Nat King Cole

Nathaniel Adams Coles

Singer, pianist, actor

Born: March 17, 1919 in Montgomery, Alabama, United States

Died: February 15, 1965 in Santa Monica, California, United States

Nationality: American

Nat King Cole was an American musician, singer, and songwriter who rose to prominence in the mid-20th century. He was born Nathaniel Adams Coles in Montgomery, Alabama, on March 17, 1919, and grew up in Chicago, Illinois. Nat King Cole was a pioneer in the music industry, and his contributions to jazz and popular music have made him an extraordinary figure in the world of music.

One of the extraordinary things about Nat King Cole was his ability to bridge the gap between jazz and popular music. He was able to take jazz standards and transform them into popular hits, making them accessible to a wider audience. This was a remarkable feat, as jazz was not as popular with mainstream audiences at the time. Cole's smooth and sophisticated vocal style helped to make jazz more appealing to a broader audience, and he paved the way for other jazz musicians to achieve mainstream success.

Another extraordinary aspect of Nat King Cole's career was his success as a songwriter. He wrote many of his own songs, including "Straighten Up and Fly Right," "Route 66," and "Nature Boy," which became some of his biggest hits. His songwriting skills were not only limited to jazz and popular music; he also wrote music for films, including the theme song for the movie "Cat Ballou."

Nat King Cole was also a talented pianist, and his piano playing skills were often showcased in his music. He was known for his elegant and intricate piano arrangements, which added depth and complexity to his music.

In addition to his musical talent, Nat King Cole was an extraordinary individual in other ways. He was a trailblazer for African American musicians, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of black musicians to achieve success. He was the first African American to host a television variety show, "The Nat King Cole Show," which aired from 1956 to 1957.

Despite facing racism and discrimination throughout his career, Nat King Cole remained a true gentleman and professional, never letting negativity affect his performances or his demeanor. He was a true role model and inspiration for many musicians and fans alike.

In conclusion, Nat King Cole's talent as a musician, songwriter, and pianist, along with his role as a trailblazer for African American musicians, makes him an extraordinary figure in the world of music. His legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians today, and his music will forever be cherished by generations to come.

Nat King Cole for Children

Nat King Cole was a very talented musician who sang and played the piano. He made music that was very popular a long time ago, and people still love to listen to it today.

One thing that was really special about Nat King Cole was that he was able to make jazz music more popular with people who didn't usually listen to it. He did this by singing jazz songs in a way that was easy to understand and fun to listen to.

Nat King Cole was also a really good songwriter, which means he wrote his own songs. Some of his most famous songs are "Straighten Up and Fly Right," "Route 66," and "Nature Boy." He was so good at writing songs that he even wrote music for movies.

Another thing that makes Nat King Cole special is that he was the first black person to have his own TV show, which was a big deal because not many black people had their own TV shows back then.

Even though some people were mean to him because he was black, Nat King Cole never let it get him down. He always stayed positive and kept making great music. His music will always be remembered and loved by people of all ages.

Some Nat King Cole Quotes Explained

"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."

This quote is from Nat King Cole's song "Nature Boy." It means that love is the most important thing in life, and that you should always try to love others and let them love you in return.

"Music is emotional, and you may catch a musician in a very unemotional mood or you may not be in the same frame of mind as the musician. So a critic will often say a musician is slipping."

This quote is about how music is subjective and can be affected by a musician's emotions or the listener's mood. Nat King Cole is saying that sometimes critics may judge a musician unfairly because they are not in the same emotional state as the musician.

"I'm an interpreter of stories. When I perform it's like sitting down at my piano and telling fairy stories."

This quote is about how Nat King Cole sees himself as a storyteller. He compares his performances to telling fairy tales, which means that he is trying to create a magical and imaginative experience for his listeners.

"It's not the people in the South who create racial problems - it's the people who are governing."

This quote is about racism and segregation in the United States. Nat King Cole is saying that the problem is not with the regular people in the Southern states, but with the politicians and leaders who are making laws and policies that promote segregation and discrimination.

"The only prejudice I've found anywhere in the world is the prejudice against ignorance."

This quote means that Nat King Cole believes that the only thing people should be prejudiced against is ignorance or lack of knowledge. He is saying that people should be accepting and open-minded towards others, regardless of their race, religion, or background.

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