Natalie Cole

Error creating thumbnail:

Error creating thumbnail:

Natalie Cole

Name	Natalie Cole
Birth name
Birth date	February 6, 1950
Birth place	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Death date	December 31, 2015
Death place	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Alma mater
Occupation	Singer, songwriter, actress
Years active	1956–2015
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Natalie Maria Cole (February 6, 1950 – December 31, 2015) was an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She was the daughter of the legendary Nat King Cole and Maria Hawkins Ellington. Natalie Cole rose to musical success in the mid-1970s as an R&B artist with the hits "This Will Be", "Inseparable", and "Our Love". She achieved her greatest success in 1991 with the album Unforgettable... with Love, which sold over seven million copies and won her seven Grammy Awards.

Early Life

Natalie Cole was born in Los Angeles, California, to the famous jazz singer Nat King Cole and former Duke Ellington Orchestra singer Maria Hawkins Ellington. Growing up in a musical household, she was exposed to the world of music from a young age. She began performing at the age of 11 and was influenced by artists such as Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin.

Career

1970s: Breakthrough

Cole's career began in earnest in the mid-1970s. Her debut album, Inseparable, was released in 1975 and was an immediate success. The album's lead single, "This Will Be", won her a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Her follow-up albums, Natalie and Unpredictable, continued her success with hits like "I've Got Love on My Mind".

1980s: Challenges and Comeback

The 1980s were a challenging period for Cole, as she struggled with personal issues, including drug addiction. However, she made a successful comeback with the 1987 album Everlasting, which included hits like "Jump Start" and "Pink Cadillac".

1990s: Unforgettable... with Love

In 1991, Cole released Unforgettable... with Love, an album of standards and jazz songs previously performed by her father. The album was a massive success, earning her several Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. The title track, "Unforgettable", featured a virtual duet with her late father, Nat King Cole.

Later Career

Cole continued to record and perform throughout the 1990s and 2000s, releasing albums such as Take a Look and Leavin' . She also appeared in several television shows and films, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Personal Life

Natalie Cole was married three times and had one son, Robert Adam Yancy. She was open about her struggles with drug addiction and her subsequent recovery. In 2009, she underwent a kidney transplant, which she discussed in her memoir, Love Brought Me Back.

Death

Natalie Cole passed away on December 31, 2015, in Los Angeles, California, due to congestive heart failure. Her death was mourned by fans and fellow musicians worldwide.

Legacy

Natalie Cole's legacy is marked by her powerful voice, her ability to cross musical genres, and her resilience in overcoming personal challenges. She remains an influential figure in the music industry, celebrated for her contributions to R&B, jazz, and pop music.

Also see

• Nat King Cole
• Grammy Awards
• R&B music
• Jazz music
• List of American singers