When Frank Sinatra went home to relax after a gig, the singer he would listen to, all the time was Nat King Cole, that says it all. Thank you so much Fil.
I am 73 years old so was privileged to watch/hear Nat King Cole on television. His voice was like velvet, satin, just so rich. I still love him to this day!
Yeah, but that wonderful voice was forged while he was a heavy smoker, which ultimately shortened his life with lung cancer. It is not officially Christmas in my mind, until I hear "The Christmas Song" for the first time.
@@jeromemercurio5407 Wow. I'm always shocked when I learn that a singer "back in the day" (as Fil would say) smoked. There's a picture of Tony Rice (maybe on an album cover?) with a cigarette hanging out of the side of his mouth in probably the early 70's or so. Eeek! I doubt many singers today would risk it. But look at Willie Nelson and pot..... he was a cigarette smoker who chose to continue smoking pot after developing COPD from smoking cigarettes ! double Eeeek.
Nat King Cole could take the most mediocre of tunes and spin it into refined gold. I can thank my parents for introducing me to Nat's wondrous voice, piano and arrangements. Moreover, I've always thought that Nat's daughter (Natalie) should have received a lot more credit for her work. Just a thought. If I may, I'd like to dedicate Nat's superb "Unforgettable" to my parents and Nat's rendition of "Stardust" to my wife. Somehow, I know that my aforementioned loved ones and Nat Cole are singing those tunes in Heaven. Thank you, FIL!
Mentioning his daughter, Natalie, I love the duo of this song with them singing together. It is more than beautiful. He is dead, and she sings with him on a screen. Same as Lisa Marie Presley sings with her father Elvis. I will usually go to the duo Unforgettable over this one.
@@jeffgaumond4250 -- It's my favorite, as well. Nat's velvety-smooth voice and the orchestration make that particular version of "Stardust" something worthy of Heaven. I wonder what Hoagy Carmichael thought of it. Take care -- W
I think too many people made the mistake of dismissing Natalie, thinking it was a nepotism thing and didn't give her credit for herself, instead of Nat King Cole's daughter. I know I made that mistake myself.. BUT in all fairness to myself, I was a literal kid, something like 12 or 13??? It took me about 10 years to really appreciate her voice as the smooth powerhouse it is.
Nat King Cole was a part of my childhood and I adored him. Along with his singing I was drawn to him because of his gentle persona. He was the first African American to host a TV show. His singing was smooth as silk and unhurried. He left spaces and seemed to treat each note as something special.
@April S my mom had videotaped The Nat King Show when PBS aired them unfortunately, I don't have them anymore. nice to hear from you again my friend😊🧡✌
The wonderful thing to me about his singing is that he doesn't go yodeling all over the place the way singers now do. It sounds so intentional, but also it allows you to really enjoy the quality of his voice as well as the beauty of the unaltered melody. Thanks for presenting him. 👍
On PBS' "Piano Blues" with Clint Eastwood, Ray Charles said EVERYBODY wanted to play piano like Nat King Cole. Seeing Nat at piano, my jaw dropped. King's talent on piano IS INSANE!
His earlier trio recordings SWING! His voice is lovely, but his playing was even better. He was Oscar Peterson’s favorite piano player (that’s saying something, as OP was himself a virtuoso to begin with), and you can hear that evolve in his playing …OP’s vocals also sounded quite a bit like Cole… 🙂
Such a legend. Love his smooth silky voice. He was an American singer, jazz pianist & actor. He recorded over 100 songs that became hits on the pop charts. He is best known for "Mona Lisa" & "Unforgettable" but he had so many great hits such as "Smile", "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66", "(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons", "There! I've Said It Again", "Nature Boy", "Ramblin' Rose", "Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer" etc.
i still have a record player, and i have several of his records - and i do mean actual vinyl 🙂 - and i actually have every single song you listed lol. and i absolutely love him. i also have a natalie cole cd where she sings a "duet" with her dad on 'unforgetable'.
Fil, for me Nat King Cole is like the male version of Karen Carpenter. So smooooooth, so warm. And the way he uses rests and pauses are stunning. No one can "not sing" as well as Nat King Cole.
Nat King Cole, one of my all-time favorites. I love the way he never rushed a song. My favorite is L-O-V-E, but all of his songs are amazing. Thank you again for a super analysis!
Yes, his great secret was his approach to a song, phrase by phrase. He didn't ever rush. Add to that his incredible vocal talent and impeccable musicianship, and you have the reasons why Nat Cole is one of the greats of all time in pop music.
Finally, my favorite male singer of all time! Three things about him that I found interesting: 1) He told his daughter, regarding the importance of diction and being clear, of which he was a master, that for a singer, for people to like you, they must first understand you. Nobody was more crisp. 2) Some of his jazz contemporaries believed he was simply singing pop songs later in his career, and that his real talent as a jazz pianist was overlooked and got buried by his fame as a singer. I suppose it's been that way for a long time, though. Many of the all-time great composers, like Mozart, made most of their money playing, not writing/creating. 3) Lots of Southern stations refused to air his show, for the reasons you might suspect. P.S.: I was hoping for Mona Lisa! So enigmatic ...
Yes! Thanks Fil. I'm a rocker but model my ballads (requests) on Nat's phrasing. Singers like Nat and Frank made the performance about the song - let the song shine. No ridiculous runs or whistle registers.
By isolating his vocal like this, the spaces he leaves between the notes seem to create suspense. It's very gratifying to hear the next note arrive! Ohhh, I thought that hum was an echo of some sort! Delightful analysis.
@@larrywalter6476 ?? Why do you keep cropping up in Fil's comments - and always saying Hello to women? I've yet to see you say Hi to any of the guys? Are you some sort of cyber stalker?
My Mom's favorite singer. I grew up listening to this great man. (Know he also "broke" the neighborhood when he bought an LA home in Hancock Park.) His jazz piano background (and he really was an incredible pianist) really informed his singing too. Natalie's tone was just incredible as well.
Nat King Cole is one of my dad’s favorite singers. It’s sad that within a few years after he died, many people didn’t remember him. My dad went to the records department at Woolworth’s in Manhattan, and asked the sales girl if they had any Nat King Cole records and the girl said she didn’t know who he was. This was in 1972, seven years after Nat died. The sales girl was black and in her early twenties, so she would have been a teenager when Nat died. There was an elderly black couple standing nearby who heard the conversation, and they nodded their heads at my dad, to acknowledge they knew who Nat was. Thank you, Fil, for drawing attention to this great singer.
I love how his entire face lights up when he's singing. Even his eyebrows are smiling. And his talking voice is as beautiful and smooth as his singing voice. Pure class.
I just stumbled onto your channel and what a wonderful surprise. As I watched Judy Garland, Patsy Cline, and Barbra , I was thinking of Nat King Cole. My husband was a chief engineer for a radio station. We would be out at the transmitter and Nat King Cole would come on, the oscilloscope would be in a beautiful wave. Unlike other singers.
Brought back such wonderful memories of listening to him growing up. He made me swoon and still does. What a velvet voice. So warm. Thanks for this analysis Fil.
One of the greatest voices of his era and every era. He broke barriers. He was incredible, and his daughter, Natalie was also pretty good. If we only had singers like him in this modern age of music.
Nat King Cole could sing the slow ballads and toe tapping ones with such ease not to mention his gift at the piano. my mom had videotaped The Nat King Cole Show when it was shown on PBS he and his gust where very entertaining. thanks Fil
His voice is soft, smooth, rich, clean, and powerful. It sticks with you because of just how beautifully articulated the delivery is. All of the greats have that quality of resonating with this part of you that makes you want to keep listening. It's like hearing Joshua Bell play pieces on his Stradivarius. You just KNOW when his bow touches the strings you're going to enjoy the performance, that you'll be trying to hold onto that moment for as long as you can. You not only hear it, you FEEL it, it's visceral, and stays with you long after that last note fades in e air. A great voice is exactly like that. You remember it forever. These days, it's so hard to get into music when so much of it is synthetic and mechanical, and I don't mean the instruments! Smooth, clean, clear, rich voices like say, Josh Groban are few and far between. His would be a good voice to hear your thoughts on. I miss the days of turning on the radio and hearing voices like this, oPatsy Cline, Freddie Mercury, or Bobbie Hatfield, which you so elegantly broke down in previous analyses. It gets more irritating when you watch a show, you hear...just this incredible voice singing something that hits you in the sweet spot, makes you FEEL, you go to find them again, and hear song after song that is just so WRONG, and you just cannot put a finger on what exactly is wrong with it. So much so that it spoils the pure joy of hearing them as you did that first time, and makes you second-guess, makes you wonder if that first time was just a fluke. Learning what that wrongness is, prepares the brain for it, but it's still jarring, especially when you've heard the real deal without the garbage.
His is the voice that's been in the background track of so much of my whole life, (I was singing "Straighten Up & Fly Right" when I was three😊) and has gotten me through so much. "Mona Lisa" was released about six months before I was born, so it was always there, along with way too many others to name. I loved his show and reveled in all his guest appearances on Ed Sullivan, Jack Benny, and the rest. Cat Ballou is right up with Some Like It Hot as my most watched and favorite funny movies that have transitioned with me from theater to VHS to DVDs! And, speaking of "Straighten Up & Fly Right" - that's the tune that cinched my love for Diana Krall with her fun arrangement in the early 90s. I've so much to thank Nat King Cole for throughout my time here. 🌎💖 edit: Ooh, you know what would just be so cool?! If you could do a comparison analysis of his and Johnny Mathis' renditions of "Stardust" ✨
Nat was highly regarded as a jazz pianist. He was one of the first to get that 'modern sound' and yet it never seemed jarring or discordant to the average listener. His ballads with his own trio were exquisite, but so was his work with large non-jazz orchestras.
From my early teens forward Nat King Cole recorded so many beautiful songs, I remember them all and all the words. He had an "unforgettable" voice and has always been my favorite singer.
I was born in 1948 so my main music was late 50s-early 60s. But when I was in my early teens a friend of my mother’s gave me a stack of 45s that was music of the 40s and 50s, including several of Nat Coles. I fell in love with his voice and to this day he’s one of my all-time favorite vocalists.
Thanks for adding Nat Cole to your analysis videos. I love to listen to that smooth, beautiful voice. I'd like make a recommendation for another video - Tony Bennett. There's a version of "Maybe This Time" that he did where it seems like he sings the entire song without taking a second breath. Thanks again and I so enjoy all of your videos about the great old singers.
The duet version with Nat and Natalie King Cole was played at my daughter's wedding reception for the "Daddy-Daughter" dance. I had come up with a lot of suggestions for that song, but my daughter finally suggested this one -- and it was perfect. I don't think I have ever heard a Nat King Cole song that I didn't love.
That duet was also used for the "Daddy-Daughter" dance at my Daughter's wedding. I had come up with a lot of suggestions, but my Daughter came up with this one. As a parent, I'm happy to know my Daughter is smarter than I am.
Nat King Cole's voice envelopes you like a warm blanket on a cold night. He will forever be my favorite crooner style singer and his version of The Christmas Song will always be my favorite holiday song. Wonderful analysis, Fil! Thank you!
Fil, I really hope you do an analysis video of Nat tickling the ivories. So many know him only as a singer, yet his skill on the piano was wonderful. Another great video!
I remember the day Nat died. No matter where I was, Nat was in the air. Radio stations and jukeboxes were filled with his voice. Thank you, FIL, for all of your analyses. Love the channel.
As a study in contrasts, I would be interested in your analysis of Nat King Cole singing “Orange Colored Sky” with Stan Kenton and his famously dissonant orchestra. Fun trivia: Earl Hines, who lost the jazz piano contest to Nat Cole, giving him the “King” title, taught Stan Kenton jazz piano, using a purely visual method.
As a small child I had several albums (yes, vinyl, lol) I listened to a lot, including one that just had a sleeve instead of a cover. Played it so often that I can still remember where individual scratches could be heard on different tracks. It wasn't until I hit university that I had access to the internet and lyric searches, and that's how I discovered that the album was called A Blossom Fell (1973 release, which explained why it was worn before I got it some years later) and the artist was Nat King Cole. To this day I know the words to every song on the A side, recognize the songs on the B side by the opening bars, and remember the utter thrill of discovering the rest of his catalogue as an adult. Hearing Unforgettable and When I Fall in Love was a revelation. Great video, and I'm relieved his legend lives on. 🙂
I love the story of when he had to fill in as a singer, he was the piano player, he was surprised as he didn't see himself as a singer. Huh! And what a singer 💕
He was such an incredible singer. I wondered about that "hum" it almost sounds like his tongue is on the roof of his mouth, or he was singing with his jaw clenched. I became fascinated with it, hah, glad you addressed it.
I listen to Nat or Donny Hathaway...A song for you and truthfully...Wonder where are singers like that today? I know it's a different time and place but today's music leaves me wanting. Thank you Fil, once again , for your outstanding analysis. 👏
So smooth and so warm and delivered with such charm and wit. Nat King Cole’s voice was unforgettable, indeed. I think Nature Boy is my favourite. Thanks for letting us “see” his beautiful voice with you. I love this series.
Another great analysis by Fantastic Fil. Nat had such a smooth rich tone, people forget that he was an amazing jazz pianist. He started singing out of necessity when a club owner asked why there were no vocals. He played some awesome piano licks with the King Cole Trio. Straighten up and fly right, Route 66, etc. Having said that, I absolutely love the man's singing also. Mona Lisa, Answer me my love, and Too young, are among my favorites. Nat "King" Cole ♥️
Phil, It’s as much a pleasure to watch you smile and enjoy these artists as it is to listen to your analysis of, and commentary on, their vocals. Great work.
Oh what a voice. If there was ever proof that great voices don't need ruddy autotune, this has to be it. And also, he was a superb piano player, a genuine world-class jazz player and super lyrical with it. You almost don't need to isolate his voice, it elevates itself above any background accompaniment. One of the absolute and authentic greats ❤❤❤
As a wee kid in the 70's I used to listen to Lou Rawls. his "You'll Never Find" was my favourite; his deep voice followed by that low piano was mesmerising to my 4yo self. I still listen to it when I need a pick-me-up.
His version of "Stardust" is one of my favorites. He was an incredibly talented jazz pianist. I wish there were more recognition for the Nat King Cole. Trio
As a small boy, I used to spend many weekends with my great grandmother. She, absolutely, loved Nat King Cole. So, I was introduced to his music early on and still enjoy it after all these many years. She passed in 1983...and everytime I hear Mr. Cole's music, it takes me back to very memorable time.
My very favourite male vocalist of all time. He was just the best. When I was three, one of my earliest memories is singing with Nat’s recording of Hello Dolly. My dad would play it over and over for me. So I had good taste from a very young age. Thanks for this video Fil, it reminded me of my dad, who was a Nat King Cole Trio fan.
Fil you are fantastic! Your understanding of and appreciation for great music is unmatched. The way you dissect a performance and also demonstrate is outstanding. You’ve already done so many of my most favorite performers. At 72 I’ve seen a bunch and Nat, Frank, Mathis and Andy are tops in my book. Johnny Mathis singing Misty and Andy singing Danny Boy both make my eyes leak. I’d like to also include the best singer today, Angelina Jordan. She just did My Funny Valentine two weeks ago that is the finest rendition I’ve ever heard. Jazz is her foundation but emotion is her strength. Won Norways Got Talent at 8 and signed with Republic Records now at 16. You’ll love her.
One Christmas I helped rise money for a charity for kids, and what we did was go into the Toronto subway system to sell fancy candy canes. Beside us was an older black man who was busking. This man had a voice exactly like Nat King Cole. We spend about 2-4 hours listening this guy singing, it was like hearing a live concert by Nat King Cole. He would sing a few songs then come over and talk with me for 5-10 minutes then sing a couple more song. The acoustics were incredible and his singing was bang on. It was one of those things you never forget.
Thank you Fil for making my night better.. So many memories of good times with my parents.. My dad died when I was 17, "Unforgettable" reminds me of him...
My dad died when I was 19. When I first heard the duet with Nat and Natalie I sobbed. I always wondered how she did it without crying. It is beautiful!
The video along with the analytics show a singer can learn from Nat and improve their own delivery. Any singer devoted to their craft can get better. That said, you can’t help but smile throughout listening to this singer do what makes his voice a one of a kind miracle.
Johnny Mathis said as a young singer he always listened to Nat King Cole. And learned from him.
When Frank Sinatra went home to relax after a gig, the singer he would listen to, all the time was Nat King Cole, that says it all. Thank you so much Fil.
How can anyone not listen to Nat King Cole?! So fluid, so smoothe, so elegant!
@@elizabethlinsay9193 In the South they wanted to ban him. It was hard for him to get on Southern TV stations.
Coming from Frank Sinatra, that was a high compliment indeed!
Frank wanted to be Nat when he grew up. 🤣
@@mikewrasman5103 Hey! That's one hell of a comment there! You really are something special, man!
when Nat sings, the world is all of a sudden a beautiful place
Unless it's your inane spouting!
@@mikewrasman5103 what aches you?
@@mikewrasman5103 I get it, you must be one of those pootin fans I offended, or maybe a pearl jam fan.
@@mikewrasman5103 how you doing today?
I am 73 years old so was privileged to watch/hear Nat King Cole on television. His voice was like velvet, satin, just so rich. I still love him to this day!
I am 76. My mother played his records and watched his show. So I was introduced to his magic at a young age. Thank you mom for the Nat experience.
@@lilamuzik3385 That was a special time, and music wasn't just noise.
@@kathleenmckeithen118 you are so correct. Never will forget Nat King Cole.
Wow amazing!!! Such a treasure!
@@peachykeen7634 Yes!
Nat King Cole is one of the singers that makes me say "Man, I wish I could sing like that." A gentle soul too.
Yeah, but that wonderful voice was forged while he was a heavy smoker, which ultimately shortened his life with lung cancer.
It is not officially Christmas in my mind, until I hear "The Christmas Song" for the first time.
@@jeromemercurio5407 Wow. I'm always shocked when I learn that a singer "back in the day" (as Fil would say) smoked. There's a picture of Tony Rice (maybe on an album cover?) with a cigarette hanging out of the side of his mouth in probably the early 70's or so. Eeek! I doubt many singers today would risk it. But look at Willie Nelson and pot..... he was a cigarette smoker who chose to continue smoking pot after developing COPD from smoking cigarettes ! double Eeeek.
@@Sheila-cm4jya lot of singers still smoke today, its rarer but still happens more often than you'd think
Nat King Cole is Unforgettable
I'm a simple man, I see a thumbnail with Phil smiling I click as I know I'm about to see some gold.
🙂👍
Smooth transition from talking voice to singing voice. . . Absolutely no effort; smooth like butter!
Nat King Cole could take the most mediocre of tunes and spin it into refined gold. I can thank my parents for introducing me to Nat's wondrous voice, piano and arrangements. Moreover, I've always thought that Nat's daughter (Natalie) should have received a lot more credit for her work. Just a thought. If I may, I'd like to dedicate Nat's superb "Unforgettable" to my parents and Nat's rendition of "Stardust" to my wife. Somehow, I know that my aforementioned loved ones and Nat Cole are singing those tunes in Heaven. Thank you, FIL!
So true
Mentioning his daughter, Natalie, I love the duo of this song with them singing together. It is more than beautiful. He is dead, and she sings with him on a screen. Same as Lisa Marie Presley sings with her father Elvis. I will usually go to the duo Unforgettable over this one.
Nat's rendition of "Stardust" is my all time favorite version of this classic Hoagie Carmichael song from 1928.
@@jeffgaumond4250 -- It's my favorite, as well. Nat's velvety-smooth voice and the orchestration make that particular version of "Stardust" something worthy of Heaven. I wonder what Hoagy Carmichael thought of it. Take care -- W
I think too many people made the mistake of dismissing Natalie, thinking it was a nepotism thing and didn't give her credit for herself, instead of Nat King Cole's daughter.
I know I made that mistake myself.. BUT in all fairness to myself, I was a literal kid, something like 12 or 13??? It took me about 10 years to really appreciate her voice as the smooth powerhouse it is.
Nat King Cole was a part of my childhood and I adored him. Along with his singing I was drawn to him because of his gentle persona. He was the first African American to host a TV show.
His singing was smooth as silk and unhurried. He left spaces and seemed to treat each note as something special.
@April S my mom had videotaped The Nat King Show when PBS aired them unfortunately, I don't have them anymore. nice to hear from you again my friend😊🧡✌
My parents LOVED Nat King Cole. I grew up on Nat King Cole.
The Nat King Cole show was wonderful and one my family watched regularly.
@@mikewrasman5103 Wow! That's a very special comment! You might win something with this one.
@@mikewrasman5103 hi there, dude!
FIL, I love how your smile shows your total enjoyment!
Cannot listen to NKC without getting goose bumps. When his daughter came out singing, she had me too. Both so gifted.
The wonderful thing to me about his singing is that he doesn't go yodeling all over the place the way singers now do. It sounds so intentional, but also it allows you to really enjoy the quality of his voice as well as the beauty of the unaltered melody.
Thanks for presenting him. 👍
On PBS' "Piano Blues" with Clint Eastwood, Ray Charles said EVERYBODY wanted to play piano like Nat King Cole. Seeing Nat at piano, my jaw dropped. King's talent on piano IS INSANE!
Real jazz fans (I'm not) say it's a shame he could sing. His piano work was nothing less than genius.
His Nat King Cole Trio was a fantastic cool jazz band.
His earlier trio recordings SWING! His voice is lovely, but his playing was even better.
He was Oscar Peterson’s favorite piano player (that’s saying something, as OP was himself a virtuoso to begin with), and you can hear that evolve in his playing …OP’s vocals also sounded quite a bit like Cole… 🙂
@@mikewrasman5103 Wow! That's a very cool comment. You may become famous with this one!
His voice is like velvet. Rich in tone and texture. He was also an excellent jazz pianist. He's one of my favorite singers from this era.
His voice was smooth as silk. 👍🏼
Such a legend. Love his smooth silky voice. He was an American singer, jazz pianist & actor. He recorded over 100 songs that became hits on the pop charts. He is best known for "Mona Lisa" & "Unforgettable" but he had so many great hits such as "Smile", "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66", "(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons", "There! I've Said It Again", "Nature Boy", "Ramblin' Rose", "Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer" etc.
i still have a record player, and i have several of his records - and i do mean actual vinyl 🙂 - and i actually have every single song you listed lol. and i absolutely love him. i also have a natalie cole cd where she sings a "duet" with her dad on 'unforgetable'.
I loved nature boy… so different
Don't forget tenderly!
Fil, for me Nat King Cole is like the male version of Karen Carpenter. So smooooooth, so warm. And the way he uses rests and pauses are stunning. No one can "not sing" as well as Nat King Cole.
Fil, would also you consider reviewing the marvellous Dionne Warwick?
Nat King Cole, one of my all-time favorites. I love the way he never rushed a song. My favorite is L-O-V-E, but all of his songs are amazing. Thank you again for a super analysis!
Hello Rhonda how are you doing
Yes, his great secret was his approach to a song, phrase by phrase. He didn't ever rush. Add to that his incredible vocal talent and impeccable musicianship, and you have the reasons why Nat Cole is one of the greats of all time in pop music.
Finally, my favorite male singer of all time! Three things about him that I found interesting: 1) He told his daughter, regarding the importance of diction and being clear, of which he was a master, that for a singer, for people to like you, they must first understand you. Nobody was more crisp. 2) Some of his jazz contemporaries believed he was simply singing pop songs later in his career, and that his real talent as a jazz pianist was overlooked and got buried by his fame as a singer. I suppose it's been that way for a long time, though. Many of the all-time great composers, like Mozart, made most of their money playing, not writing/creating. 3) Lots of Southern stations refused to air his show, for the reasons you might suspect.
P.S.: I was hoping for Mona Lisa! So enigmatic ...
Or that Christmas favorite "The Christmas Song."
I love your smile appreciating these wonderful talents.
Yes! Thanks Fil. I'm a rocker but model my ballads (requests) on Nat's phrasing. Singers like Nat and Frank made the performance about the song - let the song shine. No ridiculous runs or whistle registers.
Yes, pure talent, no gimmicks needed. I know whistle registers are a talent in and of themselves but some take it to the point of annoyance.
By isolating his vocal like this, the spaces he leaves between the notes seem to create suspense. It's very gratifying to hear the next note arrive! Ohhh, I thought that hum was an echo of some sort! Delightful analysis.
As are all Fil's analyses! Delightful and spot-on.
Hello Lynn Dow how are you doing?
@@larrywalter6476 ?? Why do you keep cropping up in Fil's comments - and always saying Hello to women?
I've yet to see you say Hi to any of the guys?
Are you some sort of cyber stalker?
My Mom's favorite singer. I grew up listening to this great man. (Know he also "broke" the neighborhood when he bought an LA home in Hancock Park.) His jazz piano background (and he really was an incredible pianist) really informed his singing too. Natalie's tone was just incredible as well.
Yeah, Nat King Cole Trio was how he started in show biz.
Nat King Cole is one of my dad’s favorite singers. It’s sad that within a few years after he died, many people didn’t remember him. My dad went to the records department at Woolworth’s in Manhattan, and asked the sales girl if they had any Nat King Cole records and the girl said she didn’t know who he was. This was in 1972, seven years after Nat died. The sales girl was black and in her early twenties, so she would have been a teenager when Nat died. There was an elderly black couple standing nearby who heard the conversation, and they nodded their heads at my dad, to acknowledge they knew who Nat was. Thank you, Fil, for drawing attention to this great singer.
I can add it to the list, but the list is long!
@Wings of Pegasus You mean the list of singers that you brought to people’s attention?
Not just a great artist….a true gentleman. He deserved to live much longer.
Fourteen years old when I heard him sing Nature Boy . Pretty much a Beatles fan but this broadened my appreciation of music on the spot .
"Sing where you talk," is an absolute brilliant piece of advice for a beginning singer.
I love how his entire face lights up when he's singing. Even his eyebrows are smiling. And his talking voice is as beautiful and smooth as his singing voice. Pure class.
The unforgettable Nat King Cole! So unique!
I just stumbled onto your channel and what a wonderful surprise. As I watched Judy Garland, Patsy Cline, and Barbra , I was thinking of Nat King Cole. My husband was a chief engineer for a radio station. We would be out at the transmitter and Nat King Cole would come on, the oscilloscope would be in a beautiful wave. Unlike other singers.
One of Mel Torme's nicknames was the "Velvet Fog" because his vocals were so smooth, so then what can we call Nate King Cole? "The King of Smooth"?
Brought back such wonderful memories of listening to him growing up. He made me swoon and still does. What a velvet voice. So warm. Thanks for this analysis Fil.
Even Nat's speaking voice sounds like singing! One of those immediately recognizable voices.
One of the greatest voices of his era and every era. He broke barriers. He was incredible, and his daughter, Natalie was also pretty good. If we only had singers like him in this modern age of music.
Nat King Cole could sing the slow ballads and toe tapping ones with such ease not to mention his gift at the piano. my mom had videotaped The Nat King Cole Show when it was shown on PBS he and his gust where very entertaining. thanks Fil
His voice is soft, smooth, rich, clean, and powerful. It sticks with you because of just how beautifully articulated the delivery is.
All of the greats have that quality of resonating with this part of you that makes you want to keep listening.
It's like hearing Joshua Bell play pieces on his Stradivarius. You just KNOW when his bow touches the strings you're going to enjoy the performance, that you'll be trying to hold onto that moment for as long as you can. You not only hear it, you FEEL it, it's visceral, and stays with you long after that last note fades in e air.
A great voice is exactly like that. You remember it forever.
These days, it's so hard to get into music when so much of it is synthetic and mechanical, and I don't mean the instruments!
Smooth, clean, clear, rich voices like say, Josh Groban are few and far between. His would be a good voice to hear your thoughts on.
I miss the days of turning on the radio and hearing voices like this, oPatsy Cline, Freddie Mercury, or Bobbie Hatfield, which you so elegantly broke down in previous analyses.
It gets more irritating when you watch a show, you hear...just this incredible voice singing something that hits you in the sweet spot, makes you FEEL, you go to find them again, and hear song after song that is just so WRONG, and you just cannot put a finger on what exactly is wrong with it. So much so that it spoils the pure joy of hearing them as you did that first time, and makes you second-guess, makes you wonder if that first time was just a fluke.
Learning what that wrongness is, prepares the brain for it, but it's still jarring, especially when you've heard the real deal without the garbage.
My father use to say..you’ll never hear another voice as beautiful as Nat King Cole. I agree, such a beautiful, smooth sound. Thanks Fil.😊
Nat King Cole was a gift from Heaven. Thank you Fil for the gift that you are to us.
What a voice! Unlike any other. My favourite male singer. The tone of his voice was so silky.
His is the voice that's been in the background track of so much of my whole life, (I was singing "Straighten Up & Fly Right" when I was three😊) and has gotten me through so much. "Mona Lisa" was released about six months before I was born, so it was always there, along with way too many others to name. I loved his show and reveled in all his guest appearances on Ed Sullivan, Jack Benny, and the rest. Cat Ballou is right up with Some Like It Hot as my most watched and favorite funny movies that have transitioned with me from theater to VHS to DVDs! And, speaking of "Straighten Up & Fly Right" - that's the tune that cinched my love for Diana Krall with her fun arrangement in the early 90s. I've so much to thank Nat King Cole for throughout my time here. 🌎💖 edit: Ooh, you know what would just be so cool?! If you could do a comparison analysis of his and Johnny Mathis' renditions of "Stardust" ✨
Nat was highly regarded as a jazz pianist. He was one of the first to get that 'modern sound' and yet it never seemed jarring or discordant to the average listener. His ballads with his own trio were exquisite, but so was his work with large non-jazz orchestras.
A true legend.🌹
So classic! Just perfection.
Hello Carol how are you doing
Love Nat thank you
They played this at my dad's funeral 21 years ago. Nice song and dad's favorite
From my early teens forward Nat King Cole recorded so many beautiful songs, I remember them all and all the words. He had an "unforgettable" voice and has always been my favorite singer.
I was born in 1948 so my main music was late 50s-early 60s. But when I was in my early teens a friend of my mother’s gave me a stack of 45s that was music of the 40s and 50s, including several of Nat Coles. I fell in love with his voice and to this day he’s one of my all-time favorite vocalists.
Thanks for adding Nat Cole to your analysis videos. I love to listen to that smooth, beautiful voice. I'd like make a recommendation for another video - Tony Bennett. There's a version of "Maybe This Time" that he did where it seems like he sings the entire song without taking a second breath. Thanks again and I so enjoy all of your videos about the great old singers.
Agreed
Yes. Nat King Cole’s Christmas album is the first one we listen to on Christmas! His voice is magnificent - so expressive.
The duet version with Nat and Natalie King Cole was played at my daughter's wedding reception for the "Daddy-Daughter" dance. I had come up with a lot of suggestions for that song, but my daughter finally suggested this one -- and it was perfect. I don't think I have ever heard a Nat King Cole song that I didn't love.
That duet was also used for the "Daddy-Daughter" dance at my Daughter's wedding. I had come up with a lot of suggestions, but my Daughter came up with this one. As a parent, I'm happy to know my Daughter is smarter than I am.
As always great analysis of Nat King Cole his voice.
So loving these series.
Thanks, Fil ❤️
Me, too!
My dad used to dance me around the living room while singing along with Nat. So many happy memories. 💖💖💖
I love his voice. So smooth. And his piano playing. Effortless.
Nat King Cole's voice envelopes you like a warm blanket on a cold night. He will forever be my favorite crooner style singer and his version of The Christmas Song will always be my favorite holiday song. Wonderful analysis, Fil! Thank you!
Fil, I really hope you do an analysis video of Nat tickling the ivories. So many know him only as a singer, yet his skill on the piano was wonderful. Another great video!
Nat King Cole was a total package: early on he was a pianist who had his own band; his voice was so good he became a hit maker.
Love looking at Fil's face as he savours the talent and voices of his featured "guests."
I loved your analysis! Nat King Cole’s voice was truly like no other. I learn so much every time I watch your videos. Always a joy! Thank you Fil!!
I remember the day Nat died. No matter where I was, Nat was in the air. Radio stations and jukeboxes were filled with his voice. Thank you, FIL, for all of your analyses.
Love the channel.
As a study in contrasts, I would be interested in your analysis of Nat King Cole singing “Orange Colored Sky” with Stan Kenton and his famously dissonant orchestra. Fun trivia: Earl Hines, who lost the jazz piano contest to Nat Cole, giving him the “King” title, taught Stan Kenton jazz piano, using a purely visual method.
Any excuse to listen to the great voice of Nat King Cole, indeed!
Thanks Fil!
As a small child I had several albums (yes, vinyl, lol) I listened to a lot, including one that just had a sleeve instead of a cover. Played it so often that I can still remember where individual scratches could be heard on different tracks. It wasn't until I hit university that I had access to the internet and lyric searches, and that's how I discovered that the album was called A Blossom Fell (1973 release, which explained why it was worn before I got it some years later) and the artist was Nat King Cole. To this day I know the words to every song on the A side, recognize the songs on the B side by the opening bars, and remember the utter thrill of discovering the rest of his catalogue as an adult. Hearing Unforgettable and When I Fall in Love was a revelation. Great video, and I'm relieved his legend lives on. 🙂
I just love to look at him, he just seems so happy to sing
And changed the words to do justice to the melody, fabulous
Nat King Cole was my father's favorite singer. Every time I hear him I remember my dad. Thanks for the memory Fil.
Nat King Cole..this made me smile. Thank you. His voice. 😍
Thank you for analyzing the great Nat King Cole. He was one of my mom's very favorite singers.
Hearing Nat King Cole singing "Nature Boy", is pure pleasure.
Unique and unforgettable is the most accurate description.
💜
Love learning what makes my favorite singers so great - Nat is the King!
Nat had a wonderful voice and his early trio days were quite amazing.
I love the story of when he had to fill in as a singer, he was the piano player, he was surprised as he didn't see himself as a singer. Huh! And what a singer 💕
He was such an incredible singer. I wondered about that "hum" it almost sounds like his tongue is on the roof of his mouth, or he was singing with his jaw clenched. I became fascinated with it, hah, glad you addressed it.
Hello Valorie how are you doing
And that's why Nat King Cole is Unforgettable
Absolutely ❤❤❤
This is a awesome view! So much appreciated! Amazing job! Cheers Fil! !
Nat King Cole made love to the song as he was singing it. Impossible not to feel it.
What can I say? His voice was just so comforting and goes straight to your soul. Loved your analysis.
I listen to Nat or Donny Hathaway...A song for you and truthfully...Wonder where are singers like that today? I know it's a different time and place but today's music leaves me wanting. Thank you Fil, once again , for your outstanding analysis. 👏
So smooth and so warm and delivered with such charm and wit. Nat King Cole’s voice was unforgettable, indeed. I think Nature Boy is my favourite.
Thanks for letting us “see” his beautiful voice with you. I love this series.
Another great analysis by Fantastic Fil. Nat had such a smooth rich tone, people forget that he was an amazing jazz pianist. He started singing out of necessity when a club owner asked why there were no vocals. He played some awesome piano licks with the King Cole Trio. Straighten up and fly right, Route 66, etc.
Having said that, I absolutely love the man's singing also. Mona Lisa, Answer me my love, and Too young, are among my favorites. Nat "King" Cole ♥️
Nat King Cole is an amazing singer. Thanks for sharing this analysis video. Cheers, Fil! ✌️
Not sure if you did because of my request, but THANK YOU for doing it. And THANK YOU for doing this analysis so so SO well!
Nat King Cole is wonderful to listen to. It's like his voice just pours over you.
Phil,
It’s as much a pleasure to watch you smile and enjoy these artists as it is to listen to your analysis of, and commentary on, their vocals. Great work.
Thanks!
Agreed. Exactly the comment I was planning to give.
Ray Charles is my favorite male singer, but Nat has the most beautiful male voice I've ever heard. It is just butter.
Oh what a voice. If there was ever proof that great voices don't need ruddy autotune, this has to be it. And also, he was a superb piano player, a genuine world-class jazz player and super lyrical with it. You almost don't need to isolate his voice, it elevates itself above any background accompaniment. One of the absolute and authentic greats ❤❤❤
As a wee kid in the 70's I used to listen to Lou Rawls. his "You'll Never Find" was my favourite; his deep voice followed by that low piano was mesmerising to my 4yo self. I still listen to it when I need a pick-me-up.
I love how Nat King Cole took his time and kept it smooth, relaxing and warm.
His version of "Stardust" is one of my favorites.
He was an incredibly talented jazz pianist. I wish there were more recognition for the Nat King Cole. Trio
Nat King Cole's Voice is AMAZING, Fil....Such Beauty and Resonance, but His Tone is Incredible....Cheers from Damo.
That silky, soothing voice and that easy charm just made you feel like all would be right with the world. Another master class by Fil.
As a small boy, I used to spend many weekends with my great grandmother. She, absolutely, loved Nat King Cole. So, I was introduced to his music early on and still enjoy it after all these many years. She passed in 1983...and everytime I hear Mr. Cole's music, it takes me back to very memorable time.
My very favourite male vocalist of all time. He was just the best. When I was three, one of my earliest memories is singing with Nat’s recording of Hello Dolly. My dad would play it over and over for me. So I had good taste from a very young age. Thanks for this video Fil, it reminded me of my dad, who was a Nat King Cole Trio fan.
Fil you are fantastic! Your understanding of and appreciation for great music is unmatched. The way you dissect a performance and also demonstrate is outstanding.
You’ve already done so many of my most favorite performers. At 72 I’ve seen a bunch and Nat, Frank, Mathis and Andy are tops in my book. Johnny Mathis singing Misty and Andy singing Danny Boy both make my eyes leak. I’d like to also include the best singer today, Angelina Jordan. She just did My Funny Valentine two weeks ago that is the finest rendition I’ve ever heard. Jazz is her foundation but emotion is her strength. Won Norways Got Talent at 8 and signed with Republic Records now at 16. You’ll love her.
Here is a link to My Funny Valentine. th-cam.com/video/ETGLbsGDAI0/w-d-xo.html
You always have to have one or two Nate King Cole songs on your playlist.
Is that the alternate-dimension Nat King Cole?
@@jamesmcinnis208 yup, Nate!
One Christmas I helped rise money for a charity for kids, and what we did was go into the Toronto subway system to sell fancy candy canes. Beside us was an older black man who was busking. This man had a voice exactly like Nat King Cole. We spend about 2-4 hours listening this guy singing, it was like hearing a live concert by Nat King Cole. He would sing a few songs then come over and talk with me for 5-10 minutes then sing a couple more song. The acoustics were incredible and his singing was bang on. It was one of those things you never forget.
Such a silky voice for having such a raspy voice. 💗
Thank you Fil for making my night better.. So many memories of good times with my parents.. My dad died when I was 17, "Unforgettable" reminds me of him...
My dad died when I was 19. When I first heard the duet with Nat and Natalie I sobbed. I always wondered how she did it without crying. It is beautiful!
@@barbaraburton8914 Yes it is... I bet she cried a lot when she was making the video.. Nat died at a young age..
I’ve loved him since my high school days in the ‘70’s. As an adult I’ve found his Jazz Trio and THATs my favorite😊😊
The video along with the analytics show a singer can learn from Nat and improve their own delivery. Any singer devoted to their craft can get better. That said, you can’t help but smile throughout listening to this singer do what makes his voice a one of a kind miracle.