Scoreload logo

Scoreload

Winter Wonderland (Arr. Kees Kramer)

Nat King Cole, a legendary American singer and jazz pianist, recorded a version of "Winter Wonderland" that has become a holiday classic. Here are some interesting facts about Nat King Cole and his rendition of "Winter Wonderland":

  1. Recording Date: Nat King Cole first recorded "Winter Wonderland" in 1959 for his album "The Magic of Christmas." The album, later reissued as "The Christmas Song," is widely regarded as one of the best Christmas albums ever recorded.

  2. Timeless Rendition: Nat King Cole's smooth and velvety voice, combined with his impeccable phrasing and style, gave "Winter Wonderland" a timeless quality. His version of the song has been embraced by generations and continues to be a favorite during the holiday season.

  3. Signature Nat King Cole Trio Sound: Before his solo career took off, Nat King Cole was a prominent jazz pianist and led the Nat King Cole Trio. Although "Winter Wonderland" is a vocal recording, his background as a pianist is evident in the musical arrangement, and it adds a distinctive touch to the song.

  4. Chart Success: Nat King Cole's recording of "Winter Wonderland" has charted multiple times over the years. It has become a holiday standard, re-entering music charts during the Christmas season in various years.

  5. Posthumous Releases: Nat King Cole passed away in 1965, but his music remains influential and continues to be celebrated. In the decades following his death, various compilations and reissues of his Christmas recordings, including "Winter Wonderland," have been released, keeping his legacy alive.

  6. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire): While "Winter Wonderland" is a standout, Nat King Cole is perhaps best known for his rendition of "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)," which is another holiday classic. Both songs showcase his ability to convey warmth and nostalgia through his vocal delivery.

  7. Recognition and Honors: Nat King Cole is widely recognized for his contributions to music, and he received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990.

Nat King Cole's interpretation of "Winter Wonderland" remains a cherished part of the holiday music canon, and his timeless voice continues to bring joy to listeners during the festive season.

download pdf

SCORELOAD: Your premier destination for browsing, downloading, and printing PDF scores spanning diverse musical genres, perfect for piano, vocals, ensemble, or orchestra.

Blog | Best | Popular | Simple Piano | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy