Nat King Cole – Biography and History

Nathaniel Adams Coles, known to the world as Nat King Cole, was born on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama. He was one of four sons born to Edward Coles, a Baptist minister, and Perlina Coles, a church organist. When Nat was four years old, his family moved to Chicago, a vibrant hub for jazz and blues during the early 20th century.

Cole’s early exposure to music came through the church, where his mother taught him to play the organ. By the age of 12, he had begun formal piano lessons, learning not just classical music but also jazz, a genre that would become his lifelong passion. Influenced by legendary pianists like Earl Hines, Cole quickly developed a unique style that blended technical proficiency with soulful expression.

Nat King Cole – Short Biography

Nathaniel Adams Coles, famously known as Nat King Cole, was a pioneer in the world of jazz music, renowned for his velvety voice, unparalleled piano skills, and charismatic stage presence. Born on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama, Nat King Cole was the son of a Baptist minister and grew up in Chicago, where he was exposed to the vibrant jazz scene flourishing in the city.

Cole’s musical journey began at a young age when he learned to play the organ from his mother. By his teenage years, he had already established himself as a talented pianist, playing in local clubs and theaters. His smooth vocal style emerged during this time, drawing inspiration from the likes of jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong and Earl Hines.