Biography

Nathaniel Adams Coles (March 17, 1919 – February 15, 1965) known professionally as Nat "King" Cole, was an American musician who first came to prominence as a leading jazz pianist. Although an accomplished pianist, he owes most of his popular musical fame to his soft baritone voice, which he used to perform in big band and jazz genres. He was one of the first black Americans to host a television variety show, and has maintained worldwide popularity since his death; he is widely considered one of the most important musical personalities in United States history. Unforgettable was recorded by Nat King Cole in 1951, with an arrangement written by Nelson Riddle. In 1991, after Elvis Presley's legendary musical director Joe Guercio had the idea, Cole's 1961 recording of the song was edited and remixed to create a duet with his daughter, Natalie, which won three awards at the Grammy Awards of 1992: Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance. (Mona Lisa, Embraceable You, (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66, Nature Boy)