Nat “King” Cole Jazz Pianist & Pop Vocalist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1mT3uq1OTo Singer, Actor, Television Personality, Television Actor, Film Actor, Pianist

Nat “King” Cole (1919–1965) Son of a Baptist pastor - began playing church music. Had formal classical piano training, but formed a passion for jazz music instead. Started out as a jazz pianist and a vocalist for big band and jazz groups. Formed King Cole Trio, toured, and wrote hit songs in 1943 - 1944, such as “That Ain’t Right”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfg_zZbsD_g One of his early big hits was the holiday classic, “The Christmas Song”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwacxSnc4tI 1950s - became widely popular as a singer - worked with Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. He is most famous for his smooth baritone voice. Friend of Frank Sinatra. 1956 - became first African-American to host a TV variety series. A few of his greatest hits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xi8HRF5b4pg

Nature Boy Nat King Cole was first credited as a solo artist for the song he recorded called “Nature Boy”, which has been covered by many musicians over the years as a jazz (and pop) standard. The song was written by Eden Ahbez, who wanted to present it to Cole himself, but ended up giving it to his valet one evening. Nat King Cole: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq0XJCJ1Srw Ella Fitzgerald: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SnzQHDERuc David Bowie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_YtyyfUF8g Aurora: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJey_XJQ5Yg