santa Monica, he was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. He has received numerous honors posthumously, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990 and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
Fast facts
- Born: 1919, Montgomery, Alabama
- Died: 1965, Santa Monica, California
- Primary Occupations: Singer, Pianist, Actor
- Notable Group: The King Cole Trio
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award: 1990
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: 2000
- Latin Grammy Hall of Fame: 2007
- Burial Site: Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Questions readers ask
Was Nat King Cole a jazz pianist or a singer?
He was both. While he began his career as a jazz pianist in the late 1930s, he later transitioned into a successful solo pop vocalist.
Did Nat King Cole break any racial barriers in television?
Yes, he hosted The Nat King Cole Show on NBC from 1956 to 1957, making him the first Black American to host a nationally broadcast television series.
Achievements
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award — 1990
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — 2000
- Latin Grammy Hall of Fame — 2007
- Instruments: piano, organ and guitar
- Genres: jazz
