Natalie Cole

Natalie Cole (February 6, 1956 – December 31, 2015) was an American R&B, pop, and jazz singer who became a major recording artist and Grammy Award winner. Born in Los Angeles, Cole was the daughter of the legendary jazz and pop singer Nat King Cole, giving her a musical heritage and a challenging legacy to navigate. Rather than merely trading on her father's name, Natalie established herself as a talented and accomplished artist in her own right, developing her distinctive voice and artistic sensibility. In the 1970s, she achieved commercial success with R&B and pop hits, including "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" (1975) and "Sophisticated Lady" (1976), which earned her Grammy Awards and established her credibility as a serious musician. Throughout her career, Cole successfully navigated multiple musical genres, including R&B, pop, jazz, and soul, demonstrating versatility and artistic growth. Her most famous work came with the 1991 album "Unforgettable with Love," which featured a digitally created duet with her late father on the song "Unforgettable," a technological and emotional triumph that won multiple Grammy Awards and introduced Cole's artistry to new audiences. The album became a major commercial success and remains one of her most celebrated works. Beyond recording, Cole performed extensively throughout her career, earning respect as a live performer. She also ventured into acting and hosted radio programs. Cole struggled publicly with substance abuse issues and health challenges, which she addressed candidly in interviews and memoir. Her legacy includes her music, her contributions to multiple genres, and her demonstration of artistic integrity.