Nat King Cole

Date of Birth: March 17, 1919

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: February 15, 1965

Biography

Nathaniel Adams Coles, known professionally as Nat King Cole, was an American jazz pianist and vocalist who became one of the most influential and beloved figures in the music industry. Born on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama, he moved to Chicago, Illinois, with his family at the age of four. Cole began his musical journey in his early teens, performing alongside his brother Eddie in a jazz band. His career took off during the 1940s when he formed the King Cole Trio, gaining recognition for his smooth baritone voice and exceptional piano skills. Cole’s transition from jazz pianist to mainstream vocalist led to numerous hits such as “Unforgettable,” “Mona Lisa,” “Nature Boy,” and “The Christmas Song.” Known for his warm voice and charismatic presence, he became the first African American to host a national television show, “The Nat King Cole Show,” in 1956. Despite facing racial barriers, he broke significant ground in the entertainment industry. In addition to his musical achievements, Nat King Cole was a committed family man. He married Maria Hawkins Ellington in 1948, and they had five children. Cole’s life was tragically cut short when he died of lung cancer on February 15, 1965, in Santa Monica, California. His legacy, however, lives on through his timeless music, his contributions to civil rights, and his influence on future generations of musicians.

5 Interesting Facts about Nat King Cole

1. Nat King Cole was the first African American artist to host a national television show, “The Nat King Cole Show,” which aired from 1956 to 1957.

2. He was a self-taught pianist, learning to play the instrument by ear.

3. Cole’s recording of “The Christmas Song” is one of the most enduring holiday classics and has been covered by numerous artists.

4. Despite his success, Cole faced significant racial discrimination, including an incident in 1956 when he was attacked on stage by white supremacists in Birmingham, Alabama.

5. He was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Nat King Cole

1. “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.”

2. “I’m an interpreter of stories. When I perform it’s like sitting down at my piano and telling fairy stories.”

3. “I may be helping to bring harmony between people through my music.”

4. “Nothing ever stays the same. Just because things aren’t good now doesn’t mean they will be that way forever.”

5. “You call it madness, but I call it love.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Nat King Cole’s net worth was estimated to be around $3.5 million, which would be equivalent to approximately $30 million today, adjusted for inflation.

Children

Nat King Cole had five children with his wife, Maria Hawkins Ellington: 1. Natalie Cole (1950–2015) – a successful singer in her own right, known for hits like “This Will Be” and her posthumous duet with her father on “Unforgettable.” 2. Carole “Cookie” Cole (1944–2009) – an actress and music producer. 3. Nat Kelly Cole (1959–1995) – an actor. 4. Timolin Cole – twin sister of Casey, both of whom have worked in various fields but generally stayed out of the limelight. 5. Casey Cole – twin sister of Timolin, also working in various fields and mostly out of public view.