In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument
Home | Doo Wop | Barbershop | World | Contemporary | Christian | Vocal Jazz | Choral | Christmas | Instructional | Arrangements
Classical | Opera | Musicals | Personality | Young Singers | Disney | Videos | Songs | The Artists
Choral Arrangements of
Nat King Cole
born March 17, 1917, Montgomery, Alabama, U.S.-died February 15, 1965, Santa Monica, California) American musician hailed as one of the best and most influential pianists and small-group leaders of the swing era. Cole attained his greatest commercial success, however, as a vocalist specializing in warm ballads and light swing.
Cole grew up in Chicago where, by age 12, he sang and played organ in the church where his father was pastor. He formed his first jazz group, the Royal Dukes, five years later. In 1937, after touring with a black musical revue, he began playing in jazz clubs in Los Angeles. There he formed the King Cole Trio (originally King Cole and His Swingsters), with guitarist Oscar Moore and bassist Wesley Prince (later replaced by Johnny Miller). The trio specialized in swing music with a delicate touch in that they did not employ a drummer; also unique were the voicings of piano and guitar, often juxtaposed to sound like a single instrument. An influence on jazz pianists such as Oscar Peterson, Cole was known for a compact, syncopated piano style with clean, spare, melodic phrases.
During the late 1930s and early '40s the trio made several instrumental recordings, as well as others that featured their harmonizing vocals. They found their greatest success, however, when Cole began doubling as a solo singer. Their first chart success, "Straighten Up and Fly Right" (1943), was followed by hits such as "Sweet Lorraine," "It's Only a Paper Moon," "(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons," and "Route 66." Eventually, Cole's piano playing took a backseat to his singing career. Noted for his warm tone and flawless phrasing, Cole was regarded among the top male vocalists, although jazz critics tended to regret his near-abandonment of the piano. He first recorded with a full orchestra (the trio serving as rhythm section) in 1946 for "The Christmas Song," a holiday standard and one of Cole's biggest-selling recordings. By the 1950s, he worked almost exclusively as a singer, with such notable arrangers as Nelson Riddle and Billy May providing lush orchestral accompaniment. "Nature Boy," "Mona Lisa," "Too Young," "A Blossom Fell," and "Unforgettable" were among his major hits of the period. He occasionally revisited his jazz roots, as on the outstanding album After Midnight (1956), which proved that Cole's piano skills had not diminished.
Cole's popularity allowed him to become the first African American to host a network variety program, The Nat King Cole Show, which debuted on NBC television in 1956. The show fell victim to the bigotry of the times, however, and was canceled after one season; few sponsors were willing to be associated with a black entertainer. Cole had greater success with concert performances during the late 1950s and early '60s and twice toured with his own vaudeville-style reviews, The Merry World of Nat King Cole (1961) and Sights and Sounds (1963). His hits of the early '60s-"Ramblin' Rose," "Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer," and "L-O-V-E"-indicate that he was moving even farther away from his jazz roots and concentrating almost exclusively on mainstream pop. Adapting his style, however, was one factor that kept Cole popular up to his early death from lung cancer in 1965.
Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media
Displaying 1-6 of 6 items.
Kirby Shaw : You're Looking At Me Famously recorded by Nat King Cole, Cleo Laine, Diana Krall and more, this heartfelt ballad will showcase the skill and technique of your vocal jazz ensemble at their best! Set in a laid-back 4, you will love refining the tasty harmonies and sensitive rhythmic nuance of this fabulous chart! 
Ed Lojeski : Mona Lisa Nat King Cole's recording of this Academy Award-winning song topped the charts for eight weeks in 1950 and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. This expressive choral setting, now also including a TTBB voicing, will allow every choir to sound their best. A gem! Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, TTBB, ShowTrax CD. Duration: ca. 3:00.
Mark Hayes : The Christmas Song A classic by Mel Torme and a signature song for Nat King Cole, this is simply one of the most famous and favorite Christmas songs of all time! The lush orchestration wraps every gorgeous voicing in a beautiful musical package to be opened at your next holiday or Christmas concert.
Mac Huff : Unforgettable One of the top standards of all time! This rich setting will showcase concert, community and pop choirs with dreamy rubato phrasing, warm harmonies and the full range of emotional expressivity.
Paris Rutherford : Nature Boy First recorded by Nat King Cole and since covered by countless pop and jazz singers and ensembles and used in multiple movies, here is a really cool arrangement in an easy Bossa groove. With a beautiful section for scat singing, well supported by the ensemble, and multiple soloists featured, this chart works for medium to advanced vocal jazz ensembles.
Kirby Shaw : The Unforgettable Nat King Cole Nat King Cole received 28 Gold record awards during his amazing career as a singer, band leader, movie star and TV host. Among his hits are Ramblin' Rose, Too Young, Mona Lisa and of course, Unforgettable. Kirby Shaw brings his creative style to this group of American standard songs. This is a musical heritage worthy of discovery. |
Displaying 1-15 of 15 items.
Nat King Cole's recording of this Academy Award-winning song topped the charts for eight weeks in 1950 and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. This expressive choral setting, now also including a TTBB voicing, will allow every choir to sound their best. A gem! Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, TTBB, ShowTrax CD. Duration: ca. 3:00.
Arranger: Ed Lojeski | Composers: Ray Evans and Jay Livingston Performed By: Nat King Cole
First recorded by Nat King Cole and since covered by countless pop and jazz singers and ensembles and used in multiple movies, here is a really cool arrangement in an easy Bossa groove. With a beautiful section for scat singing, well supported by the ensemble, and multiple soloists featured, this chart works for medium to advanced vocal jazz ensembles.
Arranger: Paris Rutherford | Composer: Eden Ahbez Performed By: Nat King Cole
"The Frim-Fram Sauce" is a jazz song, made famous by The Nat King Cole Trio and performed by a variety of musicians over the years. "The Frim-Fram Sauce" was written in 1945. The lyrics were written by Redd Evans, who wrote words to a number of Cole songs.
Arranger: Greg Gilpin Performed By: Nat King Cole
From its lush bell-tone opening to the lyrical harmonic treatment of the chorus, there's no doubt this a cappella setting of "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" is a rare treat!
Arranger: Ed Lojeski Performed By: Nat King Cole
Women's ensembles from high school and up will find lots of use for this Christmas standard with its images of a warm and loving season. A magical moment for your holiday performances! Duration: ca. 2:15.
Arranger: Audrey Snyder | Composer: Robert Wells Performed By: Nat King Cole
A classic by Mel Torme and a signature song for Nat King Cole, this is simply one of the most famous and favorite Christmas songs of all time! The lush orchestration wraps every gorgeous voicing in a beautiful musical package to be opened at your next holiday or Christmas concert.
Arranger: Mark Hayes Performed By: Nat King Cole
The beloved holiday classic in a fresh a cappella setting is perfect for vocal jazz, pop and concert groups looking for that special ballad! The lyrics are primary in this setting, with each section taking the lead and unexpected harmonic surprises to bring a smile to the listener, especially when performed perfectly in tune!
Arranger: Paris Rutherford Performed By: Nat King Cole
Images of a warm and loving holiday are sure to spring to mind with this harmonic setting. A poignant, expressive moment for your concert performance. Available: SATB, SAB, SSA.
Arranger: Kirby Shaw Performed By: Nat King Cole
"The Frim-Fram Sauce" is a jazz song, made famous by The Nat King Cole Trio and performed by a variety of musicians over the years. "The Frim-Fram Sauce" was written in 1945. The lyrics were written by Redd Evans, who wrote words to a number of Cole songs.
Arranger: Greg Gilpin Performed By: Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole received 28 Gold record awards during his amazing career as a singer, band leader, movie star and TV host. Among his hits are Ramblin' Rose, Too Young, Mona Lisa and of course, Unforgettable. Kirby Shaw brings his creative style to this group of American standard songs. This is a musical heritage worthy of discovery.
Arranger: Kirby Shaw Performed By: Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole received 28 Gold record awards during his amazing career as a singer, band leader, movie star and TV host. Among his hits are Ramblin' Rose, Too Young, Mona Lisa and of course, Unforgettable. Kirby Shaw brings his creative style to this group of American standard songs. This is a musical heritage worthy of discovery.
Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Various Performed By: Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole received 28 Gold record awards during his amazing career as a singer, band leader, movie star and TV host. Among his hits are Ramblin' Rose, Too Young, Mona Lisa and of course, Unforgettable. Kirby Shaw brings his creative style to this group of American standard songs. This is a musical heritage worthy of discovery.
Arranger: Kirby Shaw Performed By: Nat King Cole
One of the top standards of all time! This rich setting will showcase concert, community and pop choirs with dreamy rubato phrasing, warm harmonies and the full range of emotional expressivity.
Arranger: Mac Huff | Composer: Irving Gordon Performed By: Nat King Cole
Written in 1930 and famously recorded by Nat King Cole in 1951, this hit regained popularity when Natalie Cole recorded a "virtual duet" with her father. Laid-back and fun to sing, it became the title song for the 1953 movie of the same name.
Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Roy Turk Performed By: Nat King Cole
Famously recorded by Nat King Cole, Cleo Laine, Diana Krall and more, this heartfelt ballad will showcase the skill and technique of your vocal jazz ensemble at their best! Set in a laid-back 4, you will love refining the tasty harmonies and sensitive rhythmic nuance of this fabulous chart!
Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Nat King Cole Performed By: Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole Solo Arrangements
Select a Category |
Want to Sing? - Find a Chorus Near You
List of Choruses by State | List of Choruses by City