Nat King Cole was a trailblazing African-American musician and one of the most celebrated and iconic vocalists of the 20th century. Born Nathaniel Adams Coles in Montgomery, Alabama in 1919, he later changed his name to Nat King Cole and began his music career as a jazz pianist before gaining fame as a singer.

Cole was the first African-American man to host his own television variety show, "The Nat King Cole Show," which debuted in 1956. With his smooth baritone voice, Cole became a groundbreaking figure in the music industry, breaking racial barriers and becoming a symbol of success for Black artists in a predominantly white industry.

Throughout his career, Cole released numerous hit songs, including "Unforgettable," "Mona Lisa," and "The Christmas Song," which have become classics. He was also a talented jazz pianist, known for his innovative and melodic playing style.

Despite facing discrimination and racism throughout his life and career, Nat King Cole remained a beloved and influential figure in American music. He passed away in 1965, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the greatest entertainers of all time.