Piano Dealer: About The Pianist Nat “King” Co

Nat “King” Cole was born on March 17, 1919 in Montgomery, Alabama. He was a popular musician from the 1940’s to the 1960’s. His unique honeyed voice, showmanship and piano playing ability made him well loved by fans globally.

This talented pianist was the son of a Baptist preacher named Edward James Coles. He changed his last name from Coles to Cole as his stage name. His mother’s name was Perlina Adams. She directed the church choir and sang soprano.

Although he was born in the south, his family eventually moved to Chicago where he was raised. His musical talent started to become evident as early as age four. He began to play the organ for the church at age eleven and organized and led a band during high school. He sang and played piano for his high school’s 14 piece band.

Nat had one marriage to a woman named Nadine that ended in divorce. He then met the love of his life, Maria Ellington, in 1947 and married her within a year. She was also a singer and they met while performing at the same club in New York. Nat and Maria had a happy marriage and five children. Musical talent was inherited by his offspring, as well. One of his daughters, Natalie, was also a vocalist and musician.

In 1956, the “Nat King Cole” show was launched on television. It was popular with many and had impressive guests such as Mel Torme and Ella Fitzgerald. Unfortunately, even with its large audience, it ended after only a year due to the lack of advertisers willing to stand behind a black celebrity. He is quoted as saying “Madison Avenue is afraid of the dark”.

His voice was probably his hottest commodity. It has been compared to velvet and is said to be simultaneously soothing and alluring. His piano playing talents are renowned, as well. He formed and led the King Cole Trio with a bassist and guitarist, who were known for their flair with swing music. The guitarist was Oscar Moore and the original bassist was Wesley Prince. Prince eventually left the trio and was replaced by Johnny Miller.

The man’s records sold like wildfire. He recorded voice, piano in solos, trios and backed by orchestras. Even though some of his jazz fans were unhappy about it, he eventually focused on singing and left his piano work on the sidelines. His records were consistently high sellers.

Cole was a kind man as well as a talented one. Unfortunately, he died young and left many heartbroken friends, family and fans. At the age of forty-five, Nat “King” Cole died of lung cancer. The date was February 15, 1965.