Nat King Cole, born Nathaniel Adams Coles, remains one of the most beloved voices of the 20th century. His warm baritone and sophisticated piano playing produced a catalog of hits that have become timeless standards. But behind the music lies a story of groundbreaking achievement, personal tragedy, and a legacy that continues to resonate.
From his early days as a jazz pianist in Chicago to becoming the first African American to host a national television variety show, Cole’s career was marked by both artistic brilliance and quiet resilience. He recorded over one hundred hit songs, sold millions of records, and left an indelible mark on popular music before his life was cut short at the age of 45.
What Are Nat King Cole’s Most Iconic Songs?
Over 100 on pop charts
“Unforgettable” (1951)
“The Christmas Song” (6x platinum)
“L-O-V-E” (1965)
Key Insights into His Music
- Cole scored 150 singles across Billboard’s Pop, R&B, and Country charts.
- He earned 28 gold record awards and 6 platinum albums.
- “Nature Boy” (1948) cemented his transition from jazz pianist to pop star.
- “Mona Lisa” (1950) and “Too Young” (1951) were major early ballad hits.
- “Smile,” “Pretend,” and “Ramblin’ Rose” became enduring radio staples.
- His version of “Route 66” became a travel classic.
- The title track of his final album, “L-O-V-E,” remains a wedding and film favorite.
| Song Title | Release Year | Notable Fact |
|---|---|---|
| “The Christmas Song” | 1947 | Holiday standard, certified six-times platinum |
| “Nature Boy” | 1948 | Helped establish his pop star status |
| “Mona Lisa” | 1950 | Major ballad hit |
| “Too Young” | 1951 | Gold-certified single |
| “Unforgettable” | 1951 | Signature ballad, later a duet with daughter Natalie |
| “Smile” | 1954 | Inspired by Charlie Chaplin’s film Modern Times |
| “Ramblin’ Rose” | 1962 | Gold-certified single |
| “L-O-V-E” | 1965 | Final album title track, peaked at No. 4 on Billboard |
What Was Nat King Cole’s Cause of Death?
Nat King Cole died of lung cancer on February 15, 1965, in Santa Monica, California. He was 45 years old. The diagnosis came in 1964, and according to multiple sources, Cole was a heavy smoker for much of his adult life. The Alabama Music Hall of Fame noted that his smoking habit directly contributed to the disease that ultimately took his life.
His death was sudden for the public, coming less than a year after the discovery of his illness. Cole passed away at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, surrounded by family. The news shocked fans around the world, as he was still actively recording and performing.
Despite some historical rumors, Cole’s death was definitively caused by lung cancer related to smoking. There is no credible evidence to suggest any other contributing cause. The diagnosis was made in 1964, and he died months later at home in California.
How Old Was Nat King Cole When He Died?
Cole was 45 years old at the time of his death. He was born on March 17, 1919, and died on February 15, 1965, just one month short of his 46th birthday.
When Did Nat King Cole Pass Away?
He died on February 15, 1965. The date marks the end of a career that spanned nearly three decades and influenced generations of musicians.
What Is Nat King Cole’s Background and Legacy?
Early Life and Real Name
Cole was born Nathaniel Adams Coles in Montgomery, Alabama, on March 17, 1919. When he was four years old, his family moved to Chicago, where he grew up. His mother recognized his musical talent early and arranged for piano lessons. By age 12, Cole was an accomplished pianist, playing in church and local venues.
Rise to Fame
In the late 1930s, he formed the King Cole Trio, which began as a jazz group. Their popularity grew gradually, and by the mid-1940s, Cole began singing more frequently. His switch to a vocal career brought what the Alabama Music Hall of Fame describes as “musical immortality.”
Groundbreaking Television Show
In 1956, Cole made history by becoming the first African American performer to host a variety television series. The Nat King Cole Show was broadcast nationally, welcoming into white living rooms for the first time by many Black men, according to Biography.com.
Family and Wife
Cole married Maria Cole, a big-band singer, in 1948. They met at the Zanzibar nightclub in Los Angeles. The couple had five children, including singer-songwriter Natalie Cole, who passed away in 2015. His daughters were Caroline and Natalie.
Awards and Honors
Cole sold more than nine million records in his lifetime. He won a Grammy, a Golden Globe, and was posthumously awarded the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990. The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture calls him one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century.
Cole’s impact extends beyond music. As a television pioneer and cultural figure, he opened doors for future Black entertainers. His posthumous duet with daughter Natalie on “Unforgettable” introduced his voice to a new generation and won a Grammy in 1992.
Where Can I Find Nat King Cole Vinyl Records?
Nat King Cole’s extensive catalog is widely available on vinyl. His 150 singles and numerous albums, including six platinum records, make him a staple of record stores and online marketplaces.
Which Albums Are Available on Vinyl?
Many of his classic albums have been reissued, including The King Cole Trio, Love Is the Thing, The Very Thought of You, Ramblin’ Rose, and L-O-V-E. Original pressings from the 1950s and 1960s can be found at specialty vintage record shops and online auction sites.
Are His Vinyl Records Valuable?
Collectors value original mono pressings of albums like Love Is the Thing and Stardust in good condition. The value depends on rarity, condition, and pressing date. Reissues from the 1970s onward are generally more affordable and widely available.
Timeline of Nat King Cole’s Life and Career
- 1919 — Born Nathaniel Adams Coles in Montgomery, Alabama.
- 1923 — Family moves to Chicago; begins piano lessons.
- 1930s — Forms the King Cole Trio, gaining attention as a jazz pianist.
- 1947 — Releases “The Christmas Song,” later certified six-times platinum.
- 1948 — Marries Maria Cole; “Nature Boy” becomes a major hit.
- 1951 — “Unforgettable” released; “Too Young” earns gold certification.
- 1956 — Hosts The Nat King Cole Show, the first national variety show hosted by an African American.
- 1964 — Diagnosed with lung cancer.
- 1965 — Dies on February 15 in Santa Monica, California; final album L-O-V-E peaks at No. 4 on Billboard.
- 1990 — Posthumously awarded the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award.
What Is Established vs. What Remains Unclear About Nat King Cole?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Cole died of lung cancer caused by heavy smoking. | The exact date of his diagnosis in 1964 is not widely documented. |
| He recorded over 100 hit songs across three decades. | An exact, comprehensive discography of all his recording sessions is not universally agreed upon. |
| He was the first African American to host a national variety TV series. | Specific details about viewership numbers for his show are not systematically recorded. |
| He married Maria Cole in 1948 and had five children. | The names and birth years of all five children are not fully documented in all sources. |
The Meaning and Context Behind His Music
“Smile,” one of Cole’s most enduring songs, was originally composed by Charlie Chaplin for his 1936 film Modern Times. The lyrics encourage finding hope in hardship, and Cole’s gentle interpretation turned it into a timeless anthem of resilience.
“Stardust,” a song Cole recorded, is about the bittersweet memory of a lost love. It had been a standard since the 1920s, and Cole’s version added his characteristic warmth and sophistication. “When I Fall in Love” became another signature ballad, featured in films and frequently covered by other artists.
Sources and Quotes on Nat King Cole
“When Nat King Cole became the first African American performer to host a variety television series, he was welcomed into white living rooms for the first time by many Black men.”
— Biography.com
“Cole’s switch to a singing career brought him musical immortality.”
— Alabama Music Hall of Fame
“His legacy continues to inspire generations, with his music transcending time and remaining a staple of jazz and pop culture.”
— Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Summary: What Is Nat King Cole’s Enduring Legacy?
Nat King Cole’s legacy is that of a pioneering artist whose voice defined an era. He broke racial barriers in television, sold millions of records, and left a catalog of songs that remain beloved worldwide. His influence can be heard in countless artists who followed, from soul singers to contemporary pop stars. For those looking to explore more about other music legends, read the article on Ray Charles – Biography, Cause of Death, and Enduring Legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nat King Cole
What was Nat King Cole’s real name?
His birth name was Nathaniel Adams Coles. He later shortened it to Nat King Cole for his stage name.
How many songs did Nat King Cole record?
He recorded over 100 hit songs on pop charts and more than 150 singles across Billboard’s Pop, R&B, and Country charts.
What is the story behind “Unforgettable”?
The song was released in 1951 and became one of his biggest hits. In 1991, his daughter Natalie Cole recorded a duet with his original recording, winning a Grammy.
Did Nat King Cole write his own songs?
Cole was primarily an interpreter and arranger. He performed songs written by others, such as “Unforgettable” by Irving Gordon and “Mona Lisa” by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston.
Is “On a Bicycle Built for Two” originally by Nat King Cole?
No. The song, also known as “Daisy Bell,” was written by Harry Dacre in 1892. Cole recorded a popular version later.
What is the meaning of “Smile”?
The song, originally by Charlie Chaplin, encourages finding joy even in difficult times. Cole’s gentle delivery emphasized its hopeful message.
Did Nat King Cole have his own TV show?
Yes, in 1956 he became the first African American to host a national variety series called The Nat King Cole Show.
Are Nat King Cole vinyl records valuable?
Original pressings from the 1950s and 1960s can be valuable, especially in good condition. Reissues are more common and affordable.
What awards did Nat King Cole win?
He won a Grammy, a Golden Globe, and was posthumously awarded the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990.
Where can I learn more about other musicians?
Read the article on Joan Baez – The Folk Icon’s Legacy in Songs and Activism for another perspective on influential artists.
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Rebecca Haines is Managing Editor at Headlines UK, running the daily news list, commissioning and headline review.