Birthday: March 17, 1919 (Pisces)
Born In: Montgomery, Alabama, United States
The first African-American performer to host a variety TV show, Nat King Cole remains to be one of the most memorable voices in the music history of America. He was a pianist, singer and head of the band, ‘King Cole Trio’. He first gained fame as a jazz pianist and was known for his trademark soft, and baritone voice. He enjoyed an immensely successful sole career and his singles went on to peak the music charts. A prodigious child, he began learning to play the piano at the age of four and got formal training in music since he was 12. At the age of 15, he dropped out of school to pursue a career in the music industry. During his lifetime he encountered many instances of racism, especially during his professional tours and in one instance he was even attacked by a white supremacist group. In spite of facing criticism for not doing enough for the Civil Rights Movement, Cole strongly maintained his stand that he was more of performer than an activist. He created controversy when he hosted the TV variety series, ‘The Nat King Cole Show’.
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Also Known As: Nathaniel Adams Coles
Died At Age: 45
Spouse/Ex-: Maria Hawkins Ellington, Nadine Robinson
father: Rev. Edward James Coles Sr.
mother: Perlina Adams Coles
siblings: Eddie, Freddy, Ike
children: Carole Cole, Casey Cole, Nat Kelly Cole, Natalie Cole, Timolin Cole
Born Country: United States
Died on: February 15, 1965
place of death: Santa Monica, California, United States
Ancestry: Indian American
Cause of Death: Lung Cancer
U.S. State: Alabama, African-American From Alabama
City: Montgomery, Alabama
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Awards
1997 | Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals | Winner |
1997 | Best Instrumental Arrangement with Accompanying Vocal(s) | Winner |
1993 | Best Historical Album | Winner |
1992 | Best Traditional Pop Performance | Winner |
1992 | Song of the Year | Winner |
1992 | Record of the Year | Winner |
1990 | Lifetime Achievement Award | Winner |
1960 | Best Performance By A "Top 40" Artist | Winner |
1959 | Best Performance by a "Top 40" Artist | Winner |
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