Nat ‘King’ Cole

Description

Nat King Cole was one of the most popular and influential musicians of the 20th century. He was born in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1919 and moved with his family to Chicago as a child. Cole began his musical career as a jazz pianist, but soon became known for his smooth and velvety singing voice.

Cole’s hits include “Unforgettable,” “Mona Lisa,” “Too Young,” and “The Christmas Song.” He was the first African American performer to host his own television variety show, “The Nat King Cole Show,” which debuted in 1956. Despite facing racism and discrimination throughout his career, Cole became an icon of American popular music.

The Nat King Cole stamp was issued as part of the USPS’s Popular Singers” series, which honors some of the most significant and influential musicians in American history. Other musicians who have been featured in the series include Elvis Presley, Billie Holiday, and Louis Armstrong.

The issuance of the Nat King Cole stamp was a fitting tribute to a true American legend. It recognized Cole’s immense talent and his contribution to American music and culture. The stamp is a cherished collector’s item and a reminder of the enduring legacy of Nat King Cole.