Nathaniel Adams Coles (March 17, 1919 – February 15, 1965), known professionally as Nat King Cole, was an American musician, who first came to prominence as a leading jazz pianist. Although an accomplished pianist, he owes most of his popular musical fame to his soft baritone voice, which he used to perform in big band and jazz genres. He is the first black American to host a television variety show, maintains worldwide popularity over 40 years past his death, and is one of the most important historical U.S. music personalities.
