Nathaniel Adams Coles (March 17, 1919 – February 15, 1965), known professionally as Nat King Cole, was an influential American singer, jazz pianist, and actor whose career spanned nearly three decades. He first gained prominence in the late 1930s as the pianist and leader of the King Cole Trio, a group that became Capitol Records’ top‑selling act and a foundational model for modern jazz ensembles. In the 1950s, Cole emerged as a distinguished solo vocalist, achieving widespread acclaim with a string of chart‑topping hits. Throughout his career, he navigated and challenged racial barriers, supporting civil rights efforts and participating in the 1963 March on Washington. From 1956 to 1957, he made television history as the first Black American to host a nationally broadcast network variety show with The Nat King Cole Show.
