By Shivonne Foster
Today marks the 42nd anniversary of the death of singer and musician Nat King Cole. Years after his death, Cole's melodious songs are still recognized and enjoyed today by individuals of all ages. His strong legacy is still impacting aspiring musicians today.
“He is definitely the most influential black musician to come out of Alabama," Brian Vickers, a senior vocal performance major, said. “It's inspiring because that's where I am from. Artists like Ray Charles were influenced by Cole."
Vickers is currently working on an upcoming midterm in the Fine Arts Department based around the legendary Nat King Cole. The project entails covering the biography of the artist and singing one of his songs while emulating his style.
Nathaniel Adams Coles, more commonly known as Nat King Cole, was born in 1919 in Montgomery, Ala. He relocated to Chicago at a young age. It was in the African-American community on Chicago's South Side that Cole became immersed in jazz music.
Cole displayed remarkable talent at a young age. He began playing the piano at age 12. By his teenage years, he was active in two jazz music groups. Cole began a jazz trio in 1937, the King Cole Trio, which also featured guitarist Oscar Moore and bassist Wesley Prince.
Connaitre Miller, a fine arts professor who serves as the jazz coordinator, commented on noticing his originality in incorporating the piano, bass and guitar in a trio rather than using drums.
“I think he's a great inspiration for aspiring jazz musicians," she said. Miller added, “He has such a variety of talents and was the first jazz singer promoted on mainstream television."
Continue...
Today marks the 42nd anniversary of the death of singer and musician Nat King Cole. Years after his death, Cole's melodious songs are still recognized and enjoyed today by individuals of all ages. His strong legacy is still impacting aspiring musicians today.
“He is definitely the most influential black musician to come out of Alabama," Brian Vickers, a senior vocal performance major, said. “It's inspiring because that's where I am from. Artists like Ray Charles were influenced by Cole."
Vickers is currently working on an upcoming midterm in the Fine Arts Department based around the legendary Nat King Cole. The project entails covering the biography of the artist and singing one of his songs while emulating his style.
Nathaniel Adams Coles, more commonly known as Nat King Cole, was born in 1919 in Montgomery, Ala. He relocated to Chicago at a young age. It was in the African-American community on Chicago's South Side that Cole became immersed in jazz music.
Cole displayed remarkable talent at a young age. He began playing the piano at age 12. By his teenage years, he was active in two jazz music groups. Cole began a jazz trio in 1937, the King Cole Trio, which also featured guitarist Oscar Moore and bassist Wesley Prince.
Connaitre Miller, a fine arts professor who serves as the jazz coordinator, commented on noticing his originality in incorporating the piano, bass and guitar in a trio rather than using drums.
“I think he's a great inspiration for aspiring jazz musicians," she said. Miller added, “He has such a variety of talents and was the first jazz singer promoted on mainstream television."
Continue...
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