Nat King Cole, born Nathaniel Adams Coles on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama, was an American singer, pianist, and jazz musician. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest vocalists of the 20th century and remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of popular music.
Nat King Cole rose to fame in the 1940s as a jazz pianist and bandleader, but he became best known for his smooth baritone voice and his mastery of the pop and jazz standards of his era. His velvety vocals and elegant phrasing set a standard for popular singers that has influenced countless artists across various genres.
Throughout his career, Nat King Cole recorded numerous hit songs, including classics like “Unforgettable,” “Mona Lisa,” “Nature Boy,” “Smile,” “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire),” and “L-O-V-E,” among many others. He also acted in films and had his own television variety show, “The Nat King Cole Show,” in the 1950s, making him one of the first African-American entertainers to host a nationally broadcast television program.
Despite facing racial discrimination throughout his life and career, Nat King Cole’s talent and charisma broke down barriers and earned him widespread acclaim and admiration. He received numerous awards and honors, including multiple Grammy Awards and inductions into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Nat King Cole’s music continues to resonate with audiences around the world, and his legacy as a trailblazing artist and cultural icon endures to this day. He passed away on February 15, 1965, but his timeless recordings and unforgettable performances ensure that his influence on music will live on for generations to come.
1. Too Young
“Too Young” is a popular song written by Sidney Lippman and Sylvia Dee. It was first recorded by American singer Nat King Cole in 1951, and it became one of his signature songs. The song’s lyrics describe the love of a young couple, expressing the sentiment that they are “too young to really be in love.” Despite their youth, they still have strong feelings for each other.
Nat King Cole’s smooth and velvety voice, combined with the song’s romantic melody, helped make “Too Young” a major hit. It topped the Billboard charts for several weeks in 1951, and it won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance in 1954. The song has since become a classic and has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
“Too Young” is often associated with Nat King Cole’s enduring legacy as one of the greatest vocalists of the 20th century. His interpretation of the song continues to captivate listeners with its timeless charm and romantic sentiment.
2. Ramblin’ Rose
“Ramblin’ Rose” is a popular song first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1962. The song was written by brothers Noel and Joe Sherman, with lyrics by Noel Sherman.
“Ramblin’ Rose” is characterized by its catchy melody and Nat King Cole’s smooth vocal delivery. The lyrics describe a free-spirited woman who travels from place to place, captivating everyone she meets with her beauty and charm. The song’s chorus, which repeats the phrase “Ramblin’ Rose, Ramblin’ Rose,” has become a memorable refrain.
Nat King Cole’s recording of “Ramblin’ Rose” became a major hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the Easy Listening chart. It also earned Cole a Grammy Award nomination for Best Vocal Performance, Male.
Since its release, “Ramblin’ Rose” has been covered by various artists and remains a classic example of Nat King Cole’s signature style and enduring popularity.
3. When I Fall in Love
“When I Fall in Love” is a popular song written by Victor Young (melody) and Edward Heyman (lyrics). It was first introduced in the 1952 film “One Minute to Zero.” The song has since become a standard, recorded by numerous artists across various genres.
Nat King Cole’s rendition of “When I Fall in Love” is perhaps the most famous and enduring version. Cole’s smooth and velvety voice, combined with the song’s romantic melody, helped make it a major hit. His recording of the song was released in 1956 and became one of his signature songs. It reached high positions on the charts and has remained a classic love song ever since.
“When I Fall in Love” has been covered by many artists over the years, including Doris Day, Etta James, and Celine Dion, among others. It is often performed at weddings and romantic occasions due to its timeless lyrics and evocative melody. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal appeal and ability to evoke feelings of love and romance.
4. Unforgettable
“Unforgettable” is a popular song written by Irving Gordon. It was first published in 1951 and has been recorded by numerous artists over the years. However, the most famous rendition is by Nat King Cole, with an arrangement by Nelson Riddle.
Nat King Cole’s recording of “Unforgettable” was released in 1951 and became one of his most iconic and enduring songs. The song features Cole’s smooth and velvety voice, accompanied by lush orchestration. The lyrics describe a love that is “unforgettable” and express the sentiment of everlasting affection.
“Unforgettable” was a major hit for Nat King Cole, reaching high positions on the charts and becoming one of his signature songs. It won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1952 and remains a classic love song to this day.
In 1991, Nat King Cole’s daughter, Natalie Cole, released a duet version of “Unforgettable,” which combined her own vocals with her father’s original recording. The duet became a massive hit, topping the charts and winning multiple Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.
“Unforgettable” has been covered by numerous artists in various genres and is widely regarded as one of the greatest love songs of all time. Its timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
5. Mona Lisa
“Mona Lisa” is a popular song written by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston for the Paramount Pictures film “Captain Carey, U.S.A.” in 1950. The song was performed by Nat King Cole for the film’s soundtrack.
Nat King Cole’s recording of “Mona Lisa” became an instant hit, reaching number one on the Billboard singles chart in 1950. The song’s beautiful melody and romantic lyrics describe the enigmatic Mona Lisa, capturing the listener’s imagination with its evocative imagery.
“Mona Lisa” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1950 and remains one of Nat King Cole’s most beloved recordings. It has since been covered by numerous artists across various genres and continues to be a timeless classic that is synonymous with Cole’s smooth and soulful vocal style.
6. Because You’re Mine
“Because You’re Mine” is a popular song written by Nicholas Brodzsky, with lyrics by Sammy Cahn. It was first performed by Mario Lanza for the 1952 MGM musical film of the same name, in which Lanza starred.
“Because You’re Mine” is a romantic ballad that expresses love and devotion. Mario Lanza’s powerful tenor voice gives the song a deeply emotional quality, making it a standout performance in the film.
The song was a commercial success and reached high positions on music charts. Mario Lanza’s rendition of “Because You’re Mine” became one of his signature songs, showcasing his remarkable vocal talent and contributing to his reputation as one of the most celebrated tenors of his time.
“Because You’re Mine” has since been covered by various artists and remains a beloved classic in the realm of romantic ballads.
7. Smile
“Smile” is a song originally composed by Charlie Chaplin, with lyrics added by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons in 1954. It was written as the theme song for Chaplin’s film “Modern Times” (1936).
“Smile” is a poignant and uplifting song that encourages listeners to stay optimistic and keep smiling, even in the face of adversity. The song’s lyrics offer words of comfort and hope, reminding us that even during difficult times, a smile can brighten our spirits and bring us solace.
“Smile” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Nat King Cole, who recorded a famous version of the song in 1954. Cole’s rendition became one of his signature songs and remains one of the most well-known interpretations of “Smile.” Other notable artists who have covered the song include Michael Jackson, Tony Bennett, and Barbra Streisand.
“Smile” has become a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences around the world, serving as a reminder of the power of positivity and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
8. Send For Me
“Send for Me” is a classic R&B and pop song written by Ollie Jones, which was first recorded and released by Nat King Cole in 1957. The song features lush orchestration and Cole’s smooth vocals, characteristic of his style.
In “Send for Me,” the singer expresses his longing to be reunited with his loved one, asking them to send for him whenever they need him. The lyrics convey a sense of devotion and commitment to the relationship.
Nat King Cole’s rendition of “Send for Me” became a hit, reaching high positions on the charts. It’s regarded as one of his standout recordings, showcasing his talent for interpreting romantic ballads.
Over the years, “Send for Me” has been covered by various artists in different styles, but Nat King Cole’s version remains the most famous and enduring. The song continues to be celebrated for its timeless appeal and emotional depth.
9. Answer Me, My Love
“Answer Me, My Love” is a popular song with music by Gerhard Winkler and lyrics by Carl Sigman. It was originally written in German as “Mütterlein” (“Mother Dear”) and was later translated into English by Sigman.
The song was first recorded by German singer Gerhard Wendland in 1953. Its English version, “Answer Me, My Love,” was popularized by Nat King Cole with his 1954 recording. Cole’s rendition became a major hit, reaching the top of the Billboard charts in the United States.
“Answer Me, My Love” is a poignant ballad that expresses longing and heartache. The lyrics plead for answers from a loved one who has left, questioning why they have gone and if they still care. The song’s emotive melody and Cole’s smooth, heartfelt delivery contribute to its emotional impact.
Since Nat King Cole’s recording, “Answer Me, My Love” has been covered by various artists in different languages and musical styles, cementing its status as a classic love song. It remains a beloved standard in the Great American Songbook and continues to resonate with listeners around the world.
10. Sweet Lorraine
“Sweet Lorraine” is a classic jazz standard written by Cliff Burwell (music) and Mitchell Parish (lyrics). It was first published in 1928 and has since become a popular song recorded by many artists in various styles.
The song “Sweet Lorraine” tells the story of a man reminiscing about his lost love, Lorraine, and reflecting on the memories they shared together. The lyrics evoke feelings of nostalgia and longing as the singer recalls moments spent with Lorraine and expresses his enduring affection for her.
Nat King Cole recorded a notable version of “Sweet Lorraine” in 1940, showcasing his smooth and mellow vocal style accompanied by piano. Cole’s interpretation of the song became a hit, helping to solidify his reputation as one of the leading vocalists of his time.
“Sweet Lorraine” has remained a popular jazz standard and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald, among others. It continues to be celebrated for its timeless melody and poignant lyrics, making it a beloved classic in the Great American Songbook.