Nat King Cole
Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Born on March 17, 1919, Nat King Cole remains one of history’s most beloved vocalists. His smooth baritone voice, exceptional piano skills, and charismatic stage presence captivated audiences worldwide. Beyond his musical achievements, Cole was also a significant figure in the fight for racial equality, bravely breaking barriers in the entertainment industry. To celebrate his enduring legacy and mark his birthday, we delve into 20 of the best Nat King Cole Songs that continue to resonate with listeners today. From romantic ballads to swinging jazz tunes, this collection showcases the breadth and depth of his extraordinary talent.
1. Straighten Up And Fly Right (1943)
“Straighten Up And Fly Right” marked an early career highlight for Nat King Cole and exemplified his innovative approach to jazz. Co-written with Irving Mills, this song, featured in the 1943 film Here Comes Elmer, drew inspiration from a folk tale often recounted by Cole’s father, a Baptist minister. This track is a prime example of Cole’s brilliance with his jazz trio, featuring Oscar Moore on guitar and Wesley Prince on bass. Its infectious rhythm and clever lyrics propelled it to No.1, establishing Cole as a major force in music and highlighting his ability to blend storytelling with sophisticated jazz arrangements. Jeff Goldblum’s 2018 rendition on The Capitol Studios Sessions is a testament to the song’s lasting appeal.
2. (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66 (1946)
Composed by Bobby Troup, “(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66” became a definitive anthem of the American open road, and Nat King Cole’s 1946 rendition cemented its status as a classic. This song underscores Cole’s exceptional piano prowess, influenced by jazz icon Earl Hines. His fluent and swinging piano playing is as much a star of this track as his velvety vocals. Ray Charles, upon Cole’s induction into the R&B Hall Of Fame in 2000, famously stated, “I used to sleep Nat Cole, drink Nat Cole, eat Nat Cole… his voice and his piano was so much in harmony together. That is what I wanted to do… sound like Nat Cole… and get hired.” This song exemplifies Cole’s profound influence on generations of musicians.
3. The Christmas Song (1946)
“The Christmas Song,” with its iconic opening lines “chestnuts roasting on an open fire,” is synonymous with the festive season, largely thanks to Nat King Cole’s definitive 1946 recording. Co-written by Mel Tormé and Bob Wells during a sweltering summer, the song’s journey to becoming a holiday staple is fascinating. Initially rejected by a publishing house, it found its way to Nat King Cole, who instantly recognized its magic. As James Tormé Jr., Mel Tormé’s son, recounted, Cole proclaimed, “‘Stop everything, that’s my song.'” Cole’s version is not just one of the best Nat King Cole songs, it is an integral part of the modern Christmas tradition worldwide, instantly evoking feelings of warmth and holiday cheer.
4. Nature Boy (1947)
The ethereal and philosophical “Nature Boy” took an unusual path to Nat King Cole. Legend has it that songwriter eden ahbez, a nomadic figure, hand-delivered the song’s lyrics and music backstage at one of Cole’s concerts. Intrigued by its unique message and melody, Cole recorded “Nature Boy” in August 1947. The song resonated deeply with post-war audiences, reaching No.1 and remaining there for eight weeks. Cole’s masterful rendition, delivered in his signature baritone, is enhanced by Frank De Vol’s orchestral arrangement, featuring poignant strings and flute that amplify the song’s timeless message: “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn/Is just to love and be loved in return.”
5. Mona Lisa (1950)
“Mona Lisa” stands as one of the 20th century’s most beautiful love songs and a cornerstone of Nat King Cole’s repertoire. Written for the film Captain Carey, USA by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston, it won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Interestingly, “Mona Lisa” was initially released as the B-side to “The Greatest Inventor of Them All.” Radio DJs, however, recognized its superior appeal, propelling it to become a massive hit. Nelson Riddle’s arrangement for Cole, combined with Les Baxter’s orchestra, provides a lush backdrop for Cole’s tender vocal performance. George Benson, who admired Cole’s “suaveness” on the track, even recorded his own version as “Little Georgie Benson” at the age of eight, highlighting the song’s widespread influence and appeal across generations.
6. Pretend (1950)
“Pretend,” a ballad from the 1930s, received a definitive jazz-infused makeover in Nat King Cole’s 1950 rendition. Released as a shellac 78rpm single by Capitol Records, Cole’s version was recorded with Stan Kenton’s jazz orchestra, featuring uncredited but stellar musicians like Shelly Manne on drums. This recording showcases Cole’s ability to breathe new life into older material, blending classic songwriting with his contemporary jazz sensibilities. Natalie Cole, his daughter and a Grammy-winning artist in her own right, paid homage to her father by recording her own version of “Pretend” on her acclaimed 1991 album, Unforgettable… With Love, further cementing the song’s place in the Cole family legacy.
7. Too Young (1951)
“Too Young” became a phenomenal success for Nat King Cole in 1951, selling over a million copies and topping the Billboard charts for five weeks, ultimately being named Billboard’s top song of the year. With lyrics penned by Sylvia Dee, who also co-wrote “Bring Me Sunshine,” the song’s sentimental theme of young love resonated deeply with audiences. Cole himself reportedly considered “Too Young” his personal favorite among his vast catalog of recordings. Its enduring popularity speaks to its timeless melody and Cole’s heartfelt delivery, capturing the bittersweet emotions of youthful romance.
8. Unforgettable (1952)
The album Unforgettable, released in 1952, opens with its iconic title track, a song that has become synonymous with Nat King Cole. Composed by Irving Gordon, also known for “Me, Myself And I” for Billie Holiday, “Unforgettable” is arguably Cole’s signature song and a career-defining performance. His smooth, nuanced vocal delivery, perfectly complemented by Nelson Riddle’s subtle orchestral arrangement, creates an atmosphere of timeless romance and sophistication. The song’s title itself perfectly encapsulates Cole’s enduring presence in music history and the indelible mark he left on popular culture.
9. Walkin’ My Baby Back Home (1952)
Nat King Cole’s understanding of his audience’s preferences was key to his massive success, selling millions of records at his peak. In 1952, Capitol Records compiled some of his popular tracks into a 10” LP titled 8 Top Pops, including “Walkin’ My Baby Back Home.” The lyrics, penned by Roy Turk, who also wrote Elvis Presley’s hit “Are You Lonesome Tonight?”, contribute to the song’s classic appeal. Cole’s cheerful rendition and the song’s upbeat tempo made it another crowd-pleaser, showcasing his versatility beyond ballads and jazz standards.
10. Almost Like Being In Love (1955)
“Almost Like Being In Love,” written by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe for the musical Brigadoon, found a new audience through Nat King Cole’s enthusiastic interpretations. He recorded several versions, including a vibrant, concise two-minute take for his 1955 album Nat King Cole Sings For Two In Love. This song’s energetic swing and optimistic lyrics perfectly suited Cole’s style. Its inclusion in films like Groundhog Day (as the closing song in 1993) has further broadened its appeal, proving its timeless charm. Cole’s own perspective on love songs – “Most songs have the same story – about love – and you’re either winning or losing” – highlights the universal theme at the heart of this joyful tune.
11. When I Fall In Love (1956)
Originally a hit for Doris Day in 1952, “When I Fall In Love,” penned by Victor Young and Edward Heyman, reached new heights of emotional resonance with Nat King Cole’s 1956 rendition. Cole transformed the song into his own signature ballad, showcasing his exceptional vocal control and phrasing. His brother Freddie noted Nat’s remarkable enunciation as a key element of his singing style, and it is particularly evident in this track. Suzi Quatro described hearing Cole’s version as a pivotal moment in her childhood, saying, “I was about ten and that was the first proper love song I heard. I used to sit in my sister’s room and listen to it and cry,” illustrating the song’s profound emotional impact.
12. Stardust (1957)
Hoagy Carmichael’s timeless masterpiece “Stardust” was already a celebrated song for three decades when Nat King Cole revisited it for his 1957 album Love Is The Thing. Cole’s rendition brought a fresh, contemporary feel to the classic, further solidifying its place in the Great American Songbook. Steve Hoffman, who worked on mastering the album, remarked on Cole’s voice, stating it “demanded the spotlight,” even amidst a stellar ensemble of musicians. Cole’s own humble explanation, “I started out to become a jazz pianist, but when I started singing, I sang the way I felt and that’s just the way it came out,” belies the sophisticated artistry behind his effortless vocal delivery.
13. Ballerina (1957)
“Ballerina,” also known as “Dance, Ballerina, Dance,” written by Carl Sigman, was recorded by Nat King Cole a decade after its composition. This song holds special significance for contemporary artist Gregory Porter, who included his version on his 2017 tribute album, Nat King Cole & Me. Porter called it “an influential song” and elaborated, “It’s a story of love and how it doesn’t come to fruition based on this dancer having a career and life of her own.” Porter’s admiration underscores Cole’s lasting impact on vocalists across genres, drawn to his “extraordinary timbre, style, and ultimate cool.”
14. The Very Thought Of You (1958)
Ray Noble’s exquisite ballad “The Very Thought Of You,” first recorded by Al Bowlly in 1934, has been interpreted by countless legendary singers, including Bing Crosby and Billie Holiday. Nat King Cole’s 1958 version stands out as particularly memorable, produced by Lee Gillette and featuring Gordon Jenkins’ sweeping string arrangements. Cole’s ability to inhabit a song’s narrative is evident here. As he said, “I’m an interpreter of stories. When I perform it’s like sitting down at my piano and telling fairy stories,” capturing the intimate and storytelling quality he brought to his performances.
15. Quizás, Quizás, Quizás (Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps) (1962)
Venturing into Latin music, Nat King Cole recorded “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás” (“Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps”) by Cuban composer Osvaldo Farrés for one of his Spanish-language albums in 1962. This heavily orchestrated, rhythmic track features Armando De Sequeira Romeu, a drummer from the Havana Symphony Orchestra, adding authentic Cuban flair. Cole’s performance in Spanish, learned phonetically, demonstrates his versatility and global appeal, bridging musical cultures and languages with his signature vocal style.
16. (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons (1961)
“(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons,” a timeless classic co-written by Deek Watson of The Ink Spots in 1945, received a definitive rendition by Nat King Cole in 1961. He recorded it for his album The Nat King Cole Story, which earned a Grammy nomination for Album Of The Year. Cole’s tender and sincere delivery of this song deeply influenced generations of singers. Aaron Neville described Cole’s singing as “like medicine to me,” emphasizing his hypnotic vocal quality. Neville further noted Cole’s universal appeal among fellow artists, stating, “Nat was everybody’s favorite singer – from Ray Charles to Sam Cooke to Marvin Gaye – all of them loved him. Everybody wanted to do some Nat King Cole.”
17. Send For Me (1961)
Nat King Cole consistently surrounded himself with top-tier jazz musicians, a practice dating back to his early days playing uncredited on a Lester Young record. For “Send For Me,” he enlisted drummer Lee Young (also a Lester Young collaborator) and guitarist Kenny Burrell. Written by Ollie Jones, the song showcases Cole’s relaxed yet impeccably pitched vocals. This track exemplifies his ability to blend pop sensibilities with jazz musicianship, creating a sophisticated and effortlessly cool sound.
18. Oh Mary, Don’t You Weep (1961)
Growing up immersed in gospel music, Nat King Cole dedicated an entire album to spirituals, Every Time I Feel The Spirit. His adaptation of “Oh Mary, Don’t You Weep” is a standout track, featuring the choir of the First Church Of Deliverance in Chicago providing powerful backing vocals. This song highlights Cole’s deep connection to his roots and his ability to bring gospel fervor into the mainstream. Beyond his musical achievements, Cole’s impact as a groundbreaking figure in American popular music is undeniable. He faced and overcame significant racism, attributing his success to “hard work, integrity, and luck.”
19. Ramblin’ Rose (1962)
Nat King Cole’s rendition of “Ramblin’ Rose,” written by the Sherman brothers, became a massive hit in 1962, reaching No.2 on the Billboard charts and selling over a million copies. The song served as the title track for his 1962 album, arranged by Belford Hendrick, who had previously worked with Count Basie and Dinah Washington. Featuring a vocal chorus and Rene Hall’s distinctive electric guitar work (Hall also played with soul legends Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye), “Ramblin’ Rose” is a catchy and accessible tune that broadened Cole’s appeal across genres and demographics.
20. L-O-V-E (1965)
“L-O-V-E,” a modern love classic written by Milt Gabler, comedian Billy Crystal’s uncle, stands as one of the best Nat King Cole songs and a testament to his global reach. Cole recorded versions in Japanese, Spanish, and French, alongside the English original, showcasing its universal theme of love. His meticulous approach to music is evident in this track; his singing is precise and perfectly timed. Trumpet maestro Bobby Bryant, known for his work with Oliver Nelson and Horace Silver, contributes to the song’s vibrant instrumentation. Tragically, “L-O-V-E” was recorded in 1964, shortly after Cole’s diagnosis of lung cancer. He passed away a year later at the young age of 45, leaving behind an unparalleled musical legacy.
