As pianist and leader of a ground-breaking trio, Cole applied his natural brilliance and classical training to an intoxicating blend of jazz, pop, and blues. However, despite having such a profound instrumental influence, Cole is remembered mostly for the honey-smooth vocals and romantic ballads he performed later in his life.
Nathaniel Adams Coles (he dropped the “s
” from his name in 1939) was born in . He was the son of a pastor and church choir director in...