Nat King Cole, born Nathaniel Adams Coles in 1919 in Montgomery, Alabama, was a groundbreaking African American musician and one of the most popular and influential entertainers of his time. He was a highly successful jazz pianist and vocalist, known for his smooth baritone voice and masterful piano playing.

Cole's career spanned several decades, starting with his early success in the 1940s as the leader of the Nat King Cole Trio, a jazz group that became one of the most popular and influential jazz ensembles of the era. He went on to achieve immense success as a solo artist, with hits like "Unforgettable," "Mona Lisa," and "The Christmas Song."

Despite facing racial discrimination and segregation in the music industry and society at large, Cole broke barriers and achieved widespread acclaim and success. In 1956, he became the first African American to host a nationally televised variety show, "The Nat King Cole Show." Although the show faced challenges due to racial tensions and was ultimately canceled after one season, Cole's trailblazing role as a Black man on mainstream television was groundbreaking.

Nat King Cole's enduring talent and influence have left a lasting legacy in the world of music. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, and his music continues to be celebrated and appreciated by audiences worldwide. Cole's contributions to music and his impact on breaking racial barriers continue to be remembered and honored in Black history.