TRANSCRIPT:
Hi, I’m Mark Rapp, and this is Rapp on Jazz.
Nat King Cole began his remarkable journey as a jazz pianist in the late 1930s when he founded The King Cole Trio. This group became the best-selling act on Capitol Records and made history as the only Black ensemble at the time. Their innovative sound inspired countless jazz ensembles that followed.
In 1950, Cole transitioned to a solo career, captivating audiences with his smooth, velvety voice. Timeless classics like "Unforgettable" and "Mona Lisa" showcase his extraordinary talent.
While he achieved incredible success, he faced great racial discrimination. As a pioneering African-American artist, Cole broke down barriers and set an inspiring example of musical prowess. His lasting influence on jazz and popular music makes him a cherished icon that we celebrate with joy today.
This has been Rapp on Jazz, a co-production of ColaJazz and SC Public Radio, made possible in part by Layman Poupard Publishers, producers of the Literary Criticism Series and the Dictionary of Literary Biography.