Cole, Nat King
(1917–1965)> PIANIST
Cole, Nat King Nathaniel Adams Coles, 17 March 1917; Montgomery, AL – 15 February 1965; Santa Monica, CA An African American pianist and smooth blues balladeer, Cole’s early record hits with the King Cole Trio were “ Straighten Up and Fly Right ” (1943, Capitol) and “ Route 66” (1946, Capitol). He would go on to mainstream popular music success, including his own radio series (1948–1949), his own television show (1956–1957), and appearances in several films, but regardless was not immune to…