The Natalie Cole story begins in Los Angeles in 1950 and spans an amazing six decades of groundbreaking music and artistry.

Natalie Maria Cole was born on February 6, 1950, to the legendary musician Nat King Cole and former jazz singer Maria Cole (née Hawkins). By the 1950s, Nat had already made a name for himself as an international star, and the birth of his namesake Natalie had all the markings of someone destined for greatness. Looking back on a career that saw Natalie Cole sell millions of records, earn nine GRAMMY Awards^® and become an acclaimed actress on the screen, one might think it was all an easy road. Nothing could be further from the truth. But with Natalie’s trademark tenacity and unparalleled work ethic, she made an indelible mark on the music industry that continues to shine today.

When a person hears Natalie’s voice for the first time or the thousandth time, the reaction is always the same: Unmistakable Natalie. From her first hit (and first GRAMMY^®-winning song) “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” through her game-changing virtual duet of “Unforgettable” with her father Nat King Cole, the continued thread has always been the emotion she brought to each performance. That emotion comes through on the records and it came through on stage during her tireless touring schedule. Natalie was as at home on the stage as she was in the vocal booth. She gave 100 percent with every note she sang, whether it be for 50,000 screaming fans or a recording engineer and a producer behind the glass.

One can’t discuss Natalie’s music without also touching on the diversity of genres in which she performed. She sang pop, rock, dance, standards, holiday music, and incredible jazz, never missing a beat and always making it her own. It’s certain that at some point in your life, Natalie Cole’s music has made an impact on you, whether drawing a tear to your eye with her ballads of reminiscence or making you move your feet with her classic dance tracks.

Natalie Cole’s story is one of artistry, but it’s also one of family, as well as struggle and triumph. Her personal story made her music what it is, and that artistry continues every time her songs are played today.