Nat King Cole in a 1959 promotional portrait wearing a classic suit.
Nat King Cole wasn’t just a singer—he was a sensation. With a voice like warm velvet and a presence that commanded attention, he transformed American music and quietly challenged the boundaries of race in entertainment. At a time when segregation was law and opportunity was scarce, Cole's success was both revolutionary and refined.
From the very beginning, music seemed to flow through his veins. Raised in a deeply religious household, he was surrounded by hymns, harmonies, and the rhythm of gospel every Sunday. It was in these early years that he began developing the ear and touch that would later define his sound.
Cole didn’t wait for opportunity to knock—he went looking for it. With natural talent and relentless drive, he studied jazz pianists and practiced endlessly, carving out a style that was intricate, soulful, and unmistakably his. He wasn’t imitating; he was inventing.
The piano was more than an instrument—it was his companion. Long before the world heard his voice, they heard his hands. Nat King Cole’s early gigs focused on his skill as a jazz pianist, and it was this foundation that gave his later vocal work such depth and musicality.
👶 Early Life
Born Nathaniel Adams Coles in Montgomery, Alabama, on March 17, 1919, Nat King Cole moved with his family to Chicago during the Great Migration. It was there, in the bustling, jazz-soaked city, that his love for music took root. By the age of four, he was playing piano by ear, mimicking church hymns and classical pieces with stunning precision.
His father was a Baptist minister, and the church was the heartbeat of their home. Cole's earliest musical experiences came from listening to the organ and choir on Sundays, where rhythm and harmony were as regular as the sermons. These sacred sounds became the building blocks of his lifelong relationship with music.
By his teenage years, Nat King Cole was sneaking out to clubs to hear the latest jazz and swing. He fell in love with artists like Earl Hines and Count Basie, studying their technique and developing his own unmistakable phrasing. His passion was no longer confined to the church—it was everywhere.
He dropped out of high school to tour with a revival of Shuffle Along, a pioneering all-Black musical. Though the tour collapsed in California, Cole stayed behind. It was a bold move that would lead to the formation of the King Cole Trio and mark the start of a groundbreaking career.
🎩 Nat King Cole was the first African American performer to have a sponsored national radio show—King Cole Trio Time in 1946—predating his television breakthrough by a full decade.
🎶 Early Recording Career & Breakthrough with Capitol
Nat "King" Cole - Straighten Up and Fly Right
After settling in Los Angeles, Nat King Cole began performing with a jazz combo that would become the famed King Cole Trio. Featuring Oscar Moore on guitar and Wesley Prince on bass, the trio quickly gained a reputation for their tight, swinging style and Cole’s smooth vocals. In 1940, they scored a hit with “Sweet Lorraine,” a song that not only showcased his piano skills but also marked the beginning of his transition from pianist to vocalist.
The trio recorded for small labels like Decca and Excelsior, putting out a string of sides including “That Ain’t Right,” “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” and “All for You.” These early tracks, often blending jazz with pop, drew attention from both Black and white audiences—a rarity at the time—and helped Nat King Cole cross over into the mainstream.
“Straighten Up and Fly Right,” released in 1943, was based on a sermon Cole’s father used to preach. It became a runaway success, selling over 500,000 copies and hitting No. 1 on the Harlem Hit Parade. The song’s witty lyrics and upbeat tempo perfectly captured the trio’s appeal and earned them national airplay.
By 1943, Capitol Records signed Nat King Cole, a move that would define both his career and the label’s future. His first sessions with Capitol yielded hits like “The Frim Fram Sauce” and “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66.” These early recordings combined jazz chops with a pop sensibility that laid the groundwork for Cole’s massive crossover success in the years to follow.
🎶 Chart-Topping Hits & Signature Songs
Nat King Cole - Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer
With Capitol Records backing him, Nat King Cole’s career skyrocketed. In 1946, he released “(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons,” which quickly climbed to No. 1 on the R&B chart and No. 6 on the pop chart. His warm, heartfelt delivery made the track an instant classic and solidified his position as a leading romantic vocalist.
The hits kept coming: “Nature Boy” (1948) was a haunting, mystical ballad that topped the Billboard chart for eight weeks. Its poetic lyrics and moody arrangement showed a new depth to Cole’s artistry. That same year, he scored again with “Mona Lisa,” a lush orchestral number that won an Academy Award and became one of his most enduring recordings.
In 1950, Cole released “Too Young,” a sentimental ballad that resonated deeply with postwar America. It became the biggest hit of his career up to that point, spending five weeks at No. 1. “Unforgettable” followed in 1951, showcasing his velvety tone against a sweeping string arrangement. Though it wasn’t a chart-topper at the time, it would later become synonymous with his legacy.
Other standout recordings from this era included “Orange Colored Sky,” “Pretend,” “Smile,” and “A Blossom Fell.” Each release further demonstrated Cole’s ability to blend jazz, pop, and balladry into a sound uniquely his own. By the mid-1950s, he had become one of Capitol’s top-selling artists—and one of the most recognizable voices in the world.
🎼 The iconic ballad “Nature Boy” was written by a homeless mystic named eden ahbez, who handed the sheet music to Cole’s valet outside a theater. It went on to become a No. 1 hit for eight weeks.
🎙️ Nat King Cole – The Platinum Collection (3LP White Vinyl)
Take a cue from Frank Sinatra—who famously played Nat King Cole records at home to unwind—and let the velvet voice of Cole fill your room with timeless elegance. The Platinum Collection delivers 3 LPs of carefully curated classics, pressed on cool white vinyl for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Cool white vinyl for the coolest voice in pop history.
Relive the golden era with unforgettable tracks like “Mona Lisa”, “Let There Be Love”, and “Unforgettable”—each one a perfect example of Cole’s vocal brilliance and orchestral beauty. Whether you're rediscovering his music or introducing it to new ears, this collection is a must-own for fans of classic American song.
Pressed with pristine audio quality and housed in elegant packaging, this set is as refined as the man himself. It’s not just a vinyl release—it’s an invitation to experience class, comfort, and Cole.
Wind down, press play, and let the legend live on.
Sammy Davis, Jr. Impersonating Nat King Cole as They Sing a Duet
Nat King Cole’s charm extended well beyond the recording studio—he was also a natural in front of the camera. Hollywood took notice, and by the early 1950s, Cole began appearing in films, often portraying himself or musicians. One of his earliest notable roles was in The Blue Gardenia (1953), where he performed the title song in a nightclub sequence. His soothing delivery brought elegance to the film’s noir atmosphere.
In 1957, he appeared in the musical China Gate, co-starring with Angie Dickinson and Gene Barry. Though the role was relatively small, it marked one of his few dramatic acting parts and gave fans a glimpse of his serious side. That same year, he had a memorable cameo in the Danny Kaye film The Nat King Cole Story, essentially playing himself and performing several hits in a biographical format.
But Nat King Cole’s most groundbreaking contribution came on the small screen. In 1956, he became the first African American to host a national television variety show, The Nat King Cole Show, which aired on NBC. Despite featuring major guests like Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Sammy Davis Jr., Tony Bennett, Eartha Kitt, and Mel Tormé, the show struggled to secure national sponsors due to racial prejudice. Still, Cole’s grace, wit, and professionalism elevated every broadcast and broke important ground in American television history.
Though the show ended in 1957, it opened doors for future generations of Black entertainers. Cole’s television appearances continued with guest spots on programs hosted by Perry Como, Ed Sullivan, and Dean Martin, among others—always reminding audiences that his appeal transcended genre, race, and format.
Nat King Cole comments on being assaulted by White Supremacists
By the early 1960s, Nat King Cole was a household name with global fame. He toured internationally, performing to sold-out crowds in Europe, Latin America, and the Far East. His recordings in Spanish, including “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás” and “Perfidia,” demonstrated his ability to connect with audiences far beyond American borders. Always impeccably dressed and cool under pressure, Cole remained a symbol of class and musical excellence wherever he went.
In 1960, he returned to film for a major role as blues legend W.C. Handy in St. Louis Blues, sharing the screen with Eartha Kitt, Cab Calloway, and Ruby Dee. The film allowed Cole to showcase his acting chops alongside a cast of legends, blending biography with bold performance. He also recorded several albums during this time, including Let There Be Love, Wild Is Love, and Ramblin' Rose, all of which charted successfully.
Despite his success, Cole’s health began to decline. A lifelong smoker with a heavy on-stage habit, he was diagnosed with lung cancer in late 1964. Even during treatment, he continued to record. His final album, L-O-V-E, released just days before his death in February 1965, featured upbeat arrangements and a radiant vocal performance that masked the seriousness of his illness.
Nat King Cole passed away on February 15, 1965, at just 45 years old. Tributes poured in from fans, fellow musicians, and political leaders alike. Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Duke Ellington all honored him publicly. His passing left a deep void in the world of music, but his recordings—and his legacy—continue to inspire generations.
🏆 Legacy
Nat King Cole’s legacy is as rich and enduring as his voice. He wasn’t just a musical trailblazer—he was a cultural icon who redefined what was possible for Black entertainers in America. With over 100 hit songs and millions of records sold, his impact on popular music is immeasurable. From jazz to pop ballads, Cole’s smooth delivery and impeccable phrasing continue to influence vocalists across genres and generations.
His influence didn’t end with music. As the first African American to host a national TV show, Cole paved the way for future stars like Flip Wilson, Diahann Carroll, and Oprah Winfrey. Though advertisers failed him during his time on air, history has recognized his groundbreaking achievement and the quiet courage it took to do it first.
Cole’s recordings have stood the test of time. “Unforgettable,” later famously re-recorded by his daughter Natalie Cole as a virtual duet, became a Grammy-winning tribute and reintroduced him to a new generation. His songs still appear in films, commercials, and weddings—proof of their timeless emotional power.
From the Hollywood Walk of Fame to the Grammy Hall of Fame, honors continue to be bestowed on his name. Yet perhaps his greatest legacy is the warmth he left behind in every note he sang. Whether swinging with a trio or crooning with a full orchestra, Nat King Cole made the world sound more beautiful—and that’s a gift that never fades.
ML Lamp is the owner of Kilroy Was Here. After his 20 years of working in Las Vegas in the entertainment promotions field, Mr. Lamp retired in 2002 from his job to pursue his passion for collectibles. Now as a guest speaker and author he’s living the dream, and sharing his warmth with You.
