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Legendary American jazz pianist and vocalist who became a major pop star. Born Nathaniel Adams Coles in Montgomery, Alabama, Nat King Cole rose from leading the influential King Cole Trio to become one of the most popular and successful vocalists of the mid-20th century. Known for his smooth, warm baritone voice, he recorded timeless hits like "Unforgettable," "Mona Lisa," "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)," and "Nature Boy." He achieved mainstream success despite facing significant racial barriers, becoming the first African American host of a nationally televised variety show. Cole died tragically young from lung cancer.

• He was a heavy smoker (up to three packs of Kools a day), believing it gave his voice its rich sound; this ultimately led to his death from lung cancer at age 45.
• He faced significant racial discrimination, including a violent attack on stage by white supremacists during a 1956 concert in Birmingham, Alabama. Despite his immense popularity, he often encountered segregation while touring.
• He was the first African American performer to host a nationally televised variety show, "The Nat King Cole Show" (1956–1957), which struggled to find a national sponsor due to racism and was canceled after a year.
• A classically trained pianist, he initially gained fame as a jazz innovator with the Nat King Cole Trio (piano, guitar, bass), pioneering the small jazz combo format. His smooth vocal style later eclipsed his piano virtuosity in the public eye.
• He married singer Maria Hawkins Ellington (no relation to Duke) in 1948. Their daughter Natalie Cole also became a hugely successful singer.