Profile Text
Cole on Capitol Records building jazz mural, designed and painted by Richard Wyatt in 1990, in Hollywood, CA, photo by meunierd /Bigstock.com
Birth Name: Nathaniel Adams Coles
Date of Birth: March 17, 1919
Place of Birth: Montgomery, Alabama, U.S.
Date of Death: February 15, 1965
Place of Death: Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Ethnicity: African-American
Nat King Cole, also stylized Nat “King” Cole, was an American singer, jazz pianist, and actor. His two most famous song peformances are likely “Unforgettable” and “The Christmas Song.”
He was the son of Perlina (Adams), a church organist, and The Rev. Edward James Coles, a Baptist pastor. Among his siblings were jazz musician Eddie Cole and jazz singer and pianist Freddy Cole. Nat was married to jazz singer Maria Cole, until his death. The couple had five children, including musician Natalie Cole. He was raised mostly in Bronzeville, Chicago, Illinois.
Nat’s paternal grandfather was named Edward Coles. Edward was born in North Carolina.
Nat’s paternal grandmother was named Catharine. Catharine was born in Virginia.
Nat’s maternal grandfather was named Robin Adams.
Nat’s maternal grandmother was named Mattie Adams (the daughter of Robin Adams and Mina). Mattie was born in Alabama.
Sources: Genealogies of Nat King Cole – http://www.geni.com https://www.findagrave.com