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Nat King Cole
Moving to Los Angeles in 1936, he created his first group, the King Cole trio, consisting of Oscar Moore on guitar, Wesley Prince on double bass and himself on Piano. His first hit record, "Straighten up and Fly Right", is based on traditional black folklore and his father's sermons. "Sweet Lorraine" (1940) brought Cole some popularity. Eventually, Cole experienced immense success with "It's Only a Paper Moon" (1945), "The Christmas Song" (1947), "Nature Boy" (1948), "Mona Lisa" (1949), "Unforgettable" (1951) and "Too Young" (1951). In 1958, Cole, recorded "Cole Espanol", an entirely Spanish album in Havana, Cuba. The popularity of the album, led Cole to record 2 more; 1959's "A Mis Amigos" (sung in Spanish and Portuguese) and 1962's "Ansiedad" (Venezuelan). Released on September 15, 1962 "Ramblin' Rose" became his highest-charting pop single.
All his life, Nat fought racism; refusing to entertain segregated audiences. In 1956, he returned to homestate Alabama where he was assaulted on stage by four members of the White Citizens Council. Not deterred by the pettiness of a few, Nat returned on stage to perform for the crowd of 4,000. Ultimately, he vowed never to return and he never did.
A heavy smoker, Nat "king "Cole died of Lung Cancer in 1965.
John Pizzarelli, famed American Jazz singer, guitarist and songwriter was born on April 6, 1960. He hails from a family of great musicians that include his father, legendary jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarell and brother Martin on Double Bass. In 1980, John first came across Nat "King" Cole through a record his then girlfriend gave him. Eventually, in 1994, Pizzarelli recorded "Dear Mr. Cole" and "P.S. Mr. Cole" as homage to his favorite and greatest influence, besides his own father. Listeners can easily sense John is most comfortable when he shifts himself to golden oldies. With his voice, musical training and suave looks, music lovers and women go crazy.
A smooth musician like John Pizzarelli is best heard than read. Buy tickets to the hear this suave crooner sing the Nat "King" Cole , the greatest jazz singer ever. Truly, a a heady experience.
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Artist Biography - Nat King Cole
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One of the greatest singers ever, Nat "king" Cole was loved by millions of fans who bought tickets to hear and be mesmerized by the genius. In the 50's, Cole's popularity reached staggering heights with the Capitol Records building on Hollywood and Vine being referred to as "That House that Nat Built". In African-American history, Nat "King" Cole is also credited for being the first ever black jazz musician to have his very own weekly radio (1948-49) and weekly network television show(1956-57). Nat's velvety, husky voice combined with his careful enunciation and his good-humored approach to singing allowed him to make more than 2 dozen chart albums and over 100 pop chart singles in a career of 2 decades. Nat ranks only behind Frank Sinatra as the most successful pop singer of his time.
Born in March, 1917, in Montgomery, Alabama he moved to Chicago at the young age of four when the True Light Baptist Church called his father. A musical prodigy, Cole gave his first singing and piano performance at four. He learnt classical piano and music from his mother. Growing up, he sang and played organ at his father's church, though his true interest lay in jazz. As a teen, Nat sneaked out to watch his heroes Louis Armstrong, Jimmie Noone and Earl "Fatha" Hines perform. As a kid Nat participated in "DuSable High School", a renowned music program, started by Walter Dyett. Nat's brothers - Eddie, Fred and Isaac – also were jazz artists. Despite his parents' repudiation, he played piano in his elder brother Eddie Cole's jazz musical group, the Rogues of Rhythm.
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For more information , enjoy the official homepage of Nat King Cole
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