Nat King Cole

This coming Wednesday, March 17, NAT KING COLE turns 91. Using the present tense is absolutely
fitting. Today, at every hour, radio stations around the world continue to broadcast his timeless
music. He is, indeed, still very much with us. He still stands out from the rest, and he stands alone.
Comparing anyone to Nat Cole is simply impossible.
His career comprised two major areas of activity. From 1936 to 1948 he was an extraordinary jazz
pianist, centering a great trio with a fresh sound, and his own distinctive style. A thorough craftsman,
his playing was to cause a sense of wonderment amongst other pianists. His work has influenced such
pianists as Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Ahmad Jamal, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, etc. His musical
talents remain untouched and undimmed by the passing of time.
From 1948 until his death on February 15, 1965, he was a singer, soloing as a husky-smooth baritone,
backed by all manner of accompaniments. In his brief lifetime, he had two major careers. He excelled
and remained at the top of both of them. No one else in the music business has ever matched this dual
achievement. No one.
His accomplishments in these two fields are important for their excellence and exceptional taste. Many
of his peers revere his work as a high standard by which to learn and measure themselves.
Fortunately, he bequeathed us an abundance of recordings that allows us to hear of him what we wish,
when we wish. One thing of which I'm certain, is how blessed we are to have had him among us, albeit
too briefly. He was kind. He was gifted. He was thoughtful. He was gracious. He was disciplined. He
was elegant. He was giving. He was aware. He was real. He was my dear friend. He was Nat Cole.
Happy Birthday, Nathaniel.
Dick
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