Born on March 17, 1919, Nat King Cole was one of the world’s greatest jazz pianists and vocalists, as well as a pioneer for equality. Cole grew up in Chicago, the son of a Baptist minister. His father’s occupation accounted for one memorable feature of Cole’s singing: enunciation. At four years old, Cole started to learn the piano by ear from his mother, and at 15, he decided to leave school to pursue a career as a jazz musician.
In 1939, the musician formed a trio with Oscar Moore on guitar and Wesley Prince on bass. Gradually, Cole would emerge as a singer as well as a pianist. By 1948, he was already well on his way to becoming one of the most popular vocalists of the day. Invitations for acting roles soon followed. But his success did not mean that Cole didn’t endure racial discrimination. Significantly, he became the first African-American television presenter in 1956.
Sadly, Nat King Cole passed away in 1965 at the young age of 45 due to throat cancer. From ‘Unforgettable’ to 'Stardust,’ Cole left a slew of timeless hits, 16 of which we share in the playlist below.
INTERACTIVE: Enjoy 15 of the Frank Sinatra's Greatest Hits
Whether you're a long-time fan or discovering his genius for the first time, this journey through Sinatra's greatest hits is sure to stir the soul and swing the heart!
Incredible Piano Performance of Schumann’s Sonata No. 2
Listen to the incredibly talented and award-winning pianist Tiffany Poon play a lovely rendition to Schumann’s Sonata No. 2
7 Famous Songs and Their Lesser Known Backstories
The 7 timeless hits in this article have such surprising and memorable backstories we just had to share them with you.
Brighten Your Day & Sing Along to The Beatles' Hey Jude
This iconic Beatles song won't fail to put a smile on your face. Be sure to press play and sing along!
INTERACTIVE: 12 Greatest Hits by Ray Charles
In this interactive post, we celebrate the musical legend Ray Charles with a carefully curated selection of his 12 greatest hits.
There’s a Side to Michelangelo’s Artwork You’ve Never Seen
Take a look at the work of artist Michelangelo, beyond the Sistine Chapel and the statue of David, and created by him over 70 years.
This Is How Shakespeare’s Plays Were Meant to Be Performed
How Shakespeare's plays and sonnets were meant to be read, and why it matters
This Girl's Ventriloquism Skills Are Out of This World!
12-year-old Darci Lynne went on this year's America Got Talent and wowed the judges with her ventriloquism act. Take a look here!
If You're a Married Man, This Song Has Some Advice For You!
Timothy Hawkins, in this hilarious song, sings about what you should not say to your wife if you want a long life. This will make you cry with laughter!
An Especially Amusing Classical Hungarian Dance
Watch this great performance and enjoy not only wonderful Hungarian classical music but an amusing show as well!
Andre Rieu Stirs Our Emotions With his Tribute to Sinatra!
Join Andre Rieu and his orchestra in their tribute to the unforgettable Frank Sinatra, as they perform "My Way".
How It's Made: Glass Christmas Ornaments
Enjoy a quick history of Christmas glass ornaments and a deep look into how they're made!
WATCH: This Dancing Family of 12 Is So Adorably Talented
This exciting dance and music performance is unique, because it's entirely the product of one very large and talented American family. They blew me away!
Ever Wondered What a REAL Tango Looks Like? So Beautiful!
The dance of Tango is one full of beauty and passion.
Who Knew Tea Bags Could be Used to Create Great Art?
Ruby Silvious is an artist from New York who uses tea bags as her diary. Check out her amazing work!
This Emotional Duet Gave Me Goosebumps of Pleasure
These two world-famous artists are amazingly talented singing alone, let alone when they join to give an emotional duet like this.
These Phenomenal Acrobats Have Terrific Strength
These amazingly strong acrobats are going to effortlessly entertain you.
7 Beautiful Animal Paintings by Franz Marc
German artist Franz Marc was known for his abstract animal paintings that explored their spiritual side. Take a look at his best works.
Let 'The Sugar Plum Fairy Dance' Excite Your Xmas Spirit!
What poise ballerina Nina Kaptsova displays in this gorgeous performance of Tchaikovsky's most Christmassy dance!
Never Judge a Book By Its Cover!
Opera meets pop when 17-year-old Jonathan and 16-year-old Charlotte sing together. But can the duo convince Britain's Got Talent Judges they are true talent?
These Stunning Oil Paintings Show the Brooding Side of Cities
This artist uses various oil painting techniques to produce stunning, atmospheric representations of modern cities.
What Detail! You Must See These Stunning Oil Paintings
Check out these stunning, detailed oil paintings by Osamu Obi.
5 Hyper-Realistic Drawings That Just Seem IMPOSSIBLE
Prepare to be amazed by these incredibly lifelike drawings.
Enjoy 60 Minutes of Cirque du Soleil Magic!
Want to see one of the best modern circus shows in the world?
This Homeless Man Amazed Everyone Around Him...
No one was expecting this homeless man to have such skills on a piano. When he starts to play, everyone in the vicinity stops to listen.
WATCH: This Dance Is an Ode to Beautiful Mother Nature
This shadow dance, a tribute to nature, will move you to tears through its poignancy and thanks to its stark depiction of the reality that Mother Nature faces.
This 'Frozen' Shadow Dance Is Out of This World
Shadow Theatre VERBA presents their performance called 'Frozen', which has already enchanted millions of people from around the world.
Can You See the Faces in These Mind-Bending Paintings?
Portraits by Oleg Shuplyak are special because they are very clever optical illusions. Can you see all the famous figures in these paintings?
Amazing! These Women Play the Harp Like No Others!
In our opinion, the harp is one of the best instruments to have ever been created. Don’t agree? Well, watch these four harpists and you’ll change your mind!
Watch 32,000 Dominoes Fall in Perfect Synchronisation
We present to you 4 minutes of uninterrupted and absolutely incredible domino action, chock full of bright colors and great pictures.
It's Amazing What an Artist Can Do With a Humble Bookend
Monde is an artist like no other - he turned his attention to bookends, drawing inspiration from the city of Tokyo. Take a look at his unique and amazing work.
Stephanie Rew Creates Lustrous Portraits Dipped in Gold
Admire 13 of Stephanie Rew’s fantastic gold leaf portraits.
Spectacular Art Will Take You to the East During the 1800s
From his travels, American artist Edwin Lord Weeks created some spectacular art. Take a look at his work.
This Live Soprano Aria Performance Will Blow Your Mind!
Take a look at this beautiful and magnificent soprano aria of the famous 'Song of Olympia'.
You Can't Watch This Performance Without Falling in Love...
Alice Fredenham seduced her judges when she delivered this immortal performance of 'My Funny Valentine'.
Art Explanations: Rembrand’s Most Famous Painting
'The Night Watch' by Rembrandt is among the most recognized paintings in the world, but what makes it a masterpiece?
You Won't Believe How Much People Paid For These Paintings
There are some paintings in this world that cost so much money, it's enough to make your eyes water. Here are the most expensive paintings ever sold.
Stunning! These Pencil Drawings Look Like Photographs
Emanuele Dascanio is a true master of his craft, creating incredibly realistic graphite pencil and charcoal portraits.
Smile as These 2 Prove You're Never Too Old to Dance!
If you think you're too old to dance, then you'd better think again!
This Is How 11 Ancient Roman Ruins Looked Like In the Past
Very little of ancient Rome remained to this day, but here is a wonderful reconstruction of some of the most famous sighs.
This Classic Dance Takes an Unforeseen Turn...
Watch and gasp as these two amazing dancers jump, fly and float like two feathers in the wind. Outstanding.
These 3D Paintings Appear to Pop Out Of the Sidewalk!
This has to be the most unique street art you'll ever see. This Russian artist's incredible work appears to come alive out of sidewalks in major cities.
See Andre Rieu Make Musical History With 'You Raise Me Up'
Watch in amazement as the legendary musician, André Rieu, performs an outstanding rendition of 'You Raise Me Up' alongside the Johann Strauss Orchestra.
Relax With a Few Moments of Heavenly Music
Take a few moments for yourself. Close your eyes and let the smile spread on your face as this sweet music spreads in the air.
Woah! How is it Possible to Build Such Beauty Using Sand?
Japanese artist Toshihiko Hosaka has been making sand sculptures for the last two decades and his art will astound you!