Nat King Cole, born Nathaniel Adams Coles on March 17, 1919, was a renowned American singer, jazz pianist, and actor. He began his career as a jazz pianist in the late 1930s, forming the King Cole Trio, which was a top-selling group on Capitol Records in the 1940s. Later, starting in 1950, he transitioned to a solo singing career and gained great success with over 100 hit songs on the pop charts. Some of his most famous singles include "Unforgettable," "The Christmas Song," "L-O-V-E," and "Mona Lisa." He was also a pioneer for African American artists, hosting the first nationally broadcast TV show by a Black American, The Nat King Cole Show, in 1956. Despite his mainstream success, Cole faced racial discrimination and was supportive of civil rights efforts. Cole died of lung cancer on February 15, 1965, but his music remains influential, with records like "The Christmas Song" achieving renewed popularity decades later. He also had a career in acting and was known for his smooth baritone voice and jazz piano style. His daughter Natalie Cole also became a famous singer, notably for the electronically created duet "Unforgettable" with him after his death. Nat King Cole's contributions to music and culture continue to be celebrated worldwide.
