Nat King Cole – Biography, Cause of Death, and Timeless Hits

Nat King Cole remains one of the most beloved voices in American music. Born Nathaniel Adams Coles in Montgomery, Alabama, he rose from jazz pianist to international pop icon. His smooth baritone and impeccable phrasing defined an era.

Cole’s career moved from leading the Nat King Cole Trio to becoming a solo vocalist with timeless hits. He was also a television pioneer, hosting the first national series by an African American. His sudden death from lung cancer at age 45 in 1965 cut short a legendary career, but his music endures.

What Did Nat King Cole Die Of? A Clear Look at His Cause of Death

• He was a pioneering African American TV host, the first to host a national variety show.
• He recorded more than 150 charting singles on Billboard’s Pop, R&B, and Country charts.
• He sold more than 50 million records worldwide, according to NPR.
• His estate reports six platinum albums and a six-times platinum single for “The Christmas Song.”
• He received 28 gold record awards for hits including “Sweet Lorraine” and “Mona Lisa.”
• Tony Bennett described his voice as “like a velvet glove.”
• His influence extended to later generations, including a posthumous duet with his daughter Natalie Cole.

Cole was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1964 and underwent surgery, but the disease relapsed. He died on February 15, 1965, at age 45. Sources note that he was a heavy smoker. His final recording, “L-O-V-E,” was released shortly before his death and remained popular afterward. Biography.com confirms these details.

What Are the Most Famous Nat King Cole Songs?

Cole’s catalog spans both his trio years and his solo vocal career. His early trio hits include “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” “Sweet Lorraine,” “Route 66,” “It’s Only a Paper Moon,” and “(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons.” As a solo vocalist, he became famous for “Nature Boy,” “Mona Lisa,” “Too Young,” “A Blossom Fell,” and “Unforgettable.” His recording of “The Christmas Song” is among the most enduring holiday songs ever recorded.

What is the meaning behind the song ‘Unforgettable’?

“Unforgettable” was written by Irving Gordon and released by Cole in 1951. The song is a simple love ballad expressing the sentiment that the person remains unforgettable in every way. It became his signature song and later a posthumous duet with his daughter Natalie Cole.

Who wrote the song ‘L-O-V-E’ for Nat King Cole?

“L-O-V-E” was written by Milt Gabler and Bert Kaempfert. Cole recorded it in 1964, and it became one of his final hits. The song spells out the word “love” in a cheerful, upbeat style.

What is the story behind ‘Smile’ by Nat King Cole?

The melody was composed by Charlie Chaplin for his 1936 film “Modern Times.” Lyrics were added later by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons. Cole’s 1954 recording turned the instrumental theme into a vocal standard about finding hope in difficult times.

What Was Nat King Cole’s Career Like? From Jazz Pianist to Global Icon

Cole began his professional music career in the 1930s, leading the King Cole Trio. His early instrumental work as a jazz pianist earned him respect among musicians. The trio’s first major hit, “Straighten Up and Fly Right” in 1943, launched his vocal career.

What was Nat King Cole’s first hit song?

“Straighten Up and Fly Right” (1943) was his first major hit as a vocalist. The song was based on a folk tale and co-written by Cole. It sold over 500,000 copies and established his crossover appeal.

What TV show did Nat King Cole host?

In 1956, Cole became the first African American to host a national network television series with “The Nat King Cole Show” on NBC. The show aired until 1957, struggling to find national sponsors due to racial prejudice. Despite its short run, it was a landmark moment in television history.

Did Nat King Cole write his own songs?

Cole co-wrote several early hits, including “Straighten Up and Fly Right.” However, many of his biggest vocal standards such as “Unforgettable,” “L-O-V-E,” and “When I Fall in Love” were written by other composers. He was primarily an interpreter of songs.

Where to Find Nat King Cole’s Music: Vinyl, Streaming, and Rare Recordings

Cole’s catalog remains widely available. His official site, Nat King Cole Official Estate Site, offers merchandise and updates on releases. Streaming platforms carry his complete discography, and vinyl reissues are popular among collectors.

Is Nat King Cole’s music available on vinyl?

Yes. Many of his albums have been reissued on vinyl, including compilations like “The Nat King Cole Story” and “The Christmas Song.” Recent archival box sets such as “Hittin’ the Ramp: The Early Years” have introduced his music to younger audiences.

Are there any unreleased Nat King Cole recordings?

Some unreleased recordings have surfaced in archival collections. The official The Nat King Cole Story (Documentary) YouTube channel features rare performances. Digital remastering continues to bring previously unheard material to light.

What Were the Key Milestones in Nat King Cole’s Life?

1. 1919 – Born Nathaniel Adams Coles in Montgomery, Alabama.
2. 1936 – Drops out of school at 16 to pursue music; joins his brother’s band.
3. 1939 – Forms the King Cole Trio. Gains fame as a jazz pianist.
4. 1943 – Scores his first hit as a vocalist with “Straighten Up and Fly Right.”
5. 1948 – Marries Maria Hawkins Ellington.
6. 1951 – Releases his signature ballad, “Unforgettable.”
7. 1956-1957 – Hosts “The Nat King Cole Show” on NBC — first national TV show hosted by an African American.
8. 1961 – Records the iconic “L-O-V-E” and “The Christmas Song.”
9. 1964 – Diagnosed with lung cancer. Continues recording and performing.
10. 1965 – Dies from lung cancer on February 15, at age 45.

More biographical details can be found on Nat King Cole – Wikipedia.

Separating Fact from Rumor: What Do We Know About Nat King Cole?

What Was Nat King Cole’s Cultural Impact?

Cole became the first African American to host a national TV variety show (1956-1957), paving the way for future Black entertainers despite network sponsorship struggles and Southern segregationist backlash. His career as a world-class jazz pianist and a best-selling vocal crooner made him a unique “triple threat” artist. His piano style influenced generations of jazz musicians.

His 1961 recording of “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” remains one of the best-selling and most-played holiday songs of all time, cementing his annual cultural presence. The National Endowment for the Arts recognized him as a Jazz Master.

His influence extends to artists like Lionel Richie, who similarly crossed racial and genre boundaries. Other figures in entertainment, such as Martin Sheen, have also been part of groundbreaking television moments.

What Do Experts Say About Nat King Cole?

“I’m a firm believer in the power of music to bring people together.”

— Nat King Cole

“He had a voice that was like a velvet glove… It just melted you.”

— Tony Bennett

Authoritative sources include the official estate site, Wikipedia, and the NEA. A comprehensive biography is “Nat King Cole: An Intimate Biography” by Daniel Mark Epstein.

What Is the Legacy of Nat King Cole?

Nat King Cole’s legacy endures through his timeless recordings, annual holiday airplay, and continued influence on vocalists and jazz musicians. He sold more than 50 million records and remains one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century. His music continues to reach new generations through vinyl reissues, digital remasters, and documentaries.

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