Portrait of Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole

Origin: Montgomery, Alabama, USA Years: March 17, 1919 - February 15, 1965

Nat King Cole, born Nathaniel Adams Coles, was an American singer and jazz pianist who became one of the most popular and influential entertainers of the 20th century. Beginning as a jazz pianist leading the King Cole Trio from 1937 to 1955, Cole transitioned to solo singing career, releasing over 100 singles including chart-topping hits like 'Mona Lisa,' 'Unforgettable,' and 'The Christmas Song.' His smooth baritone voice, sophisticated arrangements, and television presence as first African American to host a network variety show (1956-1957) broke racial barriers in entertainment. A Grammy Hall of Fame inductee and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Cole recorded over 1,500 songs and sold over 50 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

JazzPopVocal JazzTraditional PopSwingR&BChristmas Music

Discography Overview

During his recording career from 1936 to 1965, Cole released over 1,500 songs across Capitol Records and other labels, with over 200 charting on Billboard's Hot 100, 20 reaching Top 10, and 4 hitting number one: 'Straighten Up and Fly Right' (1943), 'The Christmas Song' (1946), 'Mona Lisa' (1950), and 'Too Young' (1951). His solo career from 1950 to 1965 produced enduring classics like 'Unforgettable,' 'L-O-V-E,' and 'Smile,' while his earlier trio recordings with Oscar Moore and Wesley Prince pioneered piano vocal jazz. Posthumously, 'The Christmas Song,' 'Mona Lisa,' and 'Unforgettable' were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. His recordings have sold over 50 million copies worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

Key Albums

  • The Nat King Cole Trio (1944)
  • King Cole Trio Volume 1 (1949)
  • After Midnight (1956)
  • Love Is the Thing (1957)
  • The Very Thought of You (1958)
  • Ramblin' Rose (1962)

Key Songs

  • Mona Lisa
  • Unforgettable
  • The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
  • Straighten Up and Fly Right
  • Too Young
  • Nature Boy
  • Smile
  • L-O-V-E
  • Route 66
  • Embraceable You
  • Orange Colored Sky
  • Send for Me

Career Timeline

  1. 1936 Began performing as teenage pianist at local clubs in Chicago under name 'Nat Cole'
  2. 1937 Formed King Cole Trio with Oscar Moore on guitar and Wesley Prince on bass; moved to Los Angeles
  3. 1940 Signed with Decca Records; released first singles including 'Sweet Lorraine'
  4. 1943 Released 'Straighten Up and Fly Right'; first major hit and signature song
  5. 1944 Signed with Capitol Records; debut album 'The Nat King Cole Trio'
  6. 1946 Released 'The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)'; became holiday classic
  7. 1947 Released 'Route 66' and '(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66'; became pop standard
  8. 1948 Transitioned from trio leader to solo singer with 'Nature Boy' which reached number two
  9. 1950 Released 'Mona Lisa'; became first number-one single as solo artist; Academy Award for Best Original Song nomination
  10. 1951 Released 'Too Young'; second number-one single; appeared in film 'The Pink Panther'
  11. 1956 Became first African American to host network television show 'The Nat King Cole Show' (1956-1957)
  12. 1957 Released 'Love Is the Thing' album; reached number one on Billboard 200
  13. 1959 Released 'After Midnight' album; returned to jazz piano roots
  14. 1962 Released 'Ramblin' Rose' and 'L-O-V-E'; continued commercial success
  15. 1964 Released 'Smile' and final recordings
  16. 1965 Died from lung cancer in Santa Monica, California at age 45; career spanned 29 years
  17. 1990 Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
  18. 1999 'The Christmas Song' inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame
  19. 2000 Inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame for 'Mona Lisa' and 'Unforgettable'
  20. 1991 Daughter Natalie Cole posthumously revived his career with virtual duet 'Unforgettable' (1991) which won Grammy Award

Influence Graph

How Nat King Cole sits in the influence chain

Influenced by

  • Earl Hines
  • Teddy Wilson
  • Fats Waller
  • Count Basie
  • Bing Crosby

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