Nat King Cole is a timeless icon whose velvet voice and impeccable style have left an indelible mark on the world of music. With a career spanning over three decades, Cole’s legacy as one of the greatest vocalists of all time is undeniable. His smooth baritone and unparalleled phrasing have captivated audiences around the globe, earning him a place in the pantheon of music legends. In this article, we delve into the top ten most popular and enduring songs from Nat King Cole’s illustrious career. From heartfelt ballads to swinging jazz standards, each of these tracks showcases Cole’s unparalleled talent and charm. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to his music, this list is sure to highlight the timeless appeal of Nat King Cole’s music. Join us as we celebrate the life and music of this remarkable artist, and explore the stories behind some of his most beloved songs.
1. Unforgettable
Nat King Cole, with his smooth voice and timeless style, left an indelible mark on the music world. Among his many hits, “Unforgettable” stands out as a true classic. Released in 1951, this romantic ballad has become synonymous with Cole’s name, showcasing his velvety vocals and heartfelt delivery. The song’s elegant melody and poignant lyrics, coupled with Cole’s impeccable phrasing, create a mesmerizing listening experience that has captivated audiences for generations.
“Unforgettable” was originally written by Irving Gordon and first recorded by Cole in 1951. The song’s popularity endured over the years, with numerous artists covering it, including his daughter Natalie Cole, who recorded a posthumous duet with her father using his original vocals. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its timeless themes of love and longing, which resonate with listeners of all ages.
With its lush orchestration and Cole’s soulful rendition, “Unforgettable” remains a classic that continues to enchant audiences worldwide. It is a testament to Nat King Cole’s unparalleled talent and enduring legacy in the world of music.
2. Mona Lisa
“Mona Lisa” is another timeless classic by Nat King Cole that has stood the test of time since its release in 1950. Written by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston, this enchanting ballad is named after the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci and captures the essence of mystery and allure associated with the Mona Lisa.
Nat King Cole’s rendition of “Mona Lisa” is characterized by his smooth, velvety voice and impeccable phrasing, which perfectly complement the song’s romantic lyrics and melodic beauty. The song’s elegant orchestration, featuring lush strings and gentle piano accompaniment, creates a dreamy atmosphere that is both captivating and evocative.
“Mona Lisa” was a major success for Nat King Cole, topping the charts and earning him critical acclaim. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1950 and remains one of his most iconic and beloved songs. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Nat King Cole’s enduring appeal and his ability to touch the hearts of listeners with his timeless music.
3. Nature Boy
“Nature Boy” is a hauntingly beautiful song that has become one of Nat King Cole’s most iconic recordings. Written by eden ahbez, it was inspired by a real-life encounter ahbez had with a wandering mystic in Los Angeles. The song’s lyrics are poetic and philosophical, exploring themes of love, nature, and the human experience.
Nat King Cole’s rendition of “Nature Boy” is mesmerizing, with his rich, velvety voice conveying the song’s deep emotions and profound message. The song’s ethereal melody, accompanied by lush orchestration, creates a sense of enchantment and wonder, drawing listeners into its mystical world.
“Nature Boy” was a commercial success for Nat King Cole, reaching the top of the charts in 1948 and solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest vocalists of his time. The song has since been covered by numerous artists and remains a classic of the American songbook.
With its timeless appeal and profound lyrics, “Nature Boy” is a testament to Nat King Cole’s artistry and enduring legacy. It is a song that continues to captivate audiences with its beauty and depth, showcasing the timeless quality of Cole’s music.
4. Smile
“Smile” is a poignant and uplifting song famously performed by Nat King Cole. Written by Charlie Chaplin, John Turner, and Geoffrey Parsons, the song was originally composed as an instrumental theme for Chaplin’s movie *Modern Times* in 1936. However, lyrics were later added, and it became a popular standard, with Nat King Cole’s version being one of the most well-known.
Nat King Cole’s rendition of “Smile” is a beautiful and heartfelt interpretation, showcasing his smooth and velvety voice. The song’s message is one of hope and resilience, encouraging listeners to smile even in the face of adversity. The lyrics speak of the power of a smile to brighten the darkest of days, offering solace and comfort in times of sorrow.
“Smile” has become an enduring classic, covered by many artists over the years. Nat King Cole’s version, in particular, is celebrated for its emotional depth and timeless appeal. The song’s message is universal, resonating with people of all ages and backgrounds, making it a beloved favorite for generations.
With its uplifting melody and touching lyrics, “Smile” is a testament to Nat King Cole’s artistry and ability to touch the hearts of listeners. It is a song that continues to inspire and uplift, reminding us of the power of a simple smile.
5. When I Fall in Love
“When I Fall in Love” is a timeless romantic ballad that has been beautifully interpreted by Nat King Cole. Written by Victor Young (music) and Edward Heyman (lyrics), the song was first introduced in the 1952 film *One Minute to Zero*. It quickly became a jazz standard and has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
Nat King Cole’s rendition of “When I Fall in Love” is particularly notable for its emotional depth and heartfelt delivery. His smooth, velvety voice perfectly captures the song’s tender lyrics, which speak of the overwhelming feelings of love and devotion. The song’s lush orchestration, featuring sweeping strings and gentle piano, creates a dreamy and romantic atmosphere that enhances its heartfelt message.
“When I Fall in Love” was a major hit for Nat King Cole, reaching the top of the charts and earning him widespread acclaim. It has since become one of his signature songs, beloved by fans around the world for its timeless beauty and heartfelt sentiment.
With its exquisite melody and heartfelt lyrics, “When I Fall in Love” is a classic example of Nat King Cole’s artistry and enduring appeal. It is a song that continues to touch the hearts of listeners, reminding us of the timeless power of love.
6. L-O-V-E
“L-O-V-E” is a delightful and upbeat song that showcases Nat King Cole’s charismatic and charming style. Written by Bert Kaempfert and Milt Gabler, with lyrics by Kaempfert’s wife, this jazzy tune was first recorded by Cole in 1964 and has since become one of his most popular and enduring songs.
Nat King Cole’s rendition of “L-O-V-E” is characterized by its catchy melody, lively rhythm, and Cole’s trademark smooth vocals. The song’s lyrics spell out the word “love” and describe the joy and happiness that love brings, making it a fun and uplifting song that is perfect for dancing or simply enjoying with a loved one.
“L-O-V-E” was a commercial success for Nat King Cole, reaching the top of the charts and earning him critical acclaim. The song’s infectious energy and positive message have made it a favorite among fans of all ages, and it has been covered by many artists over the years.
With its catchy melody and feel-good lyrics, “L-O-V-E” is a classic example of Nat King Cole’s talent for creating timeless and memorable music. It is a song that continues to bring joy to listeners around the world, reaffirming the enduring appeal of Cole’s music.
7. Too Young
“Too Young” is a beautiful and romantic ballad that was a major hit for Nat King Cole in 1951. The song, written by Sidney Lippman and Sylvia Dee, explores the bittersweet feeling of being too young to truly understand love.
Nat King Cole’s rendition of “Too Young” is characterized by his smooth and velvety voice, which perfectly captures the song’s emotional depth and longing. The orchestration, featuring lush strings and gentle piano, adds to the song’s dreamy and romantic atmosphere.
“Too Young” was a commercial success for Nat King Cole, reaching the top of the charts and earning him critical acclaim. It won the Grammy Award for Best Performance by a Pop Vocalist in 1951 and has since become one of Cole’s signature songs.
With its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody, “Too Young” is a classic example of Nat King Cole’s artistry and enduring appeal. It is a timeless song that continues to resonate with listeners, capturing the universal experience of young love and the passage of time.
8. Straighten Up and Fly Right
“Straighten Up and Fly Right” is a lively and catchy song that showcases Nat King Cole’s playful and charismatic style. Written by Nat King Cole himself, along with Irving Mills, the song was inspired by a folk tale that Cole’s father used to tell him as a child.
Nat King Cole’s rendition of “Straighten Up and Fly Right” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, jazzy rhythm, and Cole’s smooth vocals. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a monkey who outwits a buzzard by straightening up and flying right, imparting a message of perseverance and ingenuity.
“Straighten Up and Fly Right” was a commercial success for Nat King Cole, reaching the top of the charts and earning him widespread acclaim. The song’s catchy melody and clever lyrics have made it a favorite among fans of all ages, and it has been covered by many artists over the years.
With its infectious energy and positive message, “Straighten Up and Fly Right” is a classic example of Nat King Cole’s talent for creating timeless and memorable music. It is a song that continues to entertain and inspire listeners, showcasing Cole’s enduring appeal as a musician and performer.
9. Pretend
“Pretend” is a classic ballad that showcases Nat King Cole’s smooth and velvety voice. Written by Lew Douglas, Cliff Parman, and Frank LaVere, the song was first recorded by Cole in 1953 and has since become one of his signature songs.
Nat King Cole’s rendition of “Pretend” is characterized by its romantic lyrics and lush orchestration, featuring strings and gentle piano accompaniment. The song’s melody is simple yet captivating, perfectly complementing Cole’s heartfelt delivery.
“Pretend” was a commercial success for Nat King Cole, reaching the top of the charts and earning him critical acclaim. The song’s timeless appeal lies in its universal theme of love and longing, which resonates with listeners of all ages.
With its beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Pretend” is a classic example of Nat King Cole’s artistry and enduring appeal. It is a song that continues to touch the hearts of listeners, reminding us of the power of love and imagination.
10. Stardust
“Stardust” is a timeless classic that has been covered by numerous artists, but Nat King Cole’s rendition stands out as one of the most iconic. Written by Hoagy Carmichael with lyrics by Mitchell Parish, the song was first recorded in 1927 and has since become a jazz standard.
Nat King Cole’s interpretation of “Stardust” is a masterclass in vocal artistry. His smooth, velvety voice perfectly captures the song’s dreamy and romantic essence, while the lush orchestration creates a magical and enchanting atmosphere.
“Stardust” is a song that speaks to the universal themes of love and nostalgia, with lyrics that evoke images of starry nights and lost love. Nat King Cole’s heartfelt delivery brings these lyrics to life, creating a deeply emotional and memorable listening experience.
“Stardust” has remained popular over the years and has been covered by countless artists in various genres. However, Nat King Cole’s version remains one of the most beloved and enduring, a testament to his talent and the timeless quality of his music.