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A brief biography of Nat King Cole. () Nat King Cole's life story. Short biography - Nat King Cole. - March 17, 1919: Nathaniel Adams Coles was born in Montgomery, Alabama, to Edward James Coles, a Baptist minister, and Perlina Adams Coles. - The Coles family moved to Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood, a hub of African American culture and music. - Nat began playing the piano at age four, displaying an early talent for music. - Nat dropped out of high school to pursue music full-time. - He formed the Royal Dukes with his brother Eddie, performing at local venues. - Nat changed his name to Nat King Cole, adopting the moniker “King“ after the nursery rhyme in which “Old King Cole was a merry old soul“ - The Nat King Cole Trio was formed with Oscar Moore on guitar and Wesley Prince on double bass. - The Nat King Cole Trio began performing at the Swanee Inn in Chicago, gaining popularity for their innovative jazz sound. - Cole married Nadine Robinson, his first wife. - The trio recorded their first tracks for Decca Records, including “Honey Hush“ and “Easy Listening Blues.“ - The Nat King Cole Trio released their first album, “The King Cole Trio,“ featuring tracks like “Sweet Lorraine“ and “Embraceable You.“ - Nat King Cole recorded “Straighten Up and Fly Right,“ a breakout hit that reaches number one on the R&B charts. - The Nat King Cole Trio recorded “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire),“ which became a perennial holiday favorite. - Nat King Cole made his acting debut in the film “Killer Diller,“ showcasing his musical talents onscreen. - The trio toured internationally, gaining fans in Europe and beyond. - Cole's rendition of “Mona Lisa“ became a massive crossover success, topping both the pop and R&B charts. - Cole released “Unforgettable,“ an album featuring the title track and other classics. - Nat King Cole scored another major hit with “Smile,“ featuring lyrics by Charlie Chaplin. - He recorded “A Blossom Fell,“ another chart-topping hit, showcasing his enduring appeal. - He became the first African American to host his own radio show, “The Nat King Cole Show,“ on NBC. - Nat King Cole was attacked on stage by white supremacists during a performance in Birmingham, Alabama, highlighting the ongoing racial tensions in the United States. - Despite critical acclaim, “The Nat King Cole Show“ was canceled due to lack of sponsorship, a blow to Cole's television career. - He released “St. Louis Blues,“ a film adaptation of the W.C. Handy opera, in which he stars as Handy. - Nat King Cole made history as the first African American to win a Grammy Award, earning Best Performance by a Male Pop Vocalist for “Midnight Flyer.“ - Cole toured the world, performing in Europe, Asia, and Africa, spreading his musical influence globally. - He continued to tour and record, maintaining his status as one of the preeminent voices in popular music. - Cole released “Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer,“ a cheerful album featuring the title track and other seasonal favorites. - He performed at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, standing alongside other civil rights leaders in the fight for equality. - Nat King Cole was diagnosed with lung cancer, attributed to his heavy smoking habit. - Despite his declining health, he continued to perform and record, displaying remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. - On February 15, 1965, Nat King Cole passed away at the age of 46, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music and unparalleled artistry. - His final album, “L-O-V-E,“ was released posthumously, featuring the iconic title track and other beloved classics. - Cole's influence on the world of music endures, inspiring future generations of artists and leaving an indelible mark on the history of jazz and popular music.
