Nat King Cole (1919-1965) was an American jazz pianist and vocalist who became one of the most popular and influential entertainers of his time. He was renowned for his smooth and velvety voice, which made him a distinctive presence in jazz, pop, and vocal music.
Cole began his career as a jazz pianist in the 1930s but gained widespread fame in the 1940s and 1950s as a singer. Some of his most famous songs include “Unforgettable,” “Mona Lisa,” “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire),” and “Nature Boy.” His vocal style was characterized by its warm tone, impeccable phrasing, and effortless delivery.
Throughout his career, Nat King Cole broke racial barriers in the music industry, becoming one of the first African American musicians to achieve mainstream success. He was also a talented pianist and bandleader, known for his trio recordings that showcased his virtuosity on the piano.
Nat King Cole’s legacy continues to be celebrated for his contributions to music and his influence on subsequent generations of singers and musicians. His recordings remain popular and timeless, making him a beloved figure in the history of jazz and popular music.
1. Straighten Up and Fly Right
“Straighten Up and Fly Right” is a classic song performed by Nat King Cole, released in 1943. It was written by Nat King Cole himself, along with Irving Mills. The song’s lyrics are based on a folk tale that Cole’s father had used as a theme for one of his sermons.
The song became one of Nat King Cole’s early hits, showcasing his smooth vocals and jazz-influenced style. “Straighten Up and Fly Right” features a catchy melody and upbeat rhythm, with Cole’s expressive singing bringing the playful lyrics to life.
The song’s title and lyrics convey a message of perseverance and determination, using the metaphor of a monkey and buzzard to illustrate overcoming challenges and achieving success. It became a popular choice on jazz and pop radio stations and remains a classic example of Nat King Cole’s early recordings that helped establish his career as a prominent vocalist and pianist.
2. When I Fall in Love
“When I Fall in Love” is a timeless jazz and pop standard originally recorded by Nat King Cole in 1956. It’s known for its romantic lyrics and lush orchestration, showcasing Cole’s smooth and velvety vocals. The song expresses the emotions of falling deeply in love, with lyrics that capture the anticipation and vulnerability of romance. Nat King Cole’s rendition of “When I Fall in Love” became a classic and remains one of his signature songs, beloved for its heartfelt sentiment and timeless melody. The song has since been covered by numerous artists across different genres, solidifying its status as a standard in popular music.
3. Stardust
“Stardust” is a jazz standard composed by Hoagy Carmichael with lyrics added later by Mitchell Parish. It was first recorded in 1927 and has since become one of the most recorded songs in the history of music, with countless versions by various artists across different genres.
The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, inspired by the image of stardust falling from the sky and the memories it brings. Its poetic and romantic imagery has made it a favorite among jazz musicians and vocalists, known for its beautiful melody and rich harmonic structure. Nat King Cole’s 1957 recording of “Stardust” is particularly renowned, showcasing his elegant phrasing and emotive delivery, further solidifying the song’s status as a timeless classic in the Great American Songbook.
4. Unforgettable
“Unforgettable” is a timeless ballad originally recorded by Nat King Cole in 1951. The song was composed by Irving Gordon and has become one of Cole’s most iconic and enduring hits. It’s characterized by its romantic lyrics and lush orchestral arrangement, featuring Cole’s smooth and velvety vocals.
In 1991, Natalie Cole, Nat King Cole’s daughter, recorded a duet version of “Unforgettable” using her father’s original vocals from the 1951 recording. This posthumous duet became immensely popular and won multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
“Unforgettable” remains a classic love song and a staple in the American songbook, cherished for its emotional depth and timeless appeal. Nat King Cole’s original recording continues to captivate audiences with its beautiful melody and heartfelt delivery, solidifying its place as one of the most beloved songs in popular music history.
5. Mona Lisa
“Mona Lisa” is a classic song written by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston, and popularized by Nat King Cole in 1950. The song is a romantic ballad that describes the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci, comparing the enigmatic smile of Mona Lisa to the feelings of love and admiration. Nat King Cole’s smooth and soulful vocals, paired with lush orchestration, helped make “Mona Lisa” a major hit and one of his most iconic recordings. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1950 and has since been covered by many artists, remaining a timeless piece in American popular music history.
6. Nature Boy
“Nature Boy” is a song written by eden ahbez and first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1947. It’s characterized by its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, which tell the story of a “strange enchanted boy” who shares wisdom about love and the natural world.
The song’s lyrics were inspired by a real-life encounter eden ahbez had with a man in Los Angeles who imparted his philosophy about life and nature. Nat King Cole’s recording of “Nature Boy” became a major hit, reaching the top of the Billboard charts and solidifying the song’s place as a classic in American popular music.
“Nature Boy” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including notable versions by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Celine Dion, among others. Its enduring appeal lies in its poetic lyrics, ethereal melody, and Nat King Cole’s evocative interpretation, which continue to resonate with listeners as a timeless and thought-provoking piece of music.
7. Too Young
“Too Young” is a classic song written by Sidney Lippman and Sylvia Dee, famously performed by Nat King Cole in 1951. The song is a romantic ballad that reflects on the fleeting nature of youth and the feelings of being too young to fully understand love and its consequences. Nat King Cole’s smooth and velvety voice, accompanied by lush orchestration, perfectly captured the sentimentality and innocence of the lyrics. “Too Young” became one of Cole’s signature songs and a major hit, reaching the top of the charts in the United States. It remains a beloved classic and a testament to Cole’s enduring influence as a vocalist and interpreter of popular music.
8. Smile
“Smile” is a song originally composed by Charlie Chaplin for the soundtrack of his 1936 film “Modern Times.” The music was later adapted by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons, who added lyrics to the instrumental piece. It has been performed and recorded by numerous artists over the decades, including Nat King Cole.
Nat King Cole recorded “Smile” in 1954, and his rendition remains one of the most famous interpretations of the song. His smooth vocals and emotive delivery captured the song’s message of resilience and hope, making it a popular choice for audiences seeking comfort and encouragement.
“Smile” has become a timeless classic, appreciated for its poignant lyrics and beautiful melody. It continues to be performed by contemporary artists and is cherished as a heartfelt anthem that encourages listeners to find solace and strength in difficult times.
9. Pretend
“Pretend” is a classic pop standard originally written by Lew Douglas, Cliff Parman, and Frank Lavere, and first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1953. The song depicts a narrative of romantic longing and imagination, where the narrator pretends that their lover is still with them despite their absence. Nat King Cole’s smooth and emotive vocals, accompanied by lush orchestration, helped make “Pretend” a popular hit during the early 1950s. The song has since been covered by various artists and remains a nostalgic favorite, reflecting the timeless appeal of Cole’s vocal style and the enduring quality of classic pop standards.
10. L-O-V-E
“L-O-V-E” is a jazz standard originally written by Bert Kaempfert and Milt Gabler in 1965. The song’s most famous rendition was performed by Nat King Cole, whose smooth and soulful voice brought it to prominence. “L-O-V-E” is characterized by its catchy melody and playful lyrics that spell out the word “love” as an acronym.
Nat King Cole’s recording of “L-O-V-E” became a popular hit, showcasing his charm and vocal prowess. The song’s upbeat tempo and optimistic lyrics celebrate the joy and excitement of being in love, making it a favorite for weddings and romantic occasions.
“L-O-V-E” has been covered by various artists over the years, including Michael Bublé, Diana Krall, and Natalie Cole, among others. Its enduring popularity as a feel-good love song continues to captivate audiences and maintain its status as a classic in the American songbook.