Nat “King” Cole

Released: October 1, 1960

Songwriter: Traditional

Producer: Lee Gillette

God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

From God our Heavenly Father a blessed Angel came
And unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same
How that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

Now to the Lord sing praises all you within this place
And with true love and brotherhood each other now embrace
This holy tide of Christmas all other doth deface
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

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

The Christmas Song

From the albums

The Magic of Christmas (1960)
The Christmas Song (1963)

Nat “King” Cole popular songs

God Rest Ye Merry GentlemenNat “King” Cole

Nat “King” Cole

The Christmas Song