Nat “King” Cole

(Johnny Burke)

Better face the facts, ol' buddy
And be prepared to take the blow
You don't have to sit and study
It's something anyone should know
Shake hands... get your hat...
And go

You can praise her eyes
And adore her hair
But if love ain't there
It ain't there

And you can walk her home
In the warm spring air
But if love ain't there
It ain't there

And you can look
With a longing in your look
And try every method in the book
And worship the smile that kind of
Took you unaware

And you can weep and sigh
You can say, "Unfair"
You can almost die of despair
But if love ain't there
It ain't there

Nathaniel Adams Coles (17 March 1919 – 15 February 1965) was born in Montgomery, Alabama and used the stage name Nat “King” Cole throughout his career as a jazz pianist and later as a singer.

Cole’s first mainstream hit was “Straighten Up and Fly Right” in 1943. Bo Diddley, who performed similar folk-based material said that song was a big influence on him.

In the late 40s, Cole began recording more pop-oriented material. His stature as a pop singer was cemented by hits like “Route 66”, “Mona Lisa” and “Unforgettable”. In the 50s, virtually every home had a copy of his Christmas album.

more tracks from the album

Love Is the Thing

From the album

Love Is the Thing (1957)

Nat “King” Cole popular songs

If Love Ain’t ThereNat “King” Cole

Nat “King” Cole

Love Is the Thing