Nat King Cole – Biography, Songs, Death and Legacy

Who Was Nat King Cole? A Biography of the Jazz Legend

Nathaniel Adams Coles, known to the world as Nat King Cole, was an American singer, jazz pianist, and actor who defined the sound of 20th‑century popular music. Born on March 17, 1919 in Montgomery, Alabama, he grew up in Chicago after his family moved there when his father became pastor of True Light Baptist Church. By age four he had taught himself to play the piano, and by 12 he was performing in jazz clubs.

Cole left school at 15 to pursue a career as a jazz pianist, eventually forming the King Cole Trio in the late 1930s. The trio’s blend of jazz and pop produced hits such as “Straighten Up and Fly Right” and “The Christmas Song.” After signing with Capitol Records in the 1950s, he released iconic songs like “Unforgettable,” “Mona Lisa,” and “Nature Boy,” becoming one of the most influential vocalists of his era.

His smooth baritone voice and exceptional piano skills earned him a place among the greats. Cole also became the first African‑American to host a national television variety show, The Nat King Cole Show, on NBC in 1956. Despite his success, he faced racial prejudice throughout his career, including a violent attack by white supremacists in Alabama in 1956. He died of lung cancer on February 15, 1965, at the age of 45.

Quick Overview

• Full Name: Nathaniel Adams Coles
• Born: March 17, 1919 (Montgomery, Alabama, USA)
• Died: February 15, 1965 (Santa Monica, California, USA)
• Occupation: Singer, Jazz Pianist, Actor
• Genres: Jazz, Pop, Swing
• Famous For: ‘Unforgettable’, ‘L‑O‑V‑E’, ‘The Christmas Song’
• Legacy: First African‑American to host a national TV variety show; sold over 100 million records

Key Insights

• Cole was the first African‑American to host a television variety series (The Nat King Cole Show, 1956‑57), though it was cancelled due to lack of a national advertiser.
• He sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best‑selling music artists of all time.
• Cole died from lung cancer at age 45, despite being a non‑smoker (he never smoked cigarettes; he was exposed to secondhand smoke and had health issues).
• His trio (piano, bass, guitar) redefined jazz ensemble playing and influenced countless musicians.
• Posthumously, he was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1990) and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1987).

Snapshot Facts

What Caused Nat King Cole’s Death?

Nat King Cole died of lung cancer on February 15, 1965, at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California. He was 45 years old. The disease was discovered in 1964, and despite treatment, it spread rapidly. Medical records confirm lung cancer as the primary cause, complicated by heart disease.

Did Nat King Cole Smoke?

Yes, Cole was a heavy smoker. Reports indicate he smoked up to three packs of cigarettes a day. This habit directly contributed to his lung cancer diagnosis. Contrary to some myths, he was not a non‑smoker; his addiction to cigarettes was well documented.

Where Did Nat King Cole Die?

He passed away at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California. His body was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.

What Are Nat King Cole’s Most Iconic Songs?

Cole recorded over 100 hit songs and placed 150 singles on Billboard’s Pop, R&B, and Country charts. His catalog includes timeless classics that continue to be played, covered, and sampled. Below are some of his most celebrated works.

Signature Songs

• “Unforgettable” (1952) – Often considered his signature song. It became a posthumous duet with daughter Natalie Cole in 1991, winning three Grammy Awards.
• “L‑O‑V‑E” (1965) – A playful song spelling out the word “love,” written for his wife, Maria. It remains a popular wedding and romance standard.
• “The Christmas Song” (1946) – “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” is one of the best‑selling Christmas singles of all time.
• “Nature Boy” (1948) – A mystical ballad that became a major hit, showcasing Cole’s ability to blend jazz with pop.
• “Smile” (1954) – Based on a Charlie Chaplin composition, the song’s uplifting message made it enduringly popular.

Other Major Hits

• “Mona Lisa”
• “Too Young”
• “Ramblin’ Rose”
• “Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer”
• “Route 66”
• “Pretend”, “A Blossom Fell”, “If I May”, “That Sunday, That Summer”

Meaning of ‘L‑O‑V‑E’

“L‑O‑V‑E” was written by Milt Gabler and Bert Kaempfert, and Cole recorded it in 1965. The lyrics spell out the word “love” to describe the ease and joy of being in love. It became one of his most recognizable songs and is often associated with romance.

Timeline: Key Events in Nat King Cole’s Life

1. 1919 – Born in Montgomery, Alabama; family moves to Chicago during the Great Migration.
2. 1936 – Forms the Nat King Cole Trio (piano, guitar, bass) in Los Angeles.
3. 1943 – First major hit “Straighten Up and Fly Right” (released on Capitol).
4. 1946 – Hits “The Christmas Song” (recorded with the trio).
5. 1948 – Marries Maria Hawkins Ellington; adopts daughter Carole.
6. 1950s – Becomes a solo vocalist; string of pop hits including “Unforgettable” (1952) and “Smile” (1954).
7. 1956–57 – Hosts The Nat King Cole Show on NBC, first African‑American host of a national TV variety series.
8. 1960 – Records “L‑O‑V‑E” (written for his wife).
9. 1964 – Diagnosed with lung cancer; continues recording despite illness.
10. 1965 – Dies on February 15 at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica; buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain About Nat King Cole?

How Did Nat King Cole Impact Jazz and Civil Rights?

Nat King Cole broke racial barriers in the entertainment industry. As the first African‑American to host a national television show, he paved the way for future black performers. He faced discrimination directly—most notably in 1956 when he was attacked by white supremacists during a mixed‑race performance in Alabama, allegedly by members of the White Citizens Council. Despite the danger, he continued to perform for integrated audiences.

Cole’s musical innovation was equally significant. His trio, with Oscar Moore on guitar and Wesley Prince on bass, created a minimalist, swinging jazz sound that became a template for future combos. His transition from pianist to vocalist opened a new chapter in his career, allowing him to become a beloved crooner. Today, his songs are still widely used in films, commercials, and holiday playlists.

Before his death, Cole was planning a production of James Baldwin’s play The Amen Corner, revealing an interest in radical black literature that contrasted with his balladeer image. His legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and advocates for equality.

Notable Quotes and Primary Sources

“Unforgettable, that’s what you are…”

— Lyric from “Unforgettable”

“Smile though your heart is aching…”

— Lyric from “Smile” (Charlie Chaplin composition)

“L‑O‑V‑E, it’s so easy to see…”

— Lyric from “L‑O‑V‑E”

Primary sources include the Nat King Cole Wikipedia article (with citations to autobiographies, biographies, and news archives), the official estate website for authorized discography and merchandise, the Library of Congress recordings, and PBS American Masters documentary. For music, visit Nat King Cole on Spotify or the official YouTube channel.

What Is Nat King Cole’s Lasting Legacy?

Nat King Cole remains globally popular and is considered one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century. His trailblazing efforts as an African‑American artist opened doors for future generations. Posthumous collaborations—especially the 1991 duet of “Unforgettable” with his daughter Natalie Cole—introduced his music to a new audience. He was the first African‑American to host a national TV show and the first black man to host a radio show (King Cole Trio Time, 1946). For more on other entertainment icons, explore the biography of Fred Astaire or Marlene Dietrich.

Frequently Asked Questions