1. Nat “King” Cole Jazz Pianist & Pop Vocalist
Singer, Actor, Television Personality, Television Actor, Film Actor, Pianist

2. 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 , such as “That Ain’t Right”:
One of his early big hits was the holiday classic, “The Christmas Song”:
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.
became first African-American to host a TV variety series.
A few of his greatest hits:

3. 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:
Ella Fitzgerald:
David Bowie:
Aurora: