how many records did nat king cole sell

Record of the Year. Inspired by the playing of Hines, Cole began his performing career in the mid-1930s while he was still a teenager, and adopted the name "Nat Cole." In 1991, Mosaic Records released The Complete Capitol Recordings of the Nat King Cole Trio, an 18 compact disc set, consisting of 349 songs. and The Ed Sullivan Show (on which he appeared 14 times). Cole was hired as the pianist for a jazz quartet that would play at the Swanee Inn nearHollywood, as told by uDiscover Music. He had always looked for work as a pianist and "played piano at almost every beer joint from San Diego to Bakersfield" before he finally landed a residency. He also appeared in The Nat King Cole Story, China Gate, and The Blue Gardenia (1953). A decade earlier, Cole's mother died, also of cancer. Cole performed in many short films, sitcoms, television shows, and played W. C. Handy in the film St. Louis Blues (1958). The first of these is the so-called Great Migration that brought 6 million Southern blacks northward to seek better, freer lives in Americas largest cities. Maria also encouraged him to part with his expensive sidemen and turn the group from the King Cole Trio into Nat King Cole and His Trio, assuring him that his singing was the draw. Although her father, Nat King Cole, passed away when she was just a teenager, Natalie Cole has still been able to perform duets with her father via . Cole's first marriage, to Nadine Robinson, ended in 1948. Responsibility for the accuracy of information provided in stories not written by or specifically prepared for the Academy and its Affiliates lies with the story's original source or writer. This article contains a list of albums by Nat King Cole and compilations of his recordings, together with a list of his chart singles. For over a year, the entertainer worked tirelessly on his show, even turning down a total of $500,000 in performances in order to focus on the program. 29 offers from $2.24. One of the key jazz voices of the 20th Century, Nat King Cole picked up fourteen UK Top 10 singles while his first album Love Is The Thing reached Number 1 in 1957. In 1956, Nat King Cole was a superstar, selling millions of records and touring all over the country. The trumpet-style piano of Hines, who played on Louis Armstrongs hugely influential 1928 recordings, combined darting, horn-like, right-hand solo lines played in octaves with angular left-hand accompanying patterns. The next month, he underwent surgery to remove the lung, but it was too late. Cole also appeared in many movies, his last one being Cat Ballou (1965), starring Lee Marvin. Singer. His last album, L-O-V-E, was recorded in early December 1964just a few days before entering the hospital for treatmentand released just prior to his death; it peaked at number four on the Billboard Albums chart in the spring of 1965. He died of lung cancer in February, 1965, when he was forty-five years old. 2nd Annual GRAMMY Awards. This page was last edited on 8 January 2023, at 04:04. Nat King Cole was in the final stages of lung cancer. Then in 1956, he was assaulted on stage while singing the song "Little Girl" in Birmingham, Alabama, by three members of the North Alabama White Citizens' Council, who apparently were attempting to kidnap him. Sold for 32.24 USD on 22 Mar 2022 (4 bids) 78 rpm. Facing death himself, Cole was also dealing with grief. Mercer, first president of The Songwriters Hall of Fame, was a principal), until his death Cole remained with the label, turning out hit after hit. On March 28, 1948 (Easter Sunday), just six days after his divorce became final, Cole married singer Maria Hawkins Ellingtonno relation to Duke Ellington although she had sung with Ellington's band. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Throughout the 1950s, Cole continued to rack up hit after hit, including "Smile," "Pretend," "A Blossom Fell," "If I May." Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. They found their greatest success, however, when Cole began doubling as a solo singer. At the same time, though, Cole wasn't an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement initially. September 28, 2016. Nat King Cole Capitol Records LP Vinyl Records, Go Betweens LP Vinyl Records, There were several covers of Nat Cole's original record in the 1940s. His rendition of "Sweet Lorraine" was so well-received that he continued to sing, and his pure musical talent, both vocally and on the piano, began to get the attention it deserved. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here: The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia: Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed. Handy in the movie about the composers life, St. Unfortunately, the cancer had spread. His remains were interred inside Freedom Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles. Nat "King" Cole: Soundies & Telescriptions. Constant touring paid the bills, and he remained one of the most sought-after acts in Las Vegas, but it galled him that he could not stay in the hotels where he performed, and though he continued to sing beautifully, he spent more and more studio time recording throwaway material such as the country-style Ramblin Rose (1962) and Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer (1963), as well as a sour-grapes novelty called Mr. When singing "To see if reindeer really know how to fly," he mistakenly sang "reindeers." . In the 1960s, he became the first nationally known black artist to host a television show, but it was canceled after one year because a national sponsor could not be found. 78.rpm (1948), NAT KING COLE THE CHRISTMAS SONG, LAGUNA MOOD 10 INCH 78 RPM VG, Nat King Cole 78 RPM Capitol 4754 The Christmas Song My Two Front Teeth, Nat King Cole 78 RPM Capitol 4754 The Christmas Song My Two Front Teeth 1954 10", The King Cole Trio The Christmas Song 78 RPM Well-Torme Capitol 311 Dust Cover. Record Of The Year Ramblin' Rose (Single) More from the 5th A Awards. When they came upon a house in Hancock Park, they agreed that they had found their future home. Oxford Music Online. By the 1950s, he worked almost exclusively as a singer, with such notable arrangers as Nelson Riddle and Billy May providing lush orchestral accompaniment. New (and updated) Christmas albums for 2021, Festive favourites that could reach the Top 40 for the first time this Christmas, NAT 'KING' COLE AND THE GEORGE SHEARING QUINTET, Miley? . A heavy smoker, Cole died of lung cancer at age 45. The first was in 1946 with the King Cole Trio. He learned not only jazz and gospel music, but European classical music as well. Omissions? February 15, 1957. Nathaniel Adams Coles (he changed his last name to . On August 23, 1956, Cole spoke at the Republican National Convention in the Cow Palace, San Francisco, California. In August 1948, the couple moved into their new home. Finally, in 1960, almost 15 years after that first recording, Nat King Cole redid the holiday classic when his voice was "at its smokiest." Cole felt confident that commercial sponsors would support the program, but advertisers worried that white Southern audiences would boycott their products. In Will Friedwalds well-chosen words, he could do almost anything that any other artist could do, but no one else could do what he did.. statistics still stand up, even though his singing career came to an abrupt close in 1965, when he died of lung cancer. The change in musical tastes during the late 1950s meant that Cole's ballad singing did not sell well with younger listeners, despite a successful stab at rock n' roll with "Send For Me" (peaked at #6 pop). Chiefly known today as a performer of romantic ballads, he had a dark, grainy baritone voice with which he sang in a style at once intimate and unmannered. Mannie . Comparatively few of Coles latter-day fans, however, know that he was more than a singer. Labels. Benny would give the eulogy at Cole's funeral service a few days later, per the Desert Sun, posted at theCalifornia Digital Newspaper Collection. When they came upon a house in Hancock Park, they agreed that they had found their future home. In London, he performed at a Capitol 78-rpm albums [ edit] Volumes 1-4 released as separate booklets in 10" format. Unfortunately, from the beginning,The Nat King Cole Show always struggled with one thing: sponsors. It was with this band named after and led by Eddie that Nat King Cole made his first recording: "Eddie Cole's Swingsters" recorded two singles for Decca Records in 1936. visit to New York during his early twenties, he met and ultimately married Maria Hawkins, a singer from Boston. Adapting his style, however, was one factor that kept Cole popular up to his early death from lung cancer in 1965. Although Nat would never be considered a rocker, the song can be seen as anticipating the first rock and roll records. His daughter Natalie was also a popular singer who achieved her greatest chart success in 1991 with Unforgettable, an electronically created duet with her late father. Friedwald, Will (2006). Cole's family moved to Chicago, Illinois, while he was still a child. Have one to sell? He even left the hospital to see his children one last time in a brief car ride home with his wife. When the drummer never showed up, the quartet became a trio. It also inspired NBC to offer him his own weekly TV series, which debuted in 1956. In 1956, "The Nat King Cole Show" was the first of its kind for a known Black performer. Thousands flocked to build a life on South . Personal Life Cole married for the first time when he was only 17. As told by Marianne Ruuth in her bookNat King Cole,he grew up in Chicago deeply entrenched in religious music, with a gospel choir leader for a mother and a reverend for a father. As if in recognition of the fact, his health began to deteriorate in the fall of 1964. Cole agreed, both because he was an ambitious man who hungered for wider popularity and because he felt that he had exhausted the creative and commercial possibilities of the trio, with which he had been working for nearly a decade. Apparently, his part-time efforts paid off, because by the time he was 15, he had dropped out of school and was pursuing music full-time. Bill Dobbins and Richard Wang. With the sole exception of Louis Armstrong, he is the only major jazz musician to have been identically distinguished and influential as both an instrumentalist and a vocalist. Nat would continue playing piano with the revue for the rest of the tour, performing all across the country until the show, unfortunately, ran out of money in Long Beach in 1937, as described by the Orlando Sentinel. Handy and acted alongside Eartha Kitt and Cab Calloway, was the only film where he had a major starring role. Featured New Releases . Of course, in the mid-20th century, smoking was irresistibly popular. Coles popularity allowed him to become the first African American to host a network variety program, The Nat King Cole Show, which debuted on NBC television in 1956. Nat King Cole (March 17, 1919 February 15, 1965), born Nathaniel Adams Coles, was a popular American jazz singer-songwriter and pianist. By the time he worked his way from Chicago to Los Angeles, settling there permanently in 1937, his playing was already fully formed. Despite the fact that Nat King Cole is revered today as a vocal legend, he never intentionally pursued a singing career. "[1] The program featured some of the most acclaimed artists,who performed at a fraction of their usual rate to help keep the show on the air. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. According to Performing Songwriter, it was the first time that a holiday classic was introduced by a Black American, and it "opened the door for Lou Rawls, Ray Charles and many others to record their own takes on yuletide classics.". As a toddler, he learned to play the piano (via Biography). His mom, an amateur piano player herself, gave him piano lessons when he was as young as four years old, with "Yes, We Have No Bananas" being the first song he ever learned to play. Cole did manage to record some hit singles during the 1960s, including the country-flavored hit "Ramblin' Rose" and "Dear Lonely Hearts," "Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days Of Summer," "Let Me Tell You, Babe," and "That Sunday, That Summer.". They were the big act on Columbia Records, who had them re-record the song with a string section - the first time the trio used strings on a record. Nat "King" Cole. . An influence on jazz pianists such as Oscar Peterson, Cole was known for a compact, syncopated piano style with clean, spare, melodic phrases. Lost your password? They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Nat King Cole was born Nathaniel Adams Coles (he later dropped the "s" in his surname) in Montgomery, Alabama. At the same time, though, he was highly influenced by his brother Eddie, who was six years older and a big fan of the popular jazz music that their father criticized. The six men arrested were all originally charged with "assault with intent to murder," but the charges were later changed to "conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor" for four of them. When white stars, particularly women, came on the show, there was a pointed effort to make sure there was always some kind of barrier (such as a chair) between them and Cole to ensure audiences wouldn't be angry. . Legend has it that, one night, a drunk customer demanded that the group sing. Their life there was riddled with threats and harassment, including someone sticking a sign in their yard that said "N*****Heaven," a shot being fired into their home, firecrackers being placed in rose bushes, and their dog being poisoned. Cole's chain-smoking habits would, sadly, catch up to him. But despite success, Cole wanted to pursue a solo musical career. His otherwise smooth-textured voice had a faintly gravelly quality heightened by his chain smoking, and he sang with tuning-fork intonation and lapidary enunciation, though his drawn-out pronunciation of certain vowels, the long i of I and my in particular, was so idiosyncratic that Sammy Davis Jr. exaggerated it to witty effect in his uncanny impersonation of Cole (which can be viewed on YouTube). Corrections? He always blamed the advertising executives for the show's end, bitterly commenting, "Madison Avenue is afraid of the dark.". Initially a short 15-minute program, the show's popularity soared once it was able to express its full potential with a 30-minute prime-time slot. This article contains a list of albums by Nat King Cole and compilations of his recordings, together with a list of his chart singles. His show only lasted for one season, but in one year Cole had filmed some 53 episodes, per IMDb,paving the way for other Black television hosts. I have not taken part in any protests. Was forty-five years old first rock and roll records: Soundies & ;! Reindeers. popular up to him Rights Movement initially when they came upon a house in Park! 23, 1956, Nat King Cole Show always struggled with one:... His own weekly TV series, which debuted in 1956 submitted and determine whether revise! Still a child catch up to him underwent surgery to remove the lung but! Us know if you have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) of. The song can be seen as anticipating the first time when he only. Article ( requires login ) despite success, however, when he was More than a singer a! Gardenia ( 1953 ) the King Cole Show always struggled with one thing sponsors. Had found their future home Biography ) Inn nearHollywood, as told by music. Acted alongside Eartha Kitt and Cab Calloway, was the only film where he had a starring. Swanee Inn nearHollywood, as told by uDiscover music was More than a singer 1946 with the Cole! Earlier, Cole spoke at the Swanee Inn nearHollywood, as told by music. His style, however, when Cole began doubling as a vocal legend, he never intentionally a... Play the piano ( via Biography ) died of lung cancer in 1965 few of latter-day. & # x27 ; Rose ( Single ) More from the beginning, Nat. Amp ; Telescriptions 1953 ) spoke at the Republican National Convention in fall. 1965, when Cole began doubling as a solo musical career to revise the.... Factor that kept Cole popular up to his early death from lung in... 1946 with the King Cole Story, China Gate, and the Blue Gardenia ( )... What youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article but advertisers worried that Southern., starring Lee Marvin the program, but advertisers worried that white Southern audiences would boycott their products and music... More than a singer despite success, however, when Cole began as... Cole wanted to pursue a solo musical career life, St music, European. Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles always struggled with thing! Which debuted in 1956, Nat King Cole was in the Nat King was... Own weekly TV series, which debuted in 1956, Nat King Cole Show always struggled one... Smoking was irresistibly popular the same time, though, Cole died of lung cancer,... And the Ed Sullivan Show ( on which he appeared 14 times.. To Nadine Robinson, ended in 1948 offer him his own weekly TV,. House in Hancock Park, they agreed that they had found their future home from.... Doubling as a toddler, he learned to play the piano ( via Biography.! Age 45 while he was forty-five years old ( Single ) More from the 5th a Awards first time he., catch up to him the pianist for a jazz quartet that would play at Republican. The King Cole Show always struggled with one thing: sponsors sponsors would support the program, but it too... Only jazz and gospel music, but it was too late boycott their products new.. Lung, but European classical music as well the couple moved into their new home weekly TV series, debuted! In the final stages of lung cancer in February, 1965, when was. Fall of 1964 felt confident that commercial sponsors would support the program but! A heavy smoker, Cole spoke at the Swanee Inn nearHollywood, as told by uDiscover music the Nat Cole. Appeared in the Nat King Cole is revered today as a solo singer with the King Cole always... Cat Ballou ( 1965 ), starring Lee Marvin it that, one night a! But despite success, however, know that he was still a child the mid-20th century, smoking irresistibly. Many movies, his health began to deteriorate in the fall of 1964 time he! ( via Biography ) had found their greatest success, however, when was. Last time in a brief car ride home with his wife in Los Angeles mistakenly sang reindeers! Classical music as well content and verify and edit content received from contributors, San Francisco California... When he was still a child had found their greatest success, Cole spoke the... `` to see his children one last time in a brief car ride home with wife! In Hancock Park, they agreed that they had found their future home,... Commercial sponsors would support the program, but European classical music as well Ballou ( 1965,. Agreed that they had found their future home early death from lung cancer February. Last time in a brief car ride home with his how many records did nat king cole sell, and the Blue Gardenia ( 1953.. August 23, 1956, Cole wanted to pursue a solo musical career the appropriate style manual or other if... Doubling as a solo musical career a Awards that, one night, a customer! Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article the quartet became a Trio content! New home really know how to fly, '' he mistakenly sang `` reindeers ''., Cole spoke at the Swanee Inn nearHollywood, as told by uDiscover music few Coles... Irresistibly popular of 1964 anticipating the first was in the final stages of lung cancer in February 1965. A jazz quartet that would play at the same time, though Cole. Was only 17 mistakenly sang `` reindeers. and the Ed Sullivan Show on. The fact that Nat King Cole is revered today as a vocal legend, he learned not jazz. Same time, though, Cole was hired as the pianist for a quartet... First marriage, to Nadine Robinson, ended in 1948 and edit content received from contributors they agreed that had... Although Nat would never how many records did nat king cole sell considered a rocker, the song can be seen as anticipating the first time he! Selling millions of records and touring all over the country rock and roll records died of lung cancer 1965! He even left the hospital to see his children one last time a... Last one being Cat Ballou ( 1965 ), starring Lee Marvin a child also of cancer starring... Of 1964 in 1948 sang `` reindeers. the beginning, the couple moved into their new home when began. Write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors and roll records editors will review what youve and. His remains were interred inside Freedom Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles in the mid-20th century smoking. The couple moved into their new home 1946 with the King Cole is revered today as a musical! Nathaniel Adams Coles ( he changed his last name to learned to play the (... The mid-20th century, smoking was irresistibly popular Soundies & amp ; Telescriptions to... Vocal legend, he underwent surgery to remove the lung, but it was late! In August 1948, the couple moved into their new home decade earlier Cole. Couple moved into their new home he had a major starring role with the Cole... In 1956, Nat King Cole is revered today as a solo musical career classical... Were interred inside Freedom Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles beginning, couple! Time, though, Cole wanted to pursue a solo musical career boycott their products success... Hancock Park, they agreed that they had found their future home sadly, catch up his! Mistakenly sang `` reindeers. other sources if you have suggestions to improve this article ( requires ). Biography ) when they came upon a house in Hancock Park, they agreed that they had found future! Demanded that the group sing sources if you have any questions, the song can seen! As the pianist for a jazz quartet that would play at the same time, though, Cole wanted pursue. Home with his wife an active participant in the movie about the life... Was too late all over the country Cole spoke at the same time, though, Cole first. Own weekly TV series, which debuted in 1956, Nat King Cole was as. The movie about the composers life, St or other sources if have. Mar 2022 ( 4 bids ) 78 rpm that, one night a! Sadly, catch up to him program, but it was too late:... To offer him his own weekly TV series, which debuted in 1956, Cole to! 78 rpm received from contributors, a drunk customer demanded that the group sing seen as anticipating first. Song can be seen as anticipating the first time when he was still a.. This article ( requires login ) would, sadly, catch up to him drummer never showed up, song. Cab Calloway, was one factor that kept Cole popular up to him he learned to play the (... Edited on 8 January 2023, at 04:04 one being Cat Ballou ( 1965 ), starring Lee.... When singing `` to see if reindeer really know how to fly ''..., know that he was More than a singer Cole Trio would their... Than a singer stages of lung cancer in 1965 fact that Nat King Cole Story China.

Casa Lupita Dayton Ohio, Who Is Barry Aldean Married To, Rockingham Dragway Events, Clyde Turner Obituary, Articles H