Hmph! Nat and Oscar! And you're only scratching the surface! So many of them! I love Mary Lou Williams and Art Tatum myself. And Sarah Vaughan actually played piano on occasions when she sang, as did Carmen McRae. And I think Ella played once or twice too...
His singing was secondary to his piano talent. The original Nat Cole trio recordings are worth finding, if you can. Of course, like everyone, I fell in love with his voice as a young teenager. "Lost April" was my favorite of all his vocal recordings when I was about 12, in 1946. It's hard to find now. It wasn't one of his favorites, either.
My husband is a jazz pianist. He told me that Oscar Peterson and Nat King Cole were friends who were both excellent vocalists and pianists. For some reason, they agreed that one would be the pianist and the other a vocalist. I have no idea why!
When the Hall of Fame evaluates the greatest athletes of all time (so-called GOAT talk), they evaluate their TOTAL game - play and accomplishments at every level and on both sides of the ball. In the world of adult popular music and vocals, Nat King Cole stands head and shoulders as one of the only American performers who were paramount in influence as both a musician AND a vocalist. Crosby and Sinatra can exceed his vocal and Hollywood movie influence, but can't touch him as a player, arranger, or writer of music. In American music, only Louis Armstrong matches Nat's five-tool achievements where they are also BOTH a top-5 influence vocally, and a top-5 innovator and influence on a musical instrument - extraordinary.
I am very addicted now to these What’s My Line?! I especially love Joey Bishop! Also love how people dressed up for a game show! John Daly adds real high caliber to the show with his most careful articulation to the rules, and yet a real fun side!
I quite like Joey Bishop, too. But my personal favorite 4th panelist is, by far, Steve Allen. Such a wonderful and humorous man, and his chemistry with the other panelists is unmatched.
Nat King Cole stated that he had to wait in a dirty, closet sized room in the back of the studio until his appearance on the show. He stated that he came in through the back door of the studio and had to leave out of the same door which led into an alley. This was a time in America of extreme and morbid racism!
Nat King Cole had a voice like liquid velvet! So beautiful and comforting. His diction, phrasing, combined with his absolutely beautiful voice, has made him a true icon of vocalists. I can only think of one female vocalist who would be in the same category, and that is Miss Ella Fitzgerald!!! Such gifts their talents have brought to the world. I only hope the younger generation learn to appreciate them as we, who were around when they were first recording, do. Such national treasures should never be forgotten.
To be honest, it wasn't all that groundbreaking for WML to have Cole as a mystery guest in 1961, considering he had his OWN SHOW on network television as early as 1954. There had already been many black guests on WML by this point, celebrities and otherwise. A better case for a "groundbreaking" appearance would be Cole's appearance on WML in 1953, which preceded his TV series. The 1953 appearance: th-cam.com/video/KQj3tvI5wDA/w-d-xo.html
+What's My Line? Although they had already had Willie Mays and Roy Campanella on the show as Mystery Guest by then, hadn't they? (And perhaps Don Newcombe, too.) But you're right: He was the first black entertainer (musician or dancer) to appear as Mystery Guest.
@@WhatsMyLine This discussion makes me wonder: did they ever have a black panelist on WML? If not, that isn't a knock on the show. It existed in its era and did what it had to do. My point is only that a black panelist would have been truly groundbreaking.
@Wayne World most of that nonsense went on openly in the south, I came in contact with whites on a regular growing up, We shopped at the same markets and clothing stores, We shared the same public bathrooms, and water fountains, we didn't attend the same schools but there was a junior high school in our neighborhood that was for white kids, we didn't bother them and they didn't bother us, during the Summer of 1960 my parents took us to South Carolina to spend time with my mother's family, on several occasions we went to the store with our cousins as we went to the water fountain to get water there was a sign which read white only, then there were times when we were told that we could not use the bathroom because they didn't have a bathroom for colored folks. I was baffled, just couldn't understand what was the big deal about us sharing the same bathroom.
preppy socks You're entitled to your opinion on 'nice voice, nice guy' but 'good piano' is completely at odds with his status in the jazz world where he is acknowledged as a bonafide contributor to jazz history (I'm a piano player myself and happen to be friends with a player who won Best Jazz Pianist Of The Year in the UK.....and BOTH of us marvel at Nat's abilities). As for 'very limited range'....you're kidding me!! In the first place, there are singers with massive ranges who utterly RUIN songs...so 'range' is just a tool not a measure of ability. Secondly, Nat's range is not 'very limited' at all as limited ranges go...even just taking the song Stardust as an example. That's a pretty wide tessitura right there. Third and most important of all, Nat at very least belongs in the list of the most distinctive, timeless and well-loved voices ever in popular culture and it would be churlish to not highlight him along with Bing, Frank and.... In fact I stop there. It's pretty much the case that the trajectory of progress through the most significant male voices from the 30s to the 40s to the 50s simply goes Bing.....Frank.....Nat. They are the landmark gamechangers of the "easy listening/jazz" genre. Anyone else is a satellite to that game change. The original comment itemised him as the most talented singer/musician in American music history. It's a pretty good shout. My personal shout would be Stevie Wonder but despite being at the top of the tree as a soul singer, soul harmonica player, soul drummer, soul piano player I don't think his piano skills can match the skills of Nat there, has to be said. Suffice to say you're well wide of the mark, preppysocks!! Judging a singer on their range.....yyukkk! I wouldn't want to see your record collection. Mariah Carey and Axl Rose? No thanks!!
Oh, man, I could hear him singing when I read your comment! I had a recording of his Nelson Riddle-arranged ballads, played it constantly. "When Sunny Gets Blue", "That's All", "A Blossom Fell", "Stardust", "Smile". Good stuff.
The horse lady was hilarious. I was really laughing out loud. They are always so smart with their questions. Nat King Cole. What can you say but unforgettable.
Nat King Cole, so stunning, handsome, that voice! Oooh, that voice! Yeah, good luck disguising that. This was a really funny episode to watch. Funny and fun, both. Never seen the panel have so much fun. Thank you!
The segment with the horse massage therapist -- wow, that was such great fun to watch. i don't know that I ever laughed harder while watching WML -- priceless.
When I saw Joey Bishop for the first times, I did not like him at all. But once he was familiar to me, I started enjoying his subtle and ironic humor very much!
hopicard I still don't like him. This was better because he smiled. I'm a bit concerned though cos he seems to be HUGE and well-liked. It looks like he's going to be a regular. I'd never even heard of him but it seems like he's all over town at this time. I'd never seen him before though until this show. He means nothing to the UK, I'd say. Frankly Joey Bishop, Fred Allen and Martin Gabel all get the thumbs down from me. I'm still wishing Steve Allen would come back!!! :(
I was the same way, I didn't like him at first either, and wished they wouldn't had him back! I'm still not a big fan of his, but I can take his humor now. I can't believe I'm saying this, but he actually MADE this show "tonight"
@@davidsanderson5918 I hope you're JOKING! Fred Allen always did get a thumbs down from me, but Martin Gable is one if the best guest panelist (of male OR female) this show EVER had!!
@@kristabrewer9363 Joey Bishop was an underrated comic talent - brilliant wit, deadpan style, quite unique for spoken humor - like Buster Keaton was in his genre.
Arlene and Kitty were always on point! Joey Bishop was incredibly on his toes! Sir Bennet, was such a genius man, John James Daly was the kindest 💙 witty host! 💙 Excellent show to watch!
@@ronniemoon57 Yes, it's a testament to his popularity during the 1950's & '60's. He was my Mom's favorite male singer. She was always playing his records.
ridiculous fun!! the naughty giggles are the best with this panel. my crush on joey bishop grows, and my heart is happy for Dorothy, seeing her laugh and her eyes sparkle. oh and i'm still madly in love with arlene.
What else could I write about Nat King Cole that hasn’t already been written? He was simply the best of the best. His music carries on, recognized by people in every country around the world, and just as appreciated as it was during his short life as it is many more years later.
Thank you, again, for all of these uploads. This is my favorite thing to do when I want to just relax. The shows, especially this one, are delightful and I treasure them and you.
My late fathers favourite singer and had every album. As a kid growing up in the 80s i thought wtf! However now i can simply say without question the best singer ever and not surprised he received a huge ovation
He was my late father's favorite also. When my father passed away, I got his collection of record albums and was thrilled to find several by Nat King Cole.
I've read a few biographies of NKC and people truly adored him, can't remember anyone saying anything bad about him (except Maria). He had his faults but we can see in the 5 minutes he's on screen here, how likable he was. And when will a NKC movie be made? Truly my favorite singer EVER... Derek Luke would be a good actor to play him
@@nelkatanelkaI agree with you. A documentary would be a great idea, but a dramatization biopic? Good luck with that. It would be like making one about Roy Orbison. What do you do? Get an actor who looks like him? And sings like him? Both artists are so unique, nothing would be satisfactory.
The Q & A between Arlene and Joey Bishop with the Horse Trainer was hilarious; it seemed like it could have gone on indefinitely. Ovation for Nat was insane.
It’s not true that Nat King Cole “transcended” racism. People certainly did act disgustingly toward him because of his race, as they did other people of color. It’s something we simply don’t talk about now.
I love it when celebrities breaking all of the racial barriers especially during a time when racism was at an all time high in the US. NKC was one of those celebrities! I had never heard him speak so this is a delight for me. I love his songs and I wasn’t born until 1970 but grew up hearing his music.
Nat King Cole stated that he had to wait in a dirty, closet sized dressing room in the back of the studio until his appearance on the show. Nat stated that he had to enter the studio of the show in the back door right from the alley. Nat lived in a mansion at the time and was wealthier and more talented than anyone on the panel, yet he was still treated like a 3rd class citizen because of his skin color.
I loved it when Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, etc. were Mystery Guests on WML and tried in vain to disguise their distinctive voices. Even us home audience members who know who these people were would have no trouble getting them. When guest panelists like Joey Bishop can guess who you are before Dorothy, Bennett and, especially Arlene can blurt it out, you're in trouble.
Dorothy Kilgallen was cheating on her husband during this time and abusing alcohol and drugs. Dorothy's husband was having public sexual flings with women 'publicly' and it was well known by the audience and the rest of the panel. This was a time in America where *proper TV etiquette* was paramount if you wanted sponsors! However, outside of TV and when out of the view of the camera people & celebrities behaved as we do today..cursing, drinking, having sexual flings, and slandering minorities....etc.
I’m addicted to this show now, they knew how to have a good time, it was so entertaining, just the banter back and forth, Joey Bishop was a quick wit, very funny, Nat King Cole had one of the smoothest voices I have ever heard…very few received an applause like that, and an amazing pianist, check him out here on You Tube.
I couldn't agree with you more, Nat was a fantastic pianist, my great Uncles Bill Samuels and Ernest Ashley worked with him frequently on some of his recordings back in the 40s and 50s!
Arlene and her heart pendant.😎 Bishop is genuinely hilarious! And to think this was pre-Civil Rights Act. The genuine love and admiration everyone in that studio clearly had for Cole is amazing.
I love this one especially. Nat King Cole grew up very close to where I live in Montgomery, AL. The section he was in was known as Bellaire. My area is Cloverdale. They abutted one another. Bellaire has now become a part of the grounds for historic Alabama State University.
I love Mr. Cerf's nod to Gilbert and Sullivan!! i also like the way the staff of the show dress many of the contestants in a manner diametrically opposed to their profession.
One of the drawbacks of watching these episodes alone is that there is no way that I can prove that Arlene's eyelashes immediately stood out when she was facing the camera and introducing Joey Bishop. Lo and behold, the first challenger has a line related to that very thing. And if I understood her correctly at the end of the segment, she is wearing his product.
It could be said that Nat King Cole was The Beatles for the over 30 set. What an ovation when he came out! I'd be hard pressed to think of one greater that that.
They cheered Nat King Cole on the show, but Cole stated that he had to wait in a dirty, closet sized dressing room at the rear of the studio. Nat stated that he was required to enter the studio from the back door right off of the alley. Nat was wealthier and more famous than anyone on the panel, but he was still treated like a 3rd class citizen because of his skin color. This was a sad time in our country where the entire country was entrenched in morbid racism....and that racism was supported by federal law.
John Daly's rather detailed explanations are often my favorite part of WML.And then the panelists reactions to those explanations are often equally funny Fred Allen was a master of those,as was Arlene.
Can you imagine what a panel today would ask once it was established that Mrs. Alexandra didn't deal with the horse's head? At least the panel, as giggly as they were, knew better and had manners enough not to ask the - shall we say, obviously scatological questions.
Look-Sex wasn't invented in the sixties. People since way back when have had sex on the brain,and interpreted "Serving the Horses" the same way then as now Why this period is portrayed as so much more sweet and wholesome, I don't understand.
@@postatility9703 I don't think it's that they didn't think about it or interpret things the same way but there was a line that generally wasn't crossed as far as what was discussed out loud, or in the presence of ladies. People had more of a sense of decorum and propriety and tried to keep it classy rather than talking about things that others would find offensive. John once wrote an article about how vulgar television had become and he referred to them talking about "the most intimate relations between the sexes" or words to that effect - in that day even a twice married father of six didn't use the word "sex" in polite society and certainly not in "mixed company".
Big difference between Nat's appearance here and his first in 1953. In 1953 WML was still following the standard network/sponsor/industry practice of quickly shooing the black mystery celebrities (Cole, Lena Horne, Duke Ellington, 'Rochester' Anderson, etc) off the stage once their identities had been determined, without any social banter between the guest and the panel. Although legal segregation was still the law and practice of the land in 1961, it is clear Mr Cole's accomplishments since his first visit and his mega popularity made his second visit an example of how his first should have ended. Nat doesn't get enough credit for his contributions to American society beyond the stage and recording studio...all done with impeccable class. Thanks Nat.
So there were no contractual prohibitions and John was about to let Nat King Cole sing. But Bennett twice interrupted, because his voicing in Elmer Fudd tones his distaste for rock 'n' roll was more important and a better use of precious airtime than hearing Nat King Cole sing. Thanks for nothing, Bennett!
![What's My Line? - Johnny Mathis; Martin Gabel [panel]; Richard Boone [panel] (Feb 22, 1959)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vA7TbRn4LkU/mqdefault.jpg)
![What's My Line? - Johnny Mathis; Martin Gabel [panel]; Richard Boone [panel] (Feb 22, 1959)](/img/tr.png)
![What's My Line? - Bobby Darin; Joey Bishop [panel] (Feb 26, 1961)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/d6KkPN3VAbQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Nat had such a beautiful voice, even when he talked, he was singing.
What about he brother
Nicely stated
LOL
Well said :)
NAT "KING" COLE...One of the best jazz pianist in history and one of the greatest vocalist of all-time.
the greatest for me
Bruce Scott The iconic OSCAR PETERSON was such a fan of NKC, especially his piano playing! RIP Nat and Oscar, you are sorely missed:-/
@@angelajoseph6709 ...Angela, you're absolutely and positively right!
Hmph! Nat and Oscar! And you're only scratching the surface! So many of them! I love Mary Lou Williams and Art Tatum myself. And Sarah Vaughan actually played piano on occasions when she sang, as did Carmen McRae. And I think Ella played once or twice too...
@@terencedove5047 ...Been aware of that for over five decades, Terence.
Not only was Nat a great singer, but he doesn't get enough credit for his phenomenal jazz piano innovations.
His singing was secondary to his piano talent. The original Nat Cole trio recordings are worth finding, if you can. Of course, like everyone, I fell in love with his voice as a young teenager. "Lost April" was my favorite of all his vocal recordings when I was about 12, in 1946. It's hard to find now. It wasn't one of his favorites, either.
My husband is a jazz pianist. He told me that Oscar Peterson and Nat King Cole were friends who were both excellent vocalists and pianists. For some reason, they agreed that one would be the pianist and the other a vocalist. I have no idea why!
When the Hall of Fame evaluates the greatest athletes of all time (so-called GOAT talk), they evaluate their TOTAL game - play and accomplishments at every level and on both sides of the ball. In the world of adult popular music and vocals, Nat King Cole stands head and shoulders as one of the only American performers who were paramount in influence as both a musician AND a vocalist. Crosby and Sinatra can exceed his vocal and Hollywood movie influence, but can't touch him as a player, arranger, or writer of music. In American music, only Louis Armstrong matches Nat's five-tool achievements where they are also BOTH a top-5 influence vocally, and a top-5 innovator and influence on a musical instrument - extraordinary.
True ❤️🖤💚 he was also a good business man and great dad🥰❤️🖤💚#black excellence
Ps I was right for him and his wife to name Natalie after him, she looked just like him 🥰❤️🖤💚
Nat King Cole, what a beautiful person.
I am very addicted now to these What’s My Line?! I especially love Joey Bishop! Also love how people dressed up for a game show! John Daly adds real high caliber to the show with his most careful articulation to the rules, and yet a real fun side!
I totally agree about John Daley and the dressing up, but there are people now who will b##ch and moan when Arlene Francis wears her furs.
Isn’t it ironic that you love Joey Bishop, but I find him annoying?! I’m glad we’re not all the same, though!
@@deboraholsen2504 I agree
@@deboraholsen2504 Irritating as H-E double toothpicks, as my grandmother used to say.
I quite like Joey Bishop, too. But my personal favorite 4th panelist is, by far, Steve Allen. Such a wonderful and humorous man, and his chemistry with the other panelists is unmatched.
"John, don't misconstrue our enthusiasm for conferences". Great line from Joey.
I caught that too, it was great! LOL
Nat King Cole was one of the most talented singers, along with his daughter, Natalie.
Nat King Cole was also greatly loved and admired all over the world.
I just love hearing his accent when he sings in ES and PT.
Not necessarily. He was greatly disliked by many in show business.
Nat King Cole stated that he had to wait in a dirty, closet sized room in the back of the studio until his appearance on the show. He stated that he came in through the back door of the studio and had to leave out of the same door which led into an alley. This was a time in America of extreme and morbid racism!
Nat King Cole. The man with the golden voice. Perhaps the finest vocalist who has ever walked this Earth.
Indeed a súper interpreter. I love his spanish songs they are the absoluto standard!
Not "perhaps", THE best.....
Perhaps you are indeed right. What a voice he had.@@jasonbeard4713
@@jasonbeard4713 Ok, I totally agree! 😀
I could not agree more.
Nat King Cole had a voice like liquid velvet! So beautiful and comforting. His diction, phrasing, combined with his absolutely beautiful voice, has made him a true icon of vocalists. I can only think of one female vocalist who would be in the same category, and that is Miss Ella Fitzgerald!!! Such gifts their talents have brought to the world. I only hope the younger generation learn to appreciate them as we, who were around when they were first recording, do. Such national treasures should never be forgotten.
This program is just priceless. Everyone seemed to have so much fun. And Joey Bishop just added to the general festivities. Arlene was just hilarious.
The cool smooth Mr. Nat King Cole with awesome vocals.... Love him still.
I didn't think you liked anyone other than Bobby Darin, and then, way over the top
@@preppysocks209 Yawn, yawn, yawn!
- There's always one!
One of the best singers ever
To be honest, it wasn't all that groundbreaking for WML to have Cole as a mystery guest in 1961, considering he had his OWN SHOW on network television as early as 1954. There had already been many black guests on WML by this point, celebrities and otherwise. A better case for a "groundbreaking" appearance would be Cole's appearance on WML in 1953, which preceded his TV series.
The 1953 appearance: th-cam.com/video/KQj3tvI5wDA/w-d-xo.html
+What's My Line? Although they had already had Willie Mays and Roy Campanella on the show as Mystery Guest by then, hadn't they? (And perhaps Don Newcombe, too.) But you're right: He was the first black entertainer (musician or dancer) to appear as Mystery Guest.
did they not have Mahalia Jackson before Nat King Cole?
@@WhatsMyLine This discussion makes me wonder: did they ever have a black panelist on WML? If not, that isn't a knock on the show. It existed in its era and did what it had to do. My point is only that a black panelist would have been truly groundbreaking.
@Wayne World most of that nonsense went on openly in the south, I came in contact with whites on a regular growing up, We shopped at the same markets and clothing stores, We shared the same public bathrooms, and water fountains, we didn't attend the same schools but there was a junior high school in our neighborhood that was for white kids, we didn't bother them and they didn't bother us, during the Summer of 1960 my parents took us to South Carolina to spend time with my mother's family, on several occasions we went to the store with our cousins as we went to the water fountain to get water there was a sign which read white only, then there were times when we were told that we could not use the bathroom because they didn't have a bathroom for colored folks. I was baffled, just couldn't understand what was the big deal about us sharing the same bathroom.
Wow, Nat's speaking voice was just as gorgeous as his singing voice
He had his own show and he would do a little spoken word intro to songs, sort of like his own DJ/MC.
Mr Cole was a very classy gentleman and Mr Bishop is a riot!
NAT "KING" COLE is still my all time favorite male vocalist, PERIOD!!! He was literally TALL, DARK AND HANDSOME!!! The women adored him!!!
Also my Uncle Charlie's favorite singer.
@@loissimmons6558 And my favorite singer.
mine too.. him and karen carpenter my 2 favorites... both were THEE ultimate "crooners".. the ultimates who sang TO YOU NOT AT YOU!...
Elvis was a usurper, imo. Nat was the "King", and, chances are, Mathis was the "Prince".
@@alansorensen5903don't go there! Elvis is Elvis, Nat King Cole is Nat King Cole.
Joey Bishop chose the right profession. He was just naturally funny, very gifted ad libber.
@SLW1995
th-cam.com/video/au6SR6LbsbU/w-d-xo.html
Absolutely! It was his night.
With a voice like velvet - he was the male equal of Ella Fitzgerald
Nat King Cole - Perhaps the most talented singer/musician in American music history!
C Howard
Not Jimmy Durante?
nice voice, nice guy, good piano playing, good phrasing. But a very limited vocal range in terms of the notes he sang.
preppy socks You're entitled to your opinion on 'nice voice, nice guy' but 'good piano' is completely at odds with his status in the jazz world where he is acknowledged as a bonafide contributor to jazz history (I'm a piano player myself and happen to be friends with a player who won Best Jazz Pianist Of The Year in the UK.....and BOTH of us marvel at Nat's abilities).
As for 'very limited range'....you're kidding me!! In the first place, there are singers with massive ranges who utterly RUIN songs...so 'range' is just a tool not a measure of ability. Secondly, Nat's range is not 'very limited' at all as limited ranges go...even just taking the song Stardust as an example. That's a pretty wide tessitura right there. Third and most important of all, Nat at very least belongs in the list of the most distinctive, timeless and well-loved voices ever in popular culture and it would be churlish to not highlight him along with Bing, Frank and....
In fact I stop there. It's pretty much the case that the trajectory of progress through the most significant male voices from the 30s to the 40s to the 50s simply goes Bing.....Frank.....Nat. They are the landmark gamechangers of the "easy listening/jazz" genre. Anyone else is a satellite to that game change.
The original comment itemised him as the most talented singer/musician in American music history. It's a pretty good shout. My personal shout would be Stevie Wonder but despite being at the top of the tree as a soul singer, soul harmonica player, soul drummer, soul piano player I don't think his piano skills can match the skills of Nat there, has to be said.
Suffice to say you're well wide of the mark, preppysocks!! Judging a singer on their range.....yyukkk! I wouldn't want to see your record collection. Mariah Carey and Axl Rose? No thanks!!
You must be joking there are so many more talented singer musicians than nat how could u exaggerate like this are u related to nat
Love Mr Cole.
“There was a boy. A very strange, enchanted boy”.
Sinatra regretted passing on that song!
Oh, man, I could hear him singing when I read your comment! I had a recording of his Nelson Riddle-arranged ballads, played it constantly. "When Sunny Gets Blue", "That's All", "A Blossom Fell", "Stardust", "Smile". Good stuff.
The horse lady was hilarious. I was really laughing out loud. They are always so smart with their questions. Nat King Cole. What can you say but unforgettable.
Unforgettable!
Mr Cole has generations of fans. It’s great to know that his talent went down to his daughter .
Nat King Cole, so stunning, handsome, that voice! Oooh, that voice! Yeah, good luck disguising that. This was a really funny episode to watch. Funny and fun, both. Never seen the panel have so much fun. Thank you!
But too his family, he was not!
The segment with the horse massage therapist -- wow, that was such great fun to watch. i don't know that I ever laughed harder while watching WML -- priceless.
My dad, James Giuliano
Super cool!
Hi I have always been terrified of them that my eyes would get stuck together Thank Goodness I was told my eyelashes were just right.
What a nice man. Is he still with us?
Wakefield, Mass.!!! My dads hometown and where I’ve spent every summer of my life!!! Unbelievable!!!
My hometown, as well. Wakefield High School, Class of 1970.
When I saw Joey Bishop for the first times, I did not like him at all. But once he was familiar to me, I started enjoying his subtle and ironic humor very much!
hopicard I still don't like him. This was better because he smiled. I'm a bit concerned though cos he seems to be HUGE and well-liked. It looks like he's going to be a regular. I'd never even heard of him but it seems like he's all over town at this time. I'd never seen him before though until this show. He means nothing to the UK, I'd say.
Frankly Joey Bishop, Fred Allen and Martin Gabel all get the thumbs down from me. I'm still wishing Steve Allen would come back!!! :(
I was the same way, I didn't like him at first either, and wished they wouldn't had him back! I'm still not a big fan of his, but I can take his humor now.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but he actually MADE this show "tonight"
@@davidsanderson5918 I hope you're JOKING! Fred Allen always did get a thumbs down from me, but Martin Gable is one if the best guest panelist (of male OR female) this show EVER had!!
@@davidsanderson5918 How did you feel about Hal Block?
@@kristabrewer9363 Joey Bishop was an underrated comic talent - brilliant wit, deadpan style, quite unique for spoken humor - like Buster Keaton was in his genre.
Growing up, watched Christmas commercials for Nat King Cole seemingly every 10 minutes. Family.
His voice was liquid gold
It's wonderful to see that, even back then, Nat King Cole transcended racial racist division and was appreciated for the great singer that he was.
Nat King Cole, Pearl Bailey, Eartha Kitt, Louis Armstrong and Mahalia Jackson were on this show.
Johnny Mathis and Marian Anderson were also on this show, as were Lena Horne, Diahann Carroll, Ella Fitzgerald and Leslie Uggams...
just love Joey Bishop on this show.
Joey was certainly very "on" this night.
@@nankerphelge3771 - well put...Bishop was on top of his game on this episode. He gets kudos alone for making Arlene lose it.
Arlene and Kitty were always on point! Joey Bishop was incredibly on his toes! Sir Bennet, was such a genius man, John James Daly was the kindest 💙 witty host! 💙 Excellent show to watch!
His voice was like a rich wine.
Bless his heart, he so deserved that wonderful welcome. Awesome!!! ❤
That was one of the most raucous receptions ever for a mystery guest.
...And deservedly so. He died way too young.
AND WHY NOT? IT'S NAT KING COLE
@@ronniemoon57 Yes, it's a testament to his popularity during the 1950's & '60's. He was my Mom's favorite male singer. She was always playing his records.
ridiculous fun!! the naughty giggles are the best with this panel. my crush on joey bishop grows, and my heart is happy for Dorothy, seeing her laugh and her eyes sparkle. oh and i'm still madly in love with arlene.
Dorothy always had the cutest laugh and Arlene has the most infectious. :)
Joey Bishop was so funny here. I loved how they avoided talking about the horses rear half. I cant remember when Arlene laughed so hard.
druidbros
the big laughter from arlene is always a win-win, especially when everyone else is in on it :) joey is great on the panel!
Lorna Badeo Isn't it lovely to see grown-ups giggle!?
Lorna Badeo Joey is a worthy successor to Hal Block
What else could I write about Nat King Cole that hasn’t already been written? He was simply the best of the best. His music carries on, recognized by people in every country around the world, and just as appreciated as it was during his short life as it is many more years later.
Thank you, again, for all of these uploads. This is my favorite thing to do when I want to just relax. The shows, especially this one, are delightful and I treasure them and you.
They dress so elegantly and speak with courteously to one another! It's so refreshing to watch. Thank you for airing this for us! 💗💗💗💗💗
nat king cole was loved by all a man of class !!
My 23 yrs old sold asked my late step dad what he thought of Nat King Cole. He replied, "The Best!"
Great show. Nat King Cole was wonderful, and the first two guests were a lot of fun.
Joey Bishop killed it on this show!
It was his night! I was laughing out loud!
My late fathers favourite singer and had every album. As a kid growing up in the 80s i thought wtf! However now i can simply say without question the best singer ever and not surprised he received a huge ovation
He was my late father's favorite also. When my father passed away, I got his collection of record albums and was thrilled to find several by Nat King Cole.
I've read a few biographies of NKC and people truly adored him, can't remember anyone saying anything bad about him (except Maria). He had his faults but we can see in the 5 minutes he's on screen here, how likable he was. And when will a NKC movie be made? Truly my favorite singer EVER... Derek Luke would be a good actor to play him
I would much rather live without a movie about Nat King Cole, if they make it as the last one about Elvis. 🤐
@@nelkatanelkaI agree with you. A documentary would be a great idea, but a dramatization biopic? Good luck with that. It would be like making one about Roy Orbison. What do you do? Get an actor who looks like him? And sings like him? Both artists are so unique, nothing would be satisfactory.
The Q & A between Arlene and Joey Bishop with the Horse Trainer was hilarious; it seemed like it could have gone on indefinitely. Ovation for Nat was insane.
James T. Giuliano died peacefully on February 1, 2007 at the age of 89.
@operadog2000.
May he RIP.
Thank you for helping to fill in questions that are very often asked regarding anyone that has appeared on WML.
Thanks for uploading this. I enjoyed watching it. Nat King Cole was so handsome and charming!
mmmm Nat King Cole's voice is like honey :) he can croon in my ear any time
Arlene is just hilarious. Joey Bishop as well. I love this program.
I keep watching and watching ever single episode that you upload. Thank you!
It’s not true that Nat King Cole “transcended” racism. People certainly did act disgustingly toward him because of his race, as they did other people of color. It’s something we simply don’t talk about now.
Unfortunately, you are quite correct.
If a white, female, singer appeared on his show, they had to stand on the opposite side of his piano..no touchie..
Love Joey as a panelist-wish he had been a regular-loved Steve Allen on the panel too-funny-but not sarcastic.
Nat King Cole was the most glamourous looking of celebrities I've ever seen.
I love it when celebrities breaking all of the racial barriers especially during a time when racism was at an all time high in the US. NKC was one of those celebrities! I had never heard him speak so this is a delight for me. I love his songs and I wasn’t born until 1970 but grew up hearing his music.
Joey Bishop was delightful on this panel. Thanks for uploading!
One of the greatest entertainers of all time Period!!!!!!!!!
I loved seeing my Aunt Winnie.
A unique voice and a truly class act - the one the only Nat King Cole.
Nat could sing the phone book and you could dance 💃 to it. What a gracious and humble man/entertaining business! ✨️♥️✨️
What I think I like most about this show is the display of manners and courtesy
Funny how they knew him just from the applause.
Why...hes known by millions all over the world...rightfully so
Nat died of lung cancer only 4 years after this appearance at the age of 45. Tragic.
I listen to him everyday, wonderous voice
Nat King Cole stated that he had to wait in a dirty, closet sized dressing room in the back of the studio until his appearance on the show. Nat stated that he had to enter the studio of the show in the back door right from the alley. Nat lived in a mansion at the time and was wealthier and more talented than anyone on the panel, yet he was still treated like a 3rd class citizen because of his skin color.
I loved it when Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, etc. were Mystery Guests on WML and tried in vain to disguise their distinctive voices. Even us home audience members who know who these people were would have no trouble getting them. When guest panelists like Joey Bishop can guess who you are before Dorothy, Bennett and, especially Arlene can blurt it out, you're in trouble.
Nat King Cole is UNFORGETTABLE
Nate’s speaking voice and singing voice is so recognizably smooth
Joey Bishop is so amusing
'It's apparel for a broad, right?' Oh to have seen JD's reaction.
You just can't hide a voice like Nat's. 😉
Bravo for this program's commitment to diversity in the inviting of its mystery guests as well as in its regular participants as well.
I don't think that mattered. Nat King Cole is and was a phenomenal singer. They appreciated talent which Mr Cole had in abundance.
Commitment to diversity? The show NEVER had a commitment to diversity. Blacks and Asians were uncommonly seen.
Arlene is always just delightful!
The demeanor and beautiful ensembles of the panel...
Nothing like it today.
Dorothy Kilgallen was cheating on her husband during this time and abusing alcohol and drugs. Dorothy's husband was having public sexual flings with women 'publicly' and it was well known by the audience and the rest of the panel. This was a time in America where *proper TV etiquette* was paramount if you wanted sponsors! However, outside of TV and when out of the view of the camera people & celebrities behaved as we do today..cursing, drinking, having sexual flings, and slandering minorities....etc.
I’m addicted to this show now, they knew how to have a good time, it was so entertaining, just the banter back and forth, Joey Bishop was a quick wit, very funny, Nat King Cole had one of the smoothest voices I have ever heard…very few received an applause like that, and an amazing pianist, check him out here on You Tube.
it must of been pretty nice to so known and loved, that he only lasted about 10 seconds before the panel knew who he was
“Smile”; one of the greatest songs ever, sung by the incomparable Nat King Cole
And written by the incomparable Charlie Chaplin.
If you want to spend about 45 minutes observing a master at his craft, watch the BBC special the Nat King Cole did in 1963. It's on TH-cam.
Happy Heavenly Birthday, Nat! You were a favorite artist of my grandparents. I love you, too! You are Unforgettable!
anytime i hear nat king cole's voice i burst in to tears
Tears of joy or sadness?
I couldn't agree with you more, Nat was a fantastic pianist, my great Uncles Bill Samuels and Ernest Ashley worked with him frequently on some of his recordings back in the 40s and 50s!
Arlene and her heart pendant.😎
Bishop is genuinely hilarious!
And to think this was pre-Civil Rights Act. The genuine love and admiration everyone in that studio clearly had for Cole is amazing.
Nat King Cole’s voice is mesmerizing
Wonderful I have all he's music a beautiful voice I will always remember him RIP AMEN
Oh man, Nat King Cole only has four years left after this appearance.
Sadly , yes. He was only 45 when he passed on in 1965. Gone too soon.
What a treat to see Nat King Cole!
Joey Bishop is my favorite guest star on this show!
Unlike other comedians, he doesn't try to take over the show. He makes funny comments when appropriate but keeps the game moving along.
I love this one especially. Nat King Cole grew up very close to where I live in Montgomery, AL. The section he was in was known as Bellaire. My area is Cloverdale. They abutted one another. Bellaire has now become a part of the grounds for historic Alabama State University.
He knew even the slightest hint of his voice would give him away lol
I love Mr. Cerf's nod to Gilbert and Sullivan!! i also like the way the staff of the show dress many of the contestants in a manner diametrically opposed to their profession.
One of the drawbacks of watching these episodes alone is that there is no way that I can prove that Arlene's eyelashes immediately stood out when she was facing the camera and introducing Joey Bishop. Lo and behold, the first challenger has a line related to that very thing. And if I understood her correctly at the end of the segment, she is wearing his product.
When leaving, the false eye lash maker lingered in front of Ms.Francis, perhaps discussing trade info.
It could be said that Nat King Cole was The Beatles for the over 30 set. What an ovation when he came out!
I'd be hard pressed to think of one greater that that.
They cheered Nat King Cole on the show, but Cole stated that he had to wait in a dirty, closet sized dressing room at the rear of the studio. Nat stated that he was required to enter the studio from the back door right off of the alley. Nat was wealthier and more famous than anyone on the panel, but he was still treated like a 3rd class citizen because of his skin color. This was a sad time in our country where the entire country was entrenched in morbid racism....and that racism was supported by federal law.
John Daly's rather detailed explanations are often my favorite part of WML.And then the panelists reactions to those explanations are often equally funny
Fred Allen was a master of those,as was Arlene.
Joey: 'Do you service horses?'....HAHA!
Can you imagine what a panel today would ask once it was established that Mrs. Alexandra didn't deal with the horse's head? At least the panel, as giggly as they were, knew better and had manners enough not to ask the - shall we say, obviously scatological questions.
Scandalous in 1961
Look-Sex wasn't invented in the sixties. People since way back when have had sex on the brain,and interpreted "Serving the Horses" the same way then as now
Why this period is portrayed as so much more sweet and wholesome, I don't understand.
@@postatility9703 I don't think it's that they didn't think about it or interpret things the same way but there was a line that generally wasn't crossed as far as what was discussed out loud, or in the presence of ladies. People had more of a sense of decorum and propriety and tried to keep it classy rather than talking about things that others would find offensive. John once wrote an article about how vulgar television had become and he referred to them talking about "the most intimate relations between the sexes" or words to that effect - in that day even a twice married father of six didn't use the word "sex" in polite society and certainly not in "mixed company".
Nat 'King' Cole was a GIANT.
Great line by Joey at 16:00
Today is October 25th 2018.. A TRUE CLASS ACT!!!! NAT WAS IT!!!
Nat King Cole was just wonderful.
gosh darnit. looks like we also missed a lil note passing betwix the panel again! ahhhh i wish someone saved those!
Big difference between Nat's appearance here and his first in 1953. In 1953 WML was still following the standard network/sponsor/industry practice of quickly shooing the black mystery celebrities (Cole, Lena Horne, Duke Ellington, 'Rochester' Anderson, etc) off the stage once their identities had been determined, without any social banter between the guest and the panel. Although legal segregation was still the law and practice of the land in 1961, it is clear Mr Cole's accomplishments since his first visit and his mega popularity made his second visit an example of how his first should have ended. Nat doesn't get enough credit for his contributions to American society beyond the stage and recording studio...all done with impeccable class. Thanks Nat.
So there were no contractual prohibitions and John was about to let Nat King Cole sing. But Bennett twice interrupted, because his voicing in Elmer Fudd tones his distaste for rock 'n' roll was more important and a better use of precious airtime than hearing Nat King Cole sing. Thanks for nothing, Bennett!
That's kind of funny because according to his daughter, the late Natalie Cole, her father despised rock music.