Nat King Cole was a legendary American singer and pianist who rose to prominence in the mid-20th century. Born on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama, Cole began his music career as a jazz pianist before gaining widespread fame as a vocalist.
Nat King Cole’s smooth, velvety voice and impeccable phrasing made him one of the most iconic and beloved singers of his time. He became known for his elegant interpretations of jazz standards, pop ballads, and romantic songs. Some of his most famous recordings include “Unforgettable,” “Mona Lisa,” “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire),” and “Smile.”
Cole achieved numerous chart-topping hits throughout his career and became the first African American to host a nationally televised variety show, *The Nat King Cole Show*, in 1956. Despite facing racial discrimination and adversity, he remained a trailblazer in the music industry, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of artists.
Nat King Cole’s legacy continues to endure, with his music cherished by audiences worldwide. He remains an enduring symbol of elegance, sophistication, and musical excellence, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless singers and musicians across genres. Cole passed away on February 15, 1965, but his timeless recordings continue to captivate listeners and inspire generations to come.
1. Too Young
“Too Young” is a classic pop standard originally performed by Nat King Cole, released in 1951. The song was composed by Sidney Lippman, with lyrics by Sylvia Dee. It became one of Cole’s signature songs and a significant hit in his repertoire.
The lyrics of “Too Young” reflect on the fleeting nature of youth and the passage of time, as the singer expresses concern about being too young to fully understand or appreciate love. The song’s gentle melody and Cole’s smooth, velvety vocals convey a sense of wistfulness and longing.
“Too Young” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard charts in the United States. It earned Nat King Cole a Grammy Award for Best Performance by a Pop Single. The song’s enduring popularity has led to numerous cover versions by other artists over the years, cementing its status as a timeless classic in the American songbook.
2. Ramblin’ Rose
“Ramblin’ Rose” is a popular song recorded by Nat King Cole in 1962. Written by brothers Noel Sherman and Joe Sherman, the song captures the essence of a free-spirited woman who roams from place to place, leaving a trail of memories wherever she goes.
Nat King Cole’s smooth and soulful rendition of “Ramblin’ Rose” became a major hit, reaching the top of the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. His velvety voice, combined with the song’s catchy melody and evocative lyrics, contributed to its widespread appeal.
“Ramblin’ Rose” remains one of Nat King Cole’s most recognizable and enduring songs, continuing to captivate audiences with its nostalgic charm and timeless beauty. It has been covered by various artists over the years, but Cole’s rendition remains the definitive version, showcasing his unparalleled talent and artistry.
3. When I Fall in Love
“When I Fall in Love” is a popular song, written by Victor Young (music) and Edward Heyman (lyrics). It was introduced in the film *One Minute to Zero* in 1952 by Doris Day. The song has since become a jazz standard, recorded by numerous artists in various styles.
The lyrics of “When I Fall in Love” express the feelings of love and longing, describing the experience of falling in love and the emotions that come with it. The song’s melody is smooth and romantic, making it a favorite for slow dances and intimate moments.
Over the years, “When I Fall in Love” has been covered by many artists, including Nat King Cole, Celine Dion, and Michael Bublé, among others. Nat King Cole’s rendition, released in 1956, is perhaps the most famous and enduring version of the song. His smooth, velvety voice perfectly captures the sentimentality and romance of the lyrics, making it a classic in the Great American Songbook.
“When I Fall in Love” has remained a popular choice for weddings, anniversaries, and other romantic occasions, thanks to its timeless appeal and beautiful melody. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the universal themes of love and longing that resonate with listeners of all generations.
4. Unforgettable
“Unforgettable” is a popular song written by Irving Gordon and first published in 1951. The most famous version of the song was recorded by Nat King Cole in 1951, with an arrangement by Nelson Riddle. It was originally released as a B-side to “That’s My Girl,” but “Unforgettable” became more popular and is now considered one of Cole’s signature songs.
The lyrics of “Unforgettable” describe the experience of being in love and the lasting impression that someone special leaves. The song’s title emphasizes the idea that certain moments and people can leave an indelible mark on our lives.
Nat King Cole’s smooth and soulful delivery, combined with Nelson Riddle’s lush orchestration, helped “Unforgettable” become a timeless classic. The song’s popularity endured over the years, and in 1991, Cole’s daughter, Natalie Cole, recorded a duet version of “Unforgettable,” incorporating her father’s original recording. This posthumous duet became a massive hit, introducing the song to a new generation of listeners and further cementing its status as a classic love song.
“Unforgettable” has been covered by many artists over the years, but Nat King Cole’s original recording remains the most iconic. Its beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with audiences, making it a beloved standard in the Great American Songbook.
5. Mona Lisa
“Mona Lisa” is a classic pop song recorded by Nat King Cole in 1950. Written by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston, the song is best known for its romantic lyrics and smooth melody.
Nat King Cole’s rendition of “Mona Lisa” became an instant hit, topping the charts in the United States and earning him his first gold record. The song’s evocative lyrics compare the subject of the famous painting to a mysterious and captivating woman, drawing parallels between her enigmatic smile and the complexities of love.
With its lush orchestration and Cole’s velvet-smooth vocals, “Mona Lisa” remains one of the most beloved and enduring songs in Nat King Cole’s repertoire. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but Cole’s version remains the definitive interpretation, capturing the essence of romance and intrigue that defines the song.
6. Because You’re Mine
“Because You’re Mine” is a popular song written by Nicholas Brodszky, with lyrics by Sammy Cahn. It was originally recorded by Mario Lanza for the 1952 movie of the same name, in which Lanza starred. The song was a major hit and became one of Lanza’s signature songs.
The lyrics of “Because You’re Mine” express deep love and devotion, with the singer proclaiming their love and commitment to their beloved. The melody is lush and romantic, complementing the emotional depth of the lyrics.
Mario Lanza’s powerful and emotive voice was perfectly suited for “Because You’re Mine,” and his rendition of the song became immensely popular. Lanza’s performance helped solidify the song’s status as a classic love ballad.
“Because You’re Mine” has been covered by various artists over the years, but it is most closely associated with Mario Lanza. His version of the song continues to be cherished by fans of classical and romantic music, and it remains a beautiful example of Lanza’s vocal talent and emotional delivery.
7. Smile
“Smile” is a timeless ballad that has been performed by many artists, but it’s often associated with Nat King Cole, who recorded it in 1954. Originally composed by Charlie Chaplin for his 1936 film *Modern Times*, the song gained popularity as a standalone piece with lyrics added by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons in 1954.
Nat King Cole’s rendition of “Smile” is particularly renowned for its poignant simplicity. His velvety voice, paired with the song’s gentle melody, conveys a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The lyrics encourage listeners to keep smiling, even when facing life’s challenges, as a way to find solace and inner strength.
“Smile” has since become a standard in the Great American Songbook and has been covered by countless artists across various genres. Nat King Cole’s version, however, remains one of the most iconic interpretations, embodying the song’s message of optimism and perseverance.
8. Send For Me
“Send For Me” is a classic pop song recorded by Nat King Cole in 1957. Composed by Ollie Jones, the song features a lush orchestration and Cole’s smooth, velvety vocals.
The lyrics of “Send For Me” speak of longing and desire, as the singer expresses a yearning to be reunited with a loved one. The song’s romantic sentiment and heartfelt delivery struck a chord with listeners, making it a significant hit for Cole.
With its soulful melody and evocative lyrics, “Send For Me” remains a beloved classic in Nat King Cole’s repertoire. His emotive performance captures the essence of love and longing, making the song a timeless favorite among fans of romantic ballads.
9. Answer Me, My Love
“Answer Me, My Love” is a popular song written by Carl Sigman, Fred Rauch, and Gerhard Winkler. It was originally written in German in 1952 with the title “Mütterlein,” which translates to “Mother” in English. The English version, with lyrics by Carl Sigman, was first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1953.
The lyrics of “Answer Me, My Love” express a plea for love and understanding, with the singer asking their beloved to respond to their feelings. The song’s melody is melancholic and emotive, capturing the longing and heartache of unrequited love.
Nat King Cole’s recording of “Answer Me, My Love” became a hit and remains one of his signature songs. His smooth and soulful delivery, combined with the song’s poignant lyrics, struck a chord with audiences and helped solidify its place as a classic love ballad.
“Answer Me, My Love” has been covered by various artists over the years, including Barbara Streisand, who recorded a version for her album *Love is the Answer* in 2009. The song’s timeless appeal and universal themes of love and longing continue to resonate with listeners, making it a cherished standard in the Great American Songbook.
10. Sweet Lorraine
“Sweet Lorraine” is a jazz standard and one of Nat King Cole’s early hits. Written by Cliff Burwell and Mitchell Parish, the song was recorded by Nat King Cole in 1940 with his trio, which consisted of Cole on piano, Oscar Moore on guitar, and Wesley Prince on bass.
“Sweet Lorraine” is a tender and nostalgic ballad that tells the story of a man reminiscing about his lost love, Lorraine. The lyrics evoke bittersweet memories of their time together, highlighting the beauty of their relationship.
Nat King Cole’s smooth and soulful rendition of “Sweet Lorraine” helped establish him as a prominent vocalist and musician in the jazz world. The song became one of his signature pieces and remains a classic example of his early work. Its timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with audiences to this day.