Nat King Cole: Best songs, hits and albums

The Timeless Sound of Nat King Cole

Table of Contents

Nat King Cole (1919-1965) was a masterful American jazz pianist and vocalist, renowned for his velvety smooth voice and impeccable phrasing. Born Nathaniel Adams Coles in Montgomery, Alabama, he began his career as a jazz pianist before captivating audiences as a singer with hits like “Unforgettable,” “Mona Lisa,” and “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire).”

Cole’s love for music began at an early age, and he started playing the piano at the age of 3. He studied piano at the New Walker Musical Conservatory and later attended the Wanamaker’s Conservatory of Music.

Cole’s distinctive baritone voice became his trademark, and he broke racial barriers in the entertainment industry, becoming the first African American to host a national television variety show, “The Nat King Cole Show,” in the 1950s. Nat King Cole’s legacy continues to inspire jazz and popular music to this day.

The Top 10 Nat King Cole Songs of All Time

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 Nat King Cole songs that have stood the test of time, showcasing his exceptional vocal range, phrasing, and emotive delivery.

Unforgettable

“Unforgettable” is a timeless classic originally performed by Nat King Cole in 1951. This iconic song features Cole’s rich, velvety voice accompanied by a lush orchestral arrangement. The lyrics express the unforgettable nature of a romantic relationship and the enduring love between two people. “Unforgettable” became one of Nat King Cole’s most iconic songs, and it continues to resonate with audiences for its heartfelt sentiment and beautiful melody. The song has since been covered by various artists, including a memorable duet version with his daughter, Natalie Cole, released posthumously in 1991.

When I Fall in Love

“When I Fall in Love” is a classic ballad originally recorded by Nat King Cole in 1956. This romantic song features Cole’s smooth and velvety voice accompanied by lush orchestration. The lyrics express the romantic feelings and emotions experienced when falling in love. “When I Fall in Love” became one of Nat King Cole’s signature songs and remains a timeless classic in the jazz and pop standards repertoire. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, solidifying its status as a beloved and enduring love song.

More Iconic Songs by Nat King Cole

These iconic songs not only showcase Nat King Cole’s remarkable vocal abilities but also highlight his ability to connect with audiences through his music.

Mona Lisa

“Mona Lisa” is a classic song performed by Nat King Cole, released in 1950. This song features Cole’s smooth vocals accompanied by a gentle orchestral arrangement. The lyrics describe the mysterious and enigmatic smile of the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci, comparing it to the smile of a captivating woman named Mona Lisa. “Mona Lisa” became one of Nat King Cole’s signature songs and a major hit, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1950. It remains a timeless classic, known for its romantic lyrics and soulful delivery.

L-O-V-E

“L-O-V-E” is a popular jazz standard originally recorded by Nat King Cole in 1965. This upbeat song features Cole’s signature smooth vocals accompanied by a lively orchestral arrangement. “L-O-V-E” is known for its catchy melody and playful lyrics that spell out the word “love,” emphasizing the joy and excitement of romance. The song became a major hit for Nat King Cole, showcasing his charm and charisma as a vocalist. “L-O-V-E” has since been covered by numerous artists and remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its infectious positivity and feel-good vibe.

Exploring Other Notable Songs

Nat King Cole’s discography is filled with other notable songs that showcase his versatility as an artist.

Straighten Up and Fly Right

” Straighten Up and Fly Right” is a classic song by Nat King Cole, originally recorded in 1943. Written by Nat King Cole himself along with Irving Mills, this song features a catchy melody and clever lyrics inspired by a folk tale that used to be told to him by his father. The lyrics advise “the monkey” (representing mischievous behavior) to straighten up and “fly right” (behave properly). This song became a major hit for Cole and is considered one of his signature songs, showcasing his smooth vocals and charming delivery. “Straighten Up and Fly Right” remains a timeless example of Nat King Cole’s enduring talent and charm.

Stardust

“Stardust” is a jazz standard originally composed by Hoagy Carmichael with lyrics by Mitchell Parish. It was first recorded in 1927 and has since become one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century, with interpretations spanning various genres. Nat King Cole’s rendition of “Stardust” is particularly notable for its lush orchestration and his smooth, velvety voice. The song’s lyrics evoke a nostalgic and dreamy atmosphere, reflecting on memories and romantic longing. Cole’s interpretation, recorded in 1957, remains one of the definitive versions of “Stardust,” showcasing his mastery of phrasing and emotional delivery.

Legacy of Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole’s legacy extends beyond his music; he broke racial barriers in the entertainment industry, paving the way for future generations of African American artists.

Nature Boy

“Nature Boy” is a song written by Eden Ahbez in 1947. This song’s melody and lyrics convey a mystical and ethereal quality, reflecting Ahbez’s naturalistic and spiritual beliefs. Nat King Cole’s 1948 recording of “Nature Boy” became a major hit, reaching the top of the charts and solidifying his reputation as a versatile and expressive vocalist. The song’s message about living in harmony with nature resonated with audiences, making it a timeless classic celebrated for its evocative lyrics and haunting melody.

Too Young

“Too Young” is a romantic ballad originally performed by Nat King Cole in 1951. This song reflects on the innocence and fleeting nature of youth. The lyrics describe love that is considered too young to last but filled with genuine emotions and longing. Nat King Cole’s smooth vocals combined with a gentle orchestral arrangement convey the song’s poignant sentiment perfectly. “Too Young” became a major hit for Cole, topping the charts in the United States while earning him widespread acclaim for his vocal performance.

Smile

Smile is another iconic song that showcases Nat King Cole’s exceptional vocal abilities.

Music Career

Nat King Cole began his professional music career in the 1930s, performing with his brother Eddie Cole as part of the King Cole Swingsters. The duo played in various bands, including those led by Les Hite and Russ Morgan. In 1937, Cole joined the popular jazz band of Ella Fitzgerald, performing with her on tour and recording with her on several occasions.

In the early 1940s, Cole formed his own trio with Oscar Moore and Wesley Prince. The group gained popularity, and Cole’s smooth vocals and piano playing earned him a recording contract with Capitol Records in 1946. His debut album, “Nat King Cole,” was released in 1948 and featured a mix of jazz standards and pop songs.

Recording Success

Nat King Cole’s subsequent albums solidified his status as a leading vocalist and pianist. Some of his most famous recordings include:

“Mona Lisa” (1950)
“Unforgettable” (1951)
“Straighten Up and Fly Right” (1943)
“L-O-V-E” (1964)
“The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” (1946)

Awards and Accolades

Nat King Cole won several awards throughout his career, including:

Grammy Hall of Fame (1991) for “Mona Lisa”
Academy Award for Best Original Song (1950) for “Mona Lisa”
Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1960)

Personal Life

Nat King Cole married pianist Maria Elsie Palmieri in 1948, and they had one daughter, Natalie Cole, in 1950. The couple divorced in 1954. In 1956, Cole married actress Marilyn Luchi Rowan.

Death

Nat King Cole died on February 15, 1965, at the age of 45 due to complications from lung cancer. He passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.

Net Worth

At the time of his death, Nat King Cole’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million (approximately $35 million in today’s dollars).

Discography

Nat King Cole released numerous albums throughout his career. Some of his most notable works include:

“Nat King Cole” (1948)
“Penthouse Serenade” (1949)
“Welcome to Nat King Cole” (1950)
“Poinciana” (1952)
“Love Is the Thing” (1954)
“In a Sentimental Mood” (1955)
“Nativity Scene” (1961)
“Those Lazy-Hazy Crazy Days of Summer” (1963)

Conclusion

Nat King Cole’s legacy extends beyond his music. He broke racial barriers in the entertainment industry, paving the way for future generations of African American artists. His smooth vocals and piano playing continue to inspire musicians across genres.

Nat King Cole left an indelible mark on the world of jazz and popular music through his timeless songs like “Unforgettable,” “Mona Lisa,” “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire),” among others. These classics continue to captivate audiences worldwide with their beautiful melodies, poignant lyrics, and remarkable performances by Nat King Cole himself