1919 - 1965
Nat King Cole was an American jazz pianist and vocalist, born on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama. He gained fame in the 1940s and 1950s for his smooth, baritone voice and hits like "Unforgettable" and "Mona Lisa," becoming one of the first African American performers to host his own television show. Cole's innovative blend of jazz, pop, and R&B continues to influence musicians today, making him a significant figure in American music history.