In those days Chicago was bursting with music. Lingering in the alley outside the "Grand Terrace Cafe" young Nat absorbed the performances of his idol Earl Hines and clarinetist Jimmy Noone. (Nat later put his own stamp on Noone's theme song, "Sweet Loraine") He later followed his three brothers (Eddie, Freddy and Ike) into the music profession. Both older brothers Eddie and Nat each formed their own groups dropping the "s" from Coles for their stage names. They joined forces in 1936, and shortly thereafter Nat went out on his own. Nat met and married a dancer named Nadine Robinson. They traveled with a touring production of the revival of the revue "Shuffle Along", and settled in Long Beach CA when the show ended.

In 1937 Nat managed to put together a trio with guitarist Oscar Moore and bassist Wesley Prince. The group should have been a quartet, but drummer Lee Young bowed out on the night of their first engagement at the "Swanee Inn" in LA. The "King Cole Trio" was born.

While at the "Swanee ", popular demand stretched what should have been a 4 week run into 6 months, the group was then poised for a breakthrough. Among their travels was a stint with Billie Holiday at "Kelly's Stable" in N.Y. Returning to L. A. they settled into the 331 club. It was during this time that they had their first opportunity to record for Decca Records. In December 1940 they recorded a total of 16 sides, none of which created that first spark of widespread recognition. A song writer and recording entrepreneur named Robert Sherman approached Nat at the Club and persuaded the Trio to record one of his compositions, a song called " All For You" which was released by Sherman's own small company. (this, in the pre-Capitol era) Despite limited distribution the song sold impressively well, and along with Nat's well connected personal manager, Carlos Gastel, it landed the Trio a contract with newly formed Capitol Records in 1943.

In 1944 "Straighten Up And Fly Right", their first recording for Capitol, became a top ten success. (Nat later sold it for $50.00) From that point on, his singing with the group gave way to his rapidly evolving vocal skills and he became quite popular, particularly after "The Christmas Song" was released in 1946 and especially when "Nature Boy" was released in 1948. Nat was on his way.

1948 was an important year in his life, Nat obtained a divorce from Nadine and married Maria Ellington, a former band singer who worked with Duke Ellington, (no relation to the Duke. Incidentally, I was fortunate enough to have worked with the "Duke" on a concert at the Kingston Parish Church. (In Jamaica) She too had made some very impressive recordings of her own I understand. Nat's career changed permanently in early 1950 with the recording of "Mona Lisa" which became a number one hit and remains quite popular today.

Nat and his wife Maria had 3 children, Carol (nicknamed "Cookie"), Natalie ("Sweetie") and son Kelly. His unparalleled popularity launched him into movies and television, where he became the first African American with a weekly network series during 1956-57 and the star of "St. Louis Blues", a movie in which he portrayed one of his musical heroes, W.C. Handy. The popularity of his records and public appearances remained at a remarkable level during that time. Nat also had his own motion picture firm called "Kell-Cole Productions".

He was a great influence on jazz. Many of the young stars of his time, guys like Red Garland, Oscar Peterson, and Bill Evans, (to name a few) list Nat and his records of the forties, as their earliest influences. In 1985 he was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. He had sold over 50 million records for Capitol Records causing the company's famed Hollywood office building to become known as the "Tower that Nat Built." In 1956 after a concert at Alabama's Birmingham Municipal Auditorium, he was attacked by six men from the white citizen's council sustaining minor injuries to his back. His famous song "Unforgettable" is to be a part of the states new tourism campaign and will replace the old theme, "Stars Fell on Alabama". It is intended to draw visitors to the state.

The early 40's saw Nat King Cole create jazz masterpieces with Lester Young and Red Callender. In 1937 when he formed the King Cole Trio, his publicist Carlos Gastel, placed a tin foiled crown on his head and proclaimed him "King" when Capitol signed him. He later toured Europe and made a command performance before Queen Elizabeth II. This, for those of you wondering how the "King" came about. Nat mostly performed with the Trio during this era. Johnny Miller took over on bass and in 1947 Irving Ashby became the guitarist. Nat Cole was open to the influence of bop (as it was then called) and in 1949 utilized Jack Costanzo on bongo and conga for some songs.

Nat King Cole must be one of the most emulated singers today... his clear diction and liquid vocal style is truly "Unforgettable". In early 1965 the world mourned Nat "King" Cole's death. He died from lung cancer in Santa Monica CA, on February 15, 1965 and was buried at Forest Lawn (Glendale) among his peers, and next to Jeanette MacDonald. He continues to be missed.

The following story was brought to my attention by a NKC fan I have no idea as to it's validity as yet. If anyone can confirm this please send me an email:

"One night. at 11:30 PM, an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her - generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960's. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxi cab. She seemed to be in a big hurry! She wrote down his address, thanked him and drove away. Seven days went by and a knock came to the man's door. To his surprise, a giant consloe TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. it read: Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes but my spirts. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husbands bedside just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others. Sincerely, Mrs Nat King Cole".