Nat King Cole was one of the most beloved voices of the 20th century, a jazz pianist and singer whose warm, velvety baritone defined an era. Born Nathaniel Adams Coles, he rose from playing organ in his father’s church to selling millions of records worldwide. His life was tragically cut short by lung cancer at the age of 45, but his music—from the timeless ballad “Unforgettable” to the upbeat classic “L-O-V-E”—continues to captivate audiences today.
Cole was a pioneer, not only in music but in American culture. He became the first African American to host a national television variety series, The Nat King Cole Show, in 1956. His legacy is enduring, with his recordings still streamed, sampled, and celebrated, and his influence felt across generations of vocalists and musicians.
How Did Nat King Cole Die?
Nat King Cole died from lung cancer on February 15, 1965, in Santa Monica, California. He was 45 years old. The diagnosis came in 1964, just a year before his death. Cole had been a heavy smoker for many years, a habit that is widely regarded as the primary cause of his illness.
While it is certain that Cole died of lung cancer, and it is highly likely that his heavy smoking caused it, medical records have not officially ruled out other contributing genetic factors. The common rumor that he died in a car accident is false.
Nat King Cole at a Glance
Key Insights
- Nat King Cole died at age 45 from lung cancer, likely related to heavy smoking.
- His song “Unforgettable” remains one of the most iconic ballads of the 20th century.
- He pioneered the piano-guitar-bass trio format in jazz, influencing countless musicians.
- He was the first African American to host a national television variety show (The Nat King Cole Show, 1956).
- His daughter Natalie Cole later recorded a duet version of “Unforgettable” using his original recording.
Key Facts About Nat King Cole
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Nathaniel Adams Coles |
| Born | March 17, 1919, Montgomery, Alabama |
| Died | February 15, 1965, Santa Monica, California |
| Age at Death | 45 |
| Cause of Death | Lung cancer (smoking-related) |
| Spouse | Maria Hawkins Ellington (1948–1965) |
| Children | 5 (including Natalie Cole) |
| Genres | Jazz, swing, traditional pop |
| Instrument | Piano, vocals |
| Number of Studio Albums | Over 30 |
What Are the Most Famous Songs of Nat King Cole?
Cole recorded over 100 songs that became hits on the pop charts. He specialized in warm ballads and light swing, a style that made him a household name. His most famous songs remain staples of radio, film, and television soundtracks.
The Signature Song: “Unforgettable”
Released in 1952, “Unforgettable” is Cole’s signature song. It has been featured in countless films and has become a standard for romantic moments. Decades later, his daughter Natalie Cole recorded a posthumous duet with him using the original recording, which won multiple Grammy Awards Biography.com.
“Mona Lisa” and the Shift to Singing
“Mona Lisa,” released in 1949/1950, was a No. 1 hit and a gold record. It marked a significant shift in Cole’s career from primarily a jazz pianist to a full-time singer Alabama Music Hall of Fame.
“L-O-V-E” and the Final Album
The title track of his final album, “L-O-V-E” (1964), is a playful, upbeat song that remains incredibly popular. It was recorded during the final stage of his life and is a significant musical reference point Jazz Images Records.
Other Major Hits
- “The Christmas Song” (1946): A holiday standard that is one of his biggest-selling recordings.
- “Nature Boy” (1948): A major hit that signaled his move away from small-group jazz toward mainstream pop PBS.
- “Too Young” (1951): A No. 1 hit.
- “Ramblin’ Rose” (1962): A late-career hit IMDB.
- “Route 66”: A popular standard.
- “Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer”: An early ’60s hit.
Who Was Nat King Cole? A Brief Biography
Nat King Cole was born Nathaniel Adams Coles on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama. He grew up in Chicago, where he sang and played organ in the church of his father, a pastor Britannica. He first gained prominence as a jazz pianist in the 1940s, leading the Nat King Cole Trio. This trio blended jazz and pop music before Cole transitioned to a full-time singing career.
He married Maria Hawkins Ellington in 1948, and the couple had five children, including the late singer Natalie Cole. Beyond his musical achievements, his role in breaking racial barriers was significant. The Nat King Cole Show was the first nationally broadcast variety show hosted by an African American.
Cole’s work bridged the gap between jazz and pop for mainstream audiences. His smooth vocal style and sophisticated piano arrangements created a timeless catalog that continues to be discovered by new generations.
Where to Find Nat King Cole Vinyl and Records
Nat King Cole’s discography is extremely extensive, with Capitol Records producing all of his works from the 1940s until his death. Original pressings and reissues are highly sought after by collectors. Key vinyl albums include Penthouse Serenade (1952), Unforgettable (1954), and Cole Español (1958), a Latin pop crossover album.
| Year | Album Title | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1952 | Penthouse Serenade | Early iconic record |
| 1953 | Sings For Two In Love | Pioneering “love duet” style |
| 1954 | Unforgettable | Signature album |
| 1958 | Cole Español | Latin pop crossover |
| 1965 | L-O-V-E | Final album, recorded in Dec 1964 |
Authentic vinyl can often be found in specialty record shops or online marketplaces. Cole received 28 gold record awards for hits like “Sweet Lorraine,” “Ramblin’ Rose,” “Too Young,” and “Mona Lisa.” To find a more detailed exploration of a modern singer-songwriter’s career and music, check out James Taylor – Age, Net Worth, Tour Dates and Greatest Songs.
Full Timeline of Nat King Cole’s Life and Career
- March 17, 1919: Born Nathaniel Adams Coles in Montgomery, Alabama.
- 1939: Formed the King Cole Trio (piano, bass, guitar).
- 1943: First major hit: “Straighten Up and Fly Right”.
- 1946: Recorded “The Christmas Song” (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire).
- 1948: Married Maria Hawkins Ellington.
- 1950: Released “Mona Lisa” – a major pop hit.
- 1956: Hosted The Nat King Cole Show, the first African American TV variety show EBSCO.
- 1964: Diagnosed with lung cancer.
- February 15, 1965: Died at age 45 in Santa Monica.
Clarifying Certainty vs. Uncertainty Around Nat King Cole’s Death
| Claim | Status |
|---|---|
| Nat King Cole died of lung cancer | Certain (confirmed by medical records and autopsy reports) |
| Smoking caused his lung cancer | Highly likely (he was a heavy smoker), but not officially documented as the sole cause; no genetic factors ruled out. |
| He died in a car accident | False (common rumor debunked) |
Analysis and Historical Context
Nat King Cole’s role in breaking racial barriers in entertainment during the 1950s and 1960s was monumental. He brought a sophisticated and accessible form of jazz to a global audience. His legacy was further revived by a posthumous collaboration with his daughter, Natalie Cole, titled Unforgettable… with Love. For another in-depth look at a celebrated artist’s career, read the biography of Demi Lovato – Biography, Songs, Tour and Career Facts 2025.
Notable Quotes and Source Citations
“I just can’t imagine living without a piano. It’s my voice, my first voice.”
— Nat King Cole
“He was a genius. He could play anything and make it sound easy.”
— Quincy Jones
What’s Next for Nat King Cole’s Legacy
There is continued interest in vinyl reissues and box sets from the Cole estate. New digital remasters of classic albums are appearing on streaming services, and his popularity is growing on platforms like TikTok and YouTube among younger generations discovering his music. His velvety voice and timeless melodies ensure his name will not soon be forgotten.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Nat King Cole have a daughter?
Yes, he had five children, including singer Natalie Cole.
How many albums did Nat King Cole release?
Over 30 studio albums, plus many posthumous compilations.
What year did Nat King Cole die?
1965.
Is Nat King Cole in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
No, but he was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
What was Nat King Cole’s first hit?
“Straighten Up and Fly Right” (1943).
Henry Carter is Senior Reporter at MarketUK.uk, covering breaking business and market stories across the UK.