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ent001034-003

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ent001034-003
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University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Libraries

NAT KING COLE - Biography - page 2 The reception afforded Cole?╟╓s appearance in "Cat Ballou" is sure to be a warm one, especially abroad since he is a perennial favorite among the people of four continents with his sensitive song portrayals. In fact, Nat Cole's talent is a unique blending of technical musical know- ledge and performing artistry. One of the few popular singers of the day who has had an extensive background in the study of music (he is a gifted jazz pianist) he has been a Capitol Records selling leader for over 20 years. Born Nathaniel Adams Coles in Montgomery, Alabama, on March 17th, his real name was abbreviated later when he became a professional en- tertainer. The son of a Baptist minister, Edward James Coles, Nat was four years old when the family, which included three other boys and a girl, moved to Chicago. Nat's brothers, Eddie, Freddie and Isaac, all are professional singer- pianists in nightclubs and other show business media. Their sister, Evelyn, is a beautician in Waukegan, 111. Always a closely knit family, Nat's late mother was a great influence in his musical life from an early age. She directed the choir in her husband's church, was a fine soprano, and encouraged Nat to play the piano. At five years of age he could pick out the melody of "Yes, We Have No Bananas" with both hands. more