Nat King Cole – Biography, Songs, Cause of Death and Legacy

Nathaniel Adams Coles, known to the world as Nat King Cole, was one of the most distinctive voices of the 20th century. Born on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama, he rose from a church organist and jazz pianist to become a global pop icon. His warm baritone, effortless phrasing, and pioneering television work left an indelible mark on music and culture.

Cole first gained fame as a jazz pianist leading the Nat King Cole Trio, but it was his transition to vocal pop that made him a household name. With hundreds of recordings, a trailblazing TV show, and classics like “Unforgettable” and “L-O-V-E,” his legacy endures decades after his death.

This article provides a comprehensive look at his life, the cause of his untimely death, his most celebrated songs, and the records collectors still seek today.

Who Was Nat King Cole? A Complete Biography

• Nat King Cole’s cause of death was lung cancer, diagnosed in late 1964; he died at age 45.
• ‘Unforgettable’ was originally recorded in 1951; a 1991 duet with his daughter Natalie Cole won three Grammy Awards.
• Cole was a skilled jazz pianist before becoming a vocal icon; his trio format was groundbreaking.
• He sold over 30 million records worldwide and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

What Was Nat King Cole’s Cause of Death?

Nat King Cole died of lung cancer on February 15, 1965, at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California. He was 45 years old. Several sources, including the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and Britannica, note that he was a heavy smoker, which contributed to the disease.

The diagnosis came in late 1964, and he underwent treatment, but the cancer had already spread. His passing shocked the music world and cut short a career that showed no signs of slowing down.

Cole had continued to perform and record until shortly before his death. His final album, L-O-V-E, was released in 1964 and remains among his most beloved works.

What Are the Most Famous Nat King Cole Songs?

Cole’s discography includes hundreds of songs, but a handful have become timeless standards. According to Britannica and the official Nat King Cole website, these are the recordings that define his legacy.

The Early Trio Hits

Before he became a vocal sensation, Cole’s trio scored with jazz-influenced tracks like “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” “Sweet Lorraine,” and “It’s Only a Paper Moon.” These songs showcased his piano skills and laid the groundwork for his vocal career.

Signature Pop Classics

His greatest commercial success came as a vocalist. “Nature Boy,” “Mona Lisa,” “Too Young,” “A Blossom Fell,” and “Ramblin’ Rose” all topped the charts. “Unforgettable,” first recorded in 1951, became his signature piece and later a posthumous duet with his daughter Natalie.

The Meaning Behind ‘Unforgettable’

The song was written by Irving Gordon and originally intended as a jazz standard. Cole’s version turned it into a romantic anthem. In 1991, Natalie Cole overdubbed her voice onto her father’s original recording, creating a duet that won three Grammys.

‘L-O-V-E’ and ‘Smile’: What They Mean

“L-O-V-E” is an upbeat celebration of love, with each letter spelling out a sentiment. It was the title track of his final album. “Smile” was based on a theme by Charlie Chaplin and became an enduring message of resilience. Both songs remain streaming favorites.

Where Can I Buy Nat King Cole Vinyl Records?

Cole’s recorded legacy is widely collected on vinyl. While no official list of pressings exists, collectors consistently seek albums containing his biggest hits. According to the official Nat King Cole site, his six platinum albums and the six-times-platinum “The Christmas Song” single are cornerstone items.

Key vinyl records to look for include original pressings of Unforgettable (1952), L-O-V-E (1964), and The Nat King Cole Story (1961). Mono pressings from the 1950s are especially prized.

When Did Key Events in Nat King Cole’s Life Happen?

1. 1919 – Born in Montgomery, Alabama.
2. 1936 – Formed the Nat King Cole Trio.
3. 1943 – First hit “Straighten Up and Fly Right”.
4. 1951 – Recorded “Unforgettable”.
5. 1956 – Hosted “The Nat King Cole Show” on NBC.
6. 1964 – Diagnosed with lung cancer.
7. 1965 – Died at age 45.
8. 1991 – Posthumous duet “Unforgettable” with Natalie Cole wins Grammys.

Did Nat King Cole Write His Own Songs? Separating Fact from Fiction

What Was Nat King Cole’s Cultural Impact?

Nat King Cole broke racial barriers in 1950s television and music. By hosting his own variety show in 1956, he became a symbol of integration during a deeply segregated era. His smooth baritone and piano-driven jazz-pop style influenced generations of vocalists, from Frank Sinatra to modern crooners. For a deeper look at the instrumental side of his craft, explore our guide to the Best Jazz Pianists of All Time.

Commercially, he remains one of the best-selling artists of all time. His holiday classic “The Christmas Song” is played annually across the globe, and his recordings continue to generate millions of streams each year.

Where Can I Find Reliable Sources About Nat King Cole?

“I’m not a singer who plays piano, I’m a pianist who sings.”

— Nat King Cole, as quoted in various biographies

“Unforgettable, that’s what you are…”

— Lyrics from “Unforgettable” (1951)

“Smile though your heart is aching…”

— Lyrics from “Smile” (1954), based on Charlie Chaplin’s theme

For deeper research, start with Nat King Cole – Wikipedia. Other authoritative sources include the Grammy Awards page, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the Official YouTube Channel.

What Is Nat King Cole’s Lasting Legacy?

Nat King Cole’s music continues to comfort, inspire, and entertain. He opened doors for African American artists, defined an era of romantic pop, and left behind a catalog that remains essential for any music lover. For those new to his work, start with our Top Christmas Songs Playlist to hear his influence firsthand.

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