Genres: Seasonal,Jazz,Pop,Vocals,Soul/R&B,SoundtracksNatalie Cole is one of those rare artists who have managed to create an identity for herself, while being a part of the great Nat King Cole Legacy. Being a daughter to one of the greatest singers in American Culture, Natalie Cole has survived many personal tragedies, afflictions and emerged a much respected and powerful diva. Her 1991 album "Unforgettable" sold an astonishing 14 million copies and gave her the coveted "Album of the Year". Natalie Cole has toured all over the world and performed at prestigious events like the SuperBowl and Nelson Mandela's 70th Birthday tribute.
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Natalie Cole - The Unforgettable Lade of Soul
I never got to make that transition from little girl to young woman... and that really screws you up. - Natalie Cole
A Legend In Her Right
Natalie Cole is one of those rare artists who have managed to create an identity for herself, while being a part of the great Nat King Cole Legacy. Being a daughter to one of the greatest singers in American Culture, Natalie Cole has survived many personal tragedies, afflictions and emerged a much respected and powerful diva. Her 1991 album "Unforgettable" sold an astonishing 14 million copies and gave her the coveted "Album of the Year". Natalie Cole has toured all over the world and performed at prestigious events like the SuperBowl and Nelson Mandela's 70th Birthday tribute.
She was even a special guest for President George W Bush where she performed live. But her success lies very much due to her angelic soft voice and graceful demeanor. She has released platinum selling albums in the last four decades. Cole has also won an extraordinary 9 Grammy Awards. She has also appeared in several movies including an autobiography on her life which a TV movie was titled "The Natalie Cole Story".
The Early Life
Natalie Cole was born to legendary jazz and RnB singer Nat King Cole and Maria Cole. Living in a very posh are of LA, she used to refer her child hood life as the "the black Kennedys". Before the age of 15 she had already made her debut performance. After her father passed away in 1965, Natalie began what was a very turbulent relationship with her mother.
Prior to graduating from College, Natalie started singing in a local club called The Pub. She deliberately did not put her last name on the bill to avoid the unwanted attention. As many people knew that the legendary Nat King Cole's daughter could sing and would continue his legacy. On the contrary she did not even sing his songs and tried be as far as she could from his style of music. Ironically, years later, it would be the very same music which would bring her the greatest acclaim and commercial success.
The 70s Success
By 1975 her partnership with producer future husband Marvin Yancy, released "Inseparable". The album was had a distinctive RnB sound and was huge success, it was certified gold. She even went on to win two Grammies. The American media was full of praise for the young diva who was trying to carve an independent career for herself. From 1976 - 1980, Natalie had several platinum and gold albums and singles. The success culminated into a CBS TV special called Natalie Live
On the personal front she had married her producer Marvin Yancy in 1976 and had become mother of a boy as well. But by 1980 things started to get a bit out of hand. Natalie Cole had experimented with recreational drugs but now it had exploded to a full blown addiction.
In 1985 after entering rehab made a comeback with the album "Dangerous" was a commercial flop. But after a few shows and intense recording she released her first hit of the 80s "Everlasting" in 1987; the album featured funk based music and her fantastic cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Pink Cadillac" was a dance hit. In 1989 her album "Good To be Back" featured the international smash love ballad "Miss you like Crazy".
The Unforgettable Chapter
After years of not wanting to record her father's music, Natalie Cole decided to embrace it. Her next album would be arrangements of her father's greatest hits. The music production was exceptional ensuring that the legacy is intact while focusing on the Diva's voice. It was a huge risk as the music was pre-rock and pop era; but the songs "Unforgettable", "Nature Boy" and "Mona Lisa" made a huge impact.
The album was a commercial blockbuster. It was her first US No.1 and has sold 14 million copies. Natalie Cole performed at the Grammy with a video image of her father by her side, is considered of the most memorable Grammy moments. She walked away with the Album of the Year!
Her follow-up to this resounding success was a Gold certified "Take a Look Back". The album was another foray into the pre-rock/pop era.
Her Own Legacy
Natalie Cole continued to perform for the next 15 years releasing traditional pop and jazz albums to great acclaim and success. In 2008, she released Still Unforgettable a tribute to the American Songbook artists such as Peggy Lee, Sammy David Jr. and Frank Sinatra. The album won her 9th Grammy.
Natalie Cole has survived personal trials and tribulations to become of the most enduring voices of the jazz and soul genre.
- In 1975 Natalie Cole was arrested in Toronto, Canada for possession of heroin
- In 1975 she won the Grammy award for Best New Artist and has gone on to win a total of 9 Grammy Awards
- She sang the American National Anthem at Super Bowl XXVIII
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