Nat King Cole The Magic Of Christmas Songs
The holiday season is a time for family, warmth, and joy. And what better way to set the mood than with some classic Christmas songs? One of the most beloved artists to grace the holiday music scene is the legendary Nat King Cole. His smooth voice and jazzy tunes have been synonymous with Christmas for generations, and his album "The Christmas Song" has become a staple in households all over the world.
Nat King Cole's Early Life and Career
Nat King Cole was born Nathaniel Adams Coles on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama. He was the youngest of five children and grew up in a musical family. His mother was a church choir director, and his father was a Baptist minister who played the organ.
When Cole was four years old, his family moved to Chicago, where his father became the pastor of a church. Cole began taking piano lessons at a young age, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already a skilled musician. He formed a group with his brother and two friends, and they began performing at local clubs and parties.
In 1937, Cole dropped out of school and moved to Los Angeles with his family to pursue a career in music. He formed a trio with guitarist Oscar Moore and bassist Wesley Prince, and they began playing at clubs and hotels around the city.
Nat King Cole's Christmas Legacy
While Nat King Cole is known for his success as a jazz and pop singer, his contributions to the world of Christmas music cannot be overlooked. In 1946, he recorded "The Christmas Song," which became an instant classic. The song was written by Mel Tormé and Bob Wells, and Cole's recording was so popular that it has been re-released multiple times and covered by countless artists.
Cole's 1960 album "The Magic of Christmas" features many other classic holiday tunes, including "O Holy Night," "Deck the Halls," and "Joy to the World." His smooth vocals and jazzy arrangements make these songs feel fresh and new, even after decades of being played on the radio and in holiday commercials.
The Influence of Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole's influence on the music world extends far beyond his Christmas hits. He was one of the first African American artists to achieve mainstream success, and his smooth, sophisticated style paved the way for many other artists in the jazz and pop genres.
Cole's music has been covered by countless artists over the years, including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Diana Krall. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians, and his influence can be heard in the work of contemporary artists like John Legend and Michael Bublé.
The Legacy of Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole passed away on February 15, 1965, at the age of 45. He left behind a legacy that continues to this day, not only in the world of music but in popular culture as well. His songs have been featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials, and his image has been immortalized in everything from postage stamps to wax figures.
But perhaps the most enduring part of Nat King Cole's legacy is his music. His smooth vocals and sophisticated arrangements continue to captivate audiences around the world, and his Christmas songs have become an integral part of the holiday season. As long as people continue to gather around the tree and sing "The Christmas Song," Nat King Cole's legacy will live on.