Natalie Cole biography
Date of birth : 1950-02-06
Date of death : 2015-12-31
Birthplace : Los Angeles, California,U.S.
Nationality : American
Category : Arts and Entertainment
Last modified : 2024-02-06
Credited as : Singer, Grammy for Best Female , American Music Award
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Natalie Cole: A Musical Legacy from Los Angeles to the World
Family Background and Childhood
Natalie Cole was born into a prestigious musical lineage in Los Angeles, California. As the daughter of iconic crooner Nat King Cole and former Duke Ellington Orchestra singer Maria Cole, Natalie's upbringing in the affluent Hancock Park district was steeped in the sounds of jazz, soul, and blues. Surrounded by greatness, Natalie often referred to her family as "the black Kennedys," reflecting the wealth of talent and influence within her household. Her formative years were marked by exposure to legendary musicians and a nurturing environment that fostered her own musical gifts.
Early Musical Influences and Education
Natalie's musical journey began at the tender age of six when she made her debut appearance on her father's Christmas album. Encouraged by her family's musical legacy, Natalie started performing at local venues by the age of eleven, captivating audiences with her soulful voice and magnetic stage presence. Despite facing personal challenges, including the loss of her father to lung cancer and strained family relationships, Natalie remained focused on her education. She attended Northfield Mount Hermon School before pursuing studies in Child Psychology and German at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Emergence in the Music Industry
While still in college, Natalie Cole's talent caught the attention of R&B producers Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy, propelling her into the spotlight with the release of her debut album "Inseparable" in 1975. The album's soulful hits, including "This Will Be" and the title track "Inseparable," earned Natalie critical acclaim and two Grammy Awards, establishing her as a rising star in the music industry. Her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence drew comparisons to legendary artists like Aretha Franklin, solidifying her reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the world of soul and R&B.
Peaks and Valleys: Personal Struggles and Career Resilience
Despite her early success, Natalie's career faced challenges in the late 1970s and early 1980s as she battled addiction and personal demons. Multiple stints in rehab and strained family relationships threatened to derail her rising stardom. However, Natalie's resilience and determination saw her stage a remarkable comeback in the mid-1980s with the release of the album "Dangerous," marking a triumphant return to the music scene.
Cole has carved out a secondary career in acting. She has also appeared several times in live concerts or other music related programs, including the 1998 Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute with sidemen Richard Campbell, Jeffrey Worrell, Eddie Cole and Dave Joyce. In 1990, she (along with jazz vocalist Al Jarreau) sang the song "Mr. President" (written by Ray Reach, Mike Loveless and Joe Sterling) on HBO's Comic Relief special, hosted by Whoopi Goldberg, Robin Williams and Billy Crystal. After Johnny Mathis appeared on a special of Cole's in 1980, the two kept in contact, and in 1992, he invited Cole to be a part of his television special titled "A Tribute To Nat Cole" for BBC-TV in England. It had high viewer ratings and was successful. From that project, an album with the same name was released, and featured several medley and solo numbers.
In 1992, following the success of the Unforgettable: With Love album, PBS broadcast a special based on the album. Unforgettable, With Love: Natalie Cole Sings the Songs of Nat "King" Cole received Emmy nominations for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Program; and Cole received a nomination for Outstanding Individual Performance, losing to Bette Midler. Cole has made a number of dramatic appearances on television, including guest appearances on I'll Fly Away, Touched by an Angel, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. In 2006, she made a memorable guest appearance on the popular ABC show Grey's Anatomy as a terminally ill patient. She also sang the national anthem with the Atlanta University Center Chorus at Super Bowl XXVIII.
On December 2, 2006, Cole performed for the first time in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, as part of the annual Cayman Jazz Fest. On the February 5, 2007 episode of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Cole sang "I Say a Little Prayer" at a benefit dinner for Harriet Hayes (Sarah Paulson).
She can also be seen in the last scene of Nas' music video for "Can't Forget About You". The song uses a sample of her father's song "Unforgettable". Cole is sitting at a piano in a cabaret-style lounge mouthing her father's song with Nas standing beside her.
Natalie Cole also performed "Something's Gotta Give" on American Idol on April 29, 2009.
In September 2010, Cole performed with Andrea Bocelli in a concert at the Kodak Theatre, for his album My Christmas, in which she recorded a duet with him, and on December 10–13, 2009, she appeared with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square in their annual Christmas concerts. Both were videotaped for presentation on PBS in December 2010.
Continued Legacy and Influence
Her vocal prowess and emotional depth resonated with audiences worldwide, cementing her status as a musical legend. Her philanthropic endeavors and dedication to her craft have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, inspiring future generations of artists and music lovers worldwide. Through her timeless music and remarkable legacy, Natalie Cole's spirit lives on, reminding us of the power of resilience, passion, and the universal language of music.
