Nat King Cole remains one of the most influential vocalists in American music history, with a career spanning jazz, pop, and soul that touched millions of hearts worldwide. His smooth baritone voice and sophisticated piano playing created a distinctive sound that transcended genres and generations. From romantic ballads to upbeat jazz standards, Cole’s musical legacy continues to inspire artists and captivate listeners decades after his passing, making him an essential figure in the evolution of popular music.
Unforgettable
“Unforgettable” stands as Nat King Cole’s signature song and perhaps the most iconic performance of his entire career. Released in 1951, this romantic ballad showcases Cole’s ability to convey deep emotion through his warm, velvety vocal delivery that makes every word resonate with sincerity. The song gained renewed popularity in 1991 when his daughter Natalie Cole created a virtual duet with her father’s original recording, introducing this masterpiece to a new generation and earning multiple Grammy Awards.
L-O-V-E
This charming 1965 recording demonstrates Cole’s playful side while maintaining his characteristic sophistication and elegance. “L-O-V-E” spells out the meaning of love through simple yet profound lyrics that Cole delivers with both warmth and wit. The arrangement features a light orchestral backing that perfectly complements Cole’s vocal performance, creating a timeless expression of romantic affection that remains popular at weddings and celebrations.
The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)
Written by Mel Tormé and Bob Wells, “The Christmas Song” became synonymous with holiday celebrations thanks to Nat King Cole’s definitive 1946 recording. Cole’s warm vocal interpretation transformed this song into one of the most beloved Christmas standards of all time, with its opening line “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” instantly evoking the spirit of the season. The recording has been re-released countless times and remains a staple of holiday programming, demonstrating Cole’s enduring influence on American popular culture.
Nature Boy
This mystical and haunting song from 1948 marked a significant commercial breakthrough for Nat King Cole in the pop music world. “Nature Boy” tells the story of a strange enchanted boy who wanders and ultimately shares a profound wisdom about love. Cole’s interpretation brings an otherworldly quality to the lyrics, with his gentle phrasing and emotional depth making this unusual song accessible and deeply moving to mainstream audiences.
Mona Lisa
Cole’s 1950 recording of “Mona Lisa” earned him a place at the top of the charts and demonstrated his ability to make a film song into a standalone hit. Originally written for the movie “Captain Carey, U.S.A.,” the song explores the mystery behind the famous painting through Cole’s nuanced vocal performance. His smooth delivery and the lush orchestral arrangement created a romantic atmosphere that captivated listeners and helped establish Cole as a leading pop vocalist of his era.
Smile
Charlie Chaplin’s instrumental composition gained immortal lyrics thanks to John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons, but it was Nat King Cole’s tender 1954 interpretation that truly brought “Smile” to life. Cole’s performance captures the bittersweet message of finding hope during difficult times with remarkable emotional authenticity. The song has since become a standard covered by countless artists, but Cole’s version remains the definitive recording that showcases his ability to find the emotional core of any material.
When I Fall in Love
This romantic ballad from 1957 represents Nat King Cole at his most sophisticated and emotionally vulnerable. Cole’s performance conveys both the anticipation and the seriousness of true love with a maturity that elevates the song beyond typical romantic fare. The sweeping orchestral arrangement perfectly supports Cole’s vocal journey, creating a timeless statement about the enduring nature of genuine romantic commitment.
Stardust
Hoagy Carmichael’s jazz standard “Stardust” received a masterful treatment from Nat King Cole in his 1957 album of the same name. Cole’s interpretation respects the song’s jazz heritage while adding his own vocal artistry to create something uniquely his own. His phrasing demonstrates his background as a jazz pianist, with each word carefully placed to create maximum emotional impact while maintaining the song’s dreamy, nostalgic quality.
Straighten Up and Fly Right
This 1943 song, co-written by Nat King Cole himself, showcases his roots in jazz and his storytelling abilities. Based on a folktale his father used to tell, “Straighten Up and Fly Right” features clever wordplay and a swinging rhythm that made it a hit during the big band era. The song’s success helped establish the King Cole Trio as a major force in jazz and demonstrated Cole’s talents extended beyond performing to include composition and arrangement.
Route 66
Cole’s 1946 recording of Bobby Troup’s “Route 66” became one of the earliest and most influential versions of this American highway anthem. His smooth vocal delivery combined with the King Cole Trio’s tight instrumental work created a sophisticated yet accessible celebration of American road culture. This recording helped popularize the song and established it as a standard that would be covered by countless artists across multiple genres.
Too Young
Released in 1951, “Too Young” became one of Nat King Cole’s biggest commercial successes, topping the charts for multiple weeks. The song addresses the dismissal of young love by adults who claim youth lack the experience to understand true emotion. Cole’s sincere delivery gives credibility to the teenage perspective, creating a performance that resonated with both young listeners and adults who remembered their own youthful romances.
Orange Coloured Sky
This upbeat 1950 recording showcases Nat King Cole’s ability to handle more energetic material with the same sophistication he brought to ballads. “Orange Coloured Sky” features playful lyrics about the disorienting effects of falling in love, delivered with Cole’s characteristic charm and precise timing. The arrangement includes dynamic instrumental breaks that highlight the King Cole Trio’s musical versatility and tight ensemble playing.
Ramblin’ Rose
One of Cole’s final major hits, “Ramblin’ Rose” from 1962 demonstrates his continued relevance in the changing musical landscape of the early 1960s. The song tells the story of an elusive love using the metaphor of a wandering flower, with Cole’s mature vocal interpretation adding depth to the relatively simple lyrics. The recording features a more contemporary production style that showed Cole’s willingness to evolve while maintaining his essential artistic identity.
For Sentimental Reasons (I Love You)
This 1946 recording represents one of Nat King Cole’s earliest crossover successes, reaching audiences beyond the jazz world. Cole’s heartfelt delivery of this direct declaration of love creates an intimate atmosphere that makes listeners feel as though he’s singing personally to them. The simple elegance of the arrangement allows Cole’s voice to remain the focal point, demonstrating the power of his vocal artistry to carry a song with minimal accompaniment.
Autumn Leaves
Cole’s interpretation of this French song (originally “Les Feuilles Mortes”) showcases his ability to bring American sensibility to international material. His 1955 recording captures the melancholy beauty of the changing seasons and lost love with remarkable emotional precision. The lush orchestral arrangement and Cole’s nuanced phrasing create a performance that respects both the song’s European origins and its transformation into an American standard.
It Could Happen to You
This romantic standard from the 1944 film “And the Angels Sing” received a definitive treatment from Nat King Cole in 1953. Cole’s performance conveys the hopeful anticipation of unexpected romance with a warmth that makes the sentiment feel genuine rather than sentimental. His vocal control and subtle emotional shadings demonstrate the technical mastery that allowed him to make even familiar material sound fresh and personally meaningful.
Fascination
Originally an instrumental waltz by F.D. Marchetti, “Fascination” gained English lyrics and became a showcase for Cole’s romantic interpretation. His recording captures the enchantment and mystery suggested by the title through careful attention to dynamics and phrasing. The Continental flavor of the arrangement combined with Cole’s sophisticated vocal approach creates an atmosphere of elegant romance that exemplifies his artistry at its peak.
Sweet Lorraine
This Cliff Burwell composition became closely associated with Nat King Cole, who recorded it multiple times throughout his career beginning in 1940. The song’s declaration of devotion to the titular Lorraine receives a tender treatment that showcases Cole’s ability to convey genuine affection through his vocal delivery. Various recordings demonstrate his artistic evolution from jazz pianist-vocalist to sophisticated pop interpreter while maintaining the song’s essential charm.
Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer
Released in 1963, this nostalgic celebration of summer activities represents Cole’s embrace of contemporary pop sensibilities late in his career. The upbeat arrangement and whimsical lyrics about seasonal pleasures receive an enthusiastic performance that demonstrates Cole’s versatility and continued commercial appeal. The song’s success showed that Cole could adapt to changing musical trends without compromising his artistic integrity or distinctive vocal style.
Answer Me, My Love
This 1954 recording showcases Nat King Cole’s ability to convey emotional vulnerability and longing through his vocal interpretation. Originally a German song titled “Mütterlein,” the English version features lyrics expressing desperate hope for reciprocated love. Cole’s performance strikes a perfect balance between passionate pleading and dignified restraint, creating a moving expression of romantic uncertainty that resonated deeply with audiences of the era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nat King Cole’s most famous song?
“Unforgettable” is widely considered Nat King Cole’s most famous song and signature recording. Released in 1951, this romantic ballad became synonymous with Cole’s smooth vocal style and emotional depth. The song gained renewed prominence in 1991 when his daughter Natalie Cole created a virtual duet with her father’s original recording, winning multiple Grammy Awards and introducing this masterpiece to new generations of listeners.
Did Nat King Cole write his own songs?
Yes, Nat King Cole wrote several of his own songs, including “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” which became one of his early hits with the King Cole Trio. However, Cole was primarily known as an interpreter of songs written by others, bringing his unique vocal artistry to material from the Great American Songbook. His genius lay in his ability to make any song he performed sound personally meaningful and emotionally authentic through his sophisticated vocal approach.
What made Nat King Cole’s voice so special?
Nat King Cole possessed a warm, velvety baritone voice characterized by impeccable phrasing, emotional nuance, and technical precision. His background as a jazz pianist informed his vocal approach, giving him an innate sense of timing and musicality that set him apart from other singers. Cole’s ability to convey genuine emotion while maintaining sophisticated restraint created performances that felt both intimate and polished, establishing a vocal standard that influenced countless singers across multiple genres.
When did Nat King Cole pass away?
Nat King Cole passed away on February 15, 1965, at the age of 45 from lung cancer. His death shocked the entertainment world and deprived music of one of its most sophisticated and beloved voices. Despite his relatively short life, Cole left behind an extensive catalog of recordings that continue to captivate listeners and influence vocalists more than five decades after his passing, ensuring his musical legacy remains vital and relevant.
What was Nat King Cole’s contribution to breaking racial barriers?
Nat King Cole was a pioneering figure in breaking down racial barriers in American entertainment during the segregation era. He became one of the first African American performers to host his own network television variety show, “The Nat King Cole Show,” which aired from 1956 to 1957. Despite facing significant challenges, including difficulty securing national sponsors due to racial prejudice, Cole maintained dignity and professionalism that opened doors for future generations of African American entertainers in television and popular music.
What genres did Nat King Cole perform?
Nat King Cole’s musical career spanned multiple genres, including jazz, pop, traditional pop standards, R&B, and even Latin music. He began his career as a jazz pianist and vocalist with the King Cole Trio, performing swing and bebop-influenced material. As his career evolved, Cole became primarily known for sophisticated pop ballads and standards, though he never abandoned his jazz roots. This versatility allowed him to appeal to diverse audiences and demonstrated his adaptability as an artist throughout his career.