A Voice That Transcended Time: Nat King Cole’s Remarkable Journey
Let me tell you about a man whose voice could light up a room and whose legacy continues to inspire generations. Nat King Cole, a name that echoes through the annals of music history, left this world far too soon at the age of 45 after losing his battle with lung cancer in 1965. But as we celebrate what would have been his 100th birthday on March 17, it's clear that his music and influence have stood the test of time. "He was a hell of a man," says Freddy Cole, Nat's younger brother and a jazz singer in his own right, in an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly. Freddy, now 87, reflects on his brother's enduring impact. "He, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald—people like that seem to go on forever and ever."
From Alabama to Chicago: The Early Days of a Musical Genius
Born in Montgomery, Alabama, Nat King Cole didn’t stay there for long. At the tender age of 4, his family relocated to Chicago, where his father became a Baptist preacher. It was in the church that Nat first found his musical calling. "You can feel the religion in his music," Freddy explains. The gospel sounds that surrounded Nat in his youth became the foundation for the soulful, rich tones that would define his career. Nat’s upbringing was steeped in the spiritual and emotional depth that would later captivate audiences worldwide.
The Birth of a Smooth Crooner
Nat King Cole initially carved out his career as a jazz pianist, and legend has it that he only began singing after a tipsy patron at a bar demanded he perform “Sweet Lorraine.” Whether this story is true or not, one thing is certain: Nat’s smooth, velvety voice quickly catapulted him to stardom. Beyond his music, Nat also made history by crossing over into mainstream entertainment. He acted in films, including playing W.C. Handy in St. Louis Blues, and in 1956, he became the first African American to host his own TV series. Nat didn’t just entertain; he broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of Black artists.
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A Complicated Love Life
Love was a central theme in Nat’s life, both in his music and his personal relationships. At the young age of 17, Nat married Nadine Robinson, his co-star in Broadway’s Shuffle Along. However, the marriage ended after a decade, and in 1948, Nat found love again with singer Maria Hawkins Ellington. Together, they built a family of five children, including pop sensation Natalie Cole, who tragically passed away at 65 in 2015. Nat’s personal life was as rich and complex as the melodies he created.
Facing Racism with Grace
Despite his fame and success, Nat King Cole wasn’t immune to the harsh realities of racism. In 1956, he was violently attacked on stage during a concert in Birmingham, Alabama. But Nat’s strength lay in his ability to rise above such hatred. Through timeless hits like “Mona Lisa” and “The Christmas Song,” he brought people together, transcending the divides that sought to tear them apart. Nat’s music wasn’t just entertainment; it was a unifying force that touched hearts across the globe.
