Talk with Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole was an American musician and one of the most admired singers and jazz pianists of his era. Born Nathaniel Adams Coles on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama, he gained fame as a leading figure in the American music scene from the 1940s until his death in 1965.

Cole began his career in the late 1930s as a jazz pianist, leading the Nat King Cole Trio, which initially featured guitarist Oscar Moore and bassist Wesley Prince. The trio became highly popular for their innovative and smooth style, which blended jazz and pop elements. Nat King Cole’s transition from a purely instrumental artist to a famed vocalist occurred gradually, although he was initially reluctant to focus on his singing.

Some of his best-known songs include "Unforgettable," "Mona Lisa," "The Christmas Song," and "Nature Boy." These tracks underscore his smooth vocal style, characterized by his warm, velvety voice. Cole was known for his ability to convey emotion effortlessly, which made him a beloved figure in American popular music.

Nat King Cole also made significant contributions to racial integration in the American entertainment industry. He was one of the first African American performers to host a television series, "The Nat King Cole Show," which premiered on NBC in 1956.

Despite facing significant racism throughout his career, Cole’s talent and perseverance helped him to overcome many barriers. He remained a major influence on many singers that followed and is remembered as a pioneer for his contributions to both music and the civil rights movement. He succumbed to lung cancer on February 15, 1965, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to influence the music industry.

Nat King Cole had several highly successful albums throughout his career. Some of the most notable ones include:

1. Unforgettable (1952) - This album includes one of his biggest hits, "Unforgettable," which became one of Cole's signature songs.

2. The Nat King Cole Story (1961) - A compilation album that covers many of his career highlights in a refined, orchestrated package.

3. After Midnight (1957) - A unique album where Cole returns to his jazz roots, performing with a small jazz combo instead of his usual orchestral accompaniment.

4. Love Is the Thing (1957) - Featuring the hit single "When I Fall in Love," this album is one of his best-selling and highly acclaimed works, renowned for its lush arrangements and romantic themes.

5. Ramblin' Rose (1962) - The title track from this album was a major hit, and the album itself was well-received, showcasing Cole's versatility as a vocalist.

These albums not only exemplify Nat King Cole's smooth baritone voice but also his ability to transcend the genres of jazz and pop.

Nat King Cole was influenced by several key musicians and styles early in his career, particularly drawn to the jazz and swing genres. Some of the major influences on his musical style include Earl "Fatha" Hines, whose piano playing technique deeply affected Cole's own approach to the instrument. Also, Art Tatum, a virtuoso pianist known for his complex and sophisticated style, had a profound impact on Cole's playing.

In addition to these pianists, Cole was also influenced by the broader sounds of swing music, as well as the jazz scene that was prevalent during his formative years. His initial performances and recordings reflect these influences, blending smooth vocal styles with intricate piano arrangements. Through these inspirations, Nat King Cole developed his unique musical signature that combined jazz influences with a more accessible, pop-oriented appeal.

Nat King Cole's influence on modern musicians is substantial and multifaceted, spanning genres, vocal techniques, and interpretations of classic standards. Cole began his career as a jazz pianist and later transitioned to a predominantly singing role, becoming one of the most admired vocalists in the history of American music. His smooth baritone voice and impeccable phrasing have been cited as major influences by a broad spectrum of artists across different genres.

1. Vocal Style and Technique: Nat King Cole's singing style, marked by clarity, smoothness, and emotional depth without overt sentimentality, has influenced countless singers. His ability to convey emotion through subtle inflections and his impeccable timing have been particularly impactful. Contemporary singers often mimic his smooth vocal style and his way of handling ballads and jazz standards.

2. Phrasing and Articulation: Cole's exceptional phrasing, the way he could play around with timing and rhythm, has been influential for jazz vocalists and beyond. His articulation was precise yet effortless, allowing him to convey a range of emotions simply through nuanced changes in tone and tempo.

3. Integration of Jazz and Pop: Cole was one of the pioneers in blending jazz with pop music, making jazz more accessible to the broader public. This approach has been followed by numerous artists who seek to appeal across genre lines, integrating jazz influences into pop music or vice versa.

4. Pioneering Role: As an African American leading a prime-time radio program and later a television show, Cole broke significant barriers in an era of racial segregation. His success laid groundwork for future generations of African American artists in mainstream music and entertainment, setting an example of elegance and perseverance.

Artists like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and even modern performers such as Michael Bublé and Gregory Porter have acknowledged Cole's influence on their work. His recordings continue to be a standard against which many vocal performances are measured, and his pioneering integration of styles and roles continue to inspire a broad array of artists in the music industry.

Nat King Cole's first recording was made in the mid-1930s. He was still in his teens when he first recorded with his older brother Eddie Cole's band in 1936. These early recordings mark the beginning of his long and illustrious career in music.

Determining the "best" Nat King Cole song is subjective and varies depending on personal taste or what criteria you use to define "best," such as vocal performance, lyrical depth, or historical impact. However, one of his most iconic and beloved songs is "Unforgettable." This song showcases Nat King Cole's smooth voice and impeccable phrasing, and it remains a staple in American music history for its timeless appeal and emotional depth. Other popular contenders might include "L-O-V-E," "When I Fall in Love," and "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)." Each of these songs highlights different aspects of Cole's vast talents and contributions to music.

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