Nat “King” Cole
Nat “King” Cole
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.
Popular Songs
- L-O-V-E
- Smile
- Unforgettable
- Daisy Bell (Bicycle Built for Two)
- Nature Boy
- The Christmas Song
- Mona Lisa
- Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire
- When I Fall In Love
- Orange Colored Sky
- (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66 [1946 Version]
- Stardust
- Too Young
- Straighten Up and Fly Right
- That’s All
- Let There Be Love
- On a Bicycle Built for Two
- Fascination
- The Very Thought of You
- Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer
- Autumn Leaves
- O Tannenbaum
- Pretend
- (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons
Albums