Nat King Cole

Legendary Jazz Pianist and Silky-Smooth Vocalist

Nat King Cole was an American musician who achieved great success as a jazz pianist and later as a singer. Born Nathaniel Adams Coles on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama, he gained fame as a leading figure in the world of jazz before transitioning into pop music. Cole was known for his smooth baritone voice and for hits like "Unforgettable," "Mona Lisa," and "The Christmas Song." He became the first African American to host a national television variety show, "The Nat King Cole Show," which aired from 1956 to 1957. Throughout his career, Cole recorded numerous albums and singles that have since become classics. His contributions to music have earned him numerous posthumous honors, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Jazz Hall of Fame. Nat King Cole passed away on February 15, 1965, but his music continues to influence artists around the world and remains beloved by fans of all ages.