Nat King Cole was an iconic American singer and jazz pianist who rose to fame in the mid-20th century. Born Nathaniel Adams Coles on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama, Cole began his music career as a jazz pianist, performing in various clubs and venues.
Cole’s smooth and velvety voice quickly gained attention, and he soon became known for his rich baritone vocals and impeccable phrasing. He achieved mainstream success in the 1940s and 1950s with hits like “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” “Route 66,” and “Mona Lisa.”
Cole’s versatility allowed him to excel in various genres, including jazz, pop, and R&B. He was one of the first African American artists to host his own television variety show, “The Nat King Cole Show,” which aired from 1956 to 1957.
Despite facing racial discrimination throughout his career, Cole remained a trailblazer and continued to break barriers in the music industry. He left behind a remarkable legacy of timeless recordings and unforgettable performances.
Nat King Cole passed away on February 15, 1965, but his music continues to inspire and influence artists to this day. He is remembered as one of the greatest vocalists of all time and a true pioneer of American music.
1. Straighten Up and Fly Right
“Straighten Up and Fly Right” is a classic jazz and rhythm and blues song written by Nat King Cole and Irving Mills. It was first recorded by Nat King Cole’s trio in 1943 and released as a single in 1944. The song became one of Cole’s first major hits and remains one of his signature songs.
Lyrically, “Straighten Up and Fly Right” tells the story of a buzzard who tries to take advantage of a monkey by taking him for a ride, but the monkey outsmarts him by flipping him over and telling him to “straighten up and fly right.” The lyrics use the metaphor of flying to convey a message of self-discipline and moral responsibility.
Musically, “Straighten Up and Fly Right” features a catchy melody and upbeat tempo, with Nat King Cole’s smooth vocals accompanied by his trio’s swinging rhythm. The song’s memorable refrain and infectious groove have made it a timeless classic that continues to be popular among jazz and R&B audiences.
2. When I Fall in Love
“When I Fall in Love” is a timeless romantic ballad written by Edward Heyman and Victor Young. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but one of the most famous renditions is by Nat King Cole.
Nat King Cole’s rendition of “When I Fall in Love” was released in 1956 and became one of his signature songs. With its lush orchestration and Cole’s velvety smooth vocals, the song captures the essence of timeless romance.
Lyrically, “When I Fall in Love” expresses the feelings of falling deeply and irrevocably in love. The lyrics convey a sense of wonder and awe at the transformative power of love, as well as the vulnerability and longing that accompany it.
Cole’s rendition of “When I Fall in Love” remains one of the most beloved and enduring recordings of the song, and it has become a classic staple of romantic music playlists. Its timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with audiences around the world, making it a cherished part of Nat King Cole’s legacy.
3. Stardust
“Stardust” is a timeless jazz standard composed by Hoagy Carmichael with lyrics by Mitchell Parish. It was first recorded in 1927 and has since become one of the most recorded songs in the history of American music.
“Stardust” is known for its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, which speak of love and nostalgia. The song’s title and lyrics evoke images of the night sky and the passage of time, lending it a sense of romance and longing.
Over the years, “Stardust” has been covered by countless artists from various genres, including jazz, pop, and blues. One of the most famous renditions is by Nat King Cole, whose smooth and velvety vocals perfectly capture the song’s wistful mood.
“Stardust” has remained a beloved classic for decades, cherished for its timeless beauty and universal appeal. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring power of Carmichael and Parish’s masterpiece, which continues to captivate listeners around the world.
4. Unforgettable
“Unforgettable” is a classic song originally written by Irving Gordon in 1951. It was made famous by Nat King Cole, whose iconic rendition was released in 1952. The song is a beautiful ballad that expresses the singer’s enduring love and admiration for their partner.
Nat King Cole’s smooth and velvety voice, paired with lush orchestration, creates a timeless and romantic atmosphere. The song’s lyrics, which describe the unforgettable nature of true love, have resonated with listeners for generations.
“Unforgettable” has since become one of Nat King Cole’s signature songs, earning him a Grammy Award for Best Performance by a Pop Single in 1953. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years and remains a beloved classic in the American songbook.
5. Mona Lisa
“Mona Lisa” is a popular song written by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston for the 1950 movie “Captain Carey, U.S.A.,” where it was performed by Nat King Cole. The song describes the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci and explores the enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa. Nat King Cole’s smooth and mellow voice, accompanied by a string orchestra, gives the song a romantic and nostalgic feel.
“Mona Lisa” became one of Nat King Cole’s most iconic songs, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1950. It topped the Billboard singles chart and has since been covered by numerous artists. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and Nat King Cole’s masterful interpretation.
6. Nature Boy
“Nature Boy” is a classic song written by eden ahbez (who preferred his name in lowercase) in 1947. It was first recorded by Nat King Cole in the same year and became one of his most famous and enduring hits.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a “strange, enchanted boy” who imparts wisdom about the importance of love and nature. It conveys themes of spirituality, self-discovery, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Musically, “Nature Boy” is characterized by its haunting melody and ethereal atmosphere. Nat King Cole’s smooth and velvety vocals, accompanied by lush orchestration, create a sense of enchantment and wonder.
“Nature Boy” has been covered by numerous artists over the years and has become a jazz standard. It remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its poignant lyrics and beautiful melody, and continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
7. Too Young
“Too Young” is a song written by Sidney Lippman and Sylvia Dee in 1951. It was recorded by Nat King Cole and released as a single in the same year. The song describes the feelings of being “too young” to truly understand or experience love, yet still feeling the emotions associated with it.
Nat King Cole’s smooth and soulful voice, accompanied by a lush orchestral arrangement, perfectly captures the wistful and sentimental tone of the song. “Too Young” became one of Cole’s most popular songs, topping the charts in the United States and earning him a Grammy Award for Best Performance by a Pop Single.
The song’s timeless lyrics and beautiful melody have made it a classic, and it has been covered by many artists over the years. Nat King Cole’s version remains the definitive recording and a standout in his illustrious career.
8. Smile
“Smile” is a timeless song with music composed by Charlie Chaplin in 1936 for his film “Modern Times.” The lyrics were later added by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons in 1954, based on the melody composed by Chaplin. The song has since become a standard, covered by numerous artists across various genres.
“Smile” is a poignant and uplifting song that offers solace and encouragement in difficult times. The lyrics convey a message of resilience, reminding listeners to keep smiling even in the face of adversity.
Musically, “Smile” is characterized by its simple yet beautiful melody and gentle, lilting rhythm. The song’s understated elegance allows for emotional depth and sincerity, making it a beloved classic.
Nat King Cole’s rendition of “Smile,” released in 1954, remains one of the most famous and enduring interpretations of the song. His smooth and velvety vocals, accompanied by lush orchestration, capture the song’s timeless beauty and universal appeal.
“Smile” continues to be a source of comfort and inspiration for listeners around the world, reminding us to find joy and hope even in the darkest of times.
9. Pretend
“Pretend” is a popular song written in 1952 by Lew Douglas, Cliff Parman, and Frank Levere. It has been recorded by various artists, including Nat King Cole. The song’s lyrics describe a longing for a lost love and the desire to pretend that the person is still there.
Nat King Cole’s version of “Pretend” is a heartfelt and emotional rendition, showcasing his smooth vocals and impeccable phrasing. The song’s melody is melancholic yet beautiful, perfectly capturing the bittersweet sentiment of the lyrics.
“Pretend” became a hit for Nat King Cole and has since been covered by numerous artists. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and the enduring talent of Nat King Cole as a vocalist.
10. L-O-V-E
“L-O-V-E” is a classic jazz song written by Bert Kaempfert and Milt Gabler in 1964. The song was first recorded by Nat King Cole, whose rendition became the most well-known and enduring version.
“L-O-V-E” is a joyful and infectious celebration of love, with the lyrics spelling out the word “love” and describing its various qualities and effects. The song’s upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and playful lyrics make it a beloved classic that has remained popular for decades.
Nat King Cole’s smooth and velvety vocals, accompanied by a swinging jazz arrangement, perfectly capture the song’s joyful and exuberant mood. His interpretation of “L-O-V-E” has become synonymous with the song itself and continues to be celebrated as one of his signature performances.
“L-O-V-E” has been covered by numerous artists over the years and has become a jazz standard. Its timeless appeal and universal message of love have made it a favorite for weddings, anniversaries, and other romantic occasions.