KNCT Artist Spotlight – Natalie Cole

Her contributions to music and her ability to honor her father’s legacy while creating her own unique sound have left an indelible mark on the industry.

Gary Emmert

6 Feb 2025

2–3 minutes

A Legacy of Love and Music

Natalie Maria Cole, born on February 6, 1950, in Los Angeles, California, was destined for greatness from the moment she entered the world. As the daughter of the legendary Nat King Cole, Natalie was surrounded by music from an early age. Her mother, Maria Hawkins Ellington, was a singer with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, and her home was filled with the sounds of jazz, soul, and blues.

Growing up in the affluent Hancock Park district of Los Angeles, Natalie was exposed to some of the greatest musicians of the time. She sang on her father’s 1960 Christmas album, “The Magic of Christmas,” and began performing at the age of 11. Despite the immense pressure of living up to her father’s legacy, Natalie forged her own path in the music industry.

In 1975, Natalie released her debut album, “Inseparable,” which included the hit single “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love).” The album’s success earned her two Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, making her the first African-American recipient of the award. Over the next few years, Natalie continued to release successful albums, including “Natalie” and “Unpredictable,” both of which went platinum.

However, Natalie’s career faced challenges in the early 1980s due to drug addiction and a serious throat ailment. She eventually overcame these difficulties and made a triumphant return to the music scene with the release of “Unforgettable… with Love” in 1991. This album featured her father’s classic songs, including the title track, which was digitally engineered to create a father-and-daughter duet. The album won three Grammy Awards and became a commercial and critical success.

Throughout her career, Natalie Cole received nine Grammy Awards and sold over 30 million records worldwide. She was also awarded the Howie Richmond Hitmaker Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1999 and was posthumously inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2021. Her contributions to music and her ability to honor her father’s legacy while creating her own unique sound have left an indelible mark on the industry.

Natalie Cole passed away on December 31, 2015, at the age of 65, but her legacy lives on through her timeless music and the impact she had on countless fans. Her story is one of resilience, talent, and the enduring power of love and music.