Who is Nat King Cole Wife? Know Everything About Her

Nathaniel Adams Coles, known as Nat King Cole, was a famous American singer, jazz pianist, and actor. He started singing jazz and pop in the late 1930s and kept going strong for about 30 years. During that time, he had over 100 songs that became popular hits on the music charts.

The music industry has decided to pay tribute to Nat King Cole’s contributions by organizing a live concert named Nat King Cole: Live at The Blue Note Chicago, in April 2024. For more information about the concert and his life, read further!

Nat King Cole: Live at The Blue Note

Nat King Cole: Live at The Blue Note Chicago – A Special Release for Record Store Day on April 20, 2024!

Nat King Cole: Live at The Blue Note Chicago is a special release for Record Store Day 2024, featuring rare, never-before-heard live performances from Nat King Cole’s 1953 residency at the famous jazz club in Chicago. This release includes spectacular versions of songs like “Unforgettable,” “Paper Moon,” and “Route 66.”

Record Store Day 2024 will be held on Saturday, April 20th, celebrating independent record shops and vinyl culture by offering exclusive and limited edition releases from various artists and genres.

Fans of Nat can also enjoy watching the official teaser for this release on YouTube or listening to the single “Unforgettable (Live at the Blue Note Chicago)” on Spotify.

For the full scoop on releases and participating stores, head over to the official Record Store Day website. Join fellow music enthusiasts in supporting independent record stores and reveling in the diverse tapestry of musical expression. It’s a day that promises excitement and a celebration of music in its purest form.

Nat has been one of the celebrities who has been elusive when it comes to sharing details about his personal life and career. To know more about the celebrity, explore the write-up further: 

Nat King Cole’s Career

Nat King Cole, born Nathaniel Adams Coles on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama, was a famous American singer, songwriter, and jazz pianist. He started his career in the early 1940s with his jazz group, the King Cole Trio, and later became a solo artist, producing many hit songs. Some of his well-known classics include “Sweet Lorraine,” “Nature Boy,” “The Christmas Song,” “Ramblin’ Rose,” and “Mona Lisa.” His music appealed to both black and white audiences due to his versatility across different genres.

Cole’s love for music began early, and he performed publicly for the first time at the age of four. His mother, who introduced him to music, initially hoped he would become a classical pianist. However, Cole’s interest shifted to jazz during his teenage years. He formed bands like the Royal Dukes and the Rogues of Rhythm, eventually joining the cast of the black musical revue “Shuffle Along.”

Throughout his career, Nat King Cole achieved many milestones. In 1957, he became the first black man to host a variety show on national television. He also appeared in movies, delivering memorable performances such as in “Cat Ballou.” Despite facing racial discrimination, Cole’s talent and charm gained him a loyal fan base.

Nat King Cole’s Relationship Status: Married

Nat was married twice in his life. He got married for the first time to a woman named Nadine Robinson but divorced her in 1948. Following his divorce from his previous wife, he got married for the second time to Maria Hawkings in 1948. Maria had been with him at the time of his passing; they had shown immense loyalty to one another and had been together for thirteen years. 

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Fans have been curious to know more about Nat King Cole wife, both his first and second. Let’s take a deeper look into his married life to learn more.

Nat King Cole’s wife at the time of his passing: Maria Hawkings (m. 1948)

Nat King Cole’s relationship with his second wife, Maria Cole (formerly known as Maria Hawkings), was significant. They met while Nat was still married to Nadine and they later divorced in 1948. Just six days after his divorce from Nadine, Nat King Cole married Maria in a ceremony held at the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem. 

Maria Cole was a jazz singer who performed alongside renowned musicians like Count Basie and Duke Ellington. She supported Nat throughout his career and together they raised their five children. Maria passed away on July 10, 2012, at the age of 89 due to stomach cancer.

Nat King Cole and Maria had five children together: Natalie (a Grammy-winning singer), Carole (adopted), Nat Kelly (adopted), and twin daughters Casey and Timolin.

Nat King Cole’s First Wife: Nadine Robinson (m.1937- div. 1948)

Nat King Cole’s first wife was Nadine Robinson, whom he married in 1937 when he was 18 years old. Their relationship was troubled, with reports indicating Nadine’s jealousy of Nat’s musical success and lack of support for his career. 

They didn’t have any children together and divorced in 1948 after being married for 11 years. Nadine Robinson passed away in 1989 at the age of 81. After her divorce from Nat King Cole, she remarried twice and was survived by her third husband, a daughter from her second marriage, and two grandchildren.

There are claims that Nat King Cole had an affair with singer Gunilla Hutton during his marriage to Nadine Robinson, and also had an encounter with singer Betty Kelly.. However, these claims lack verified evidence.

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Nat King Cole’s Children

Natalie Cole was born on February 6, 1950, and she passed away on December 31, 2015. Carole Cole’s birthdate is not specified, as she was adopted. Nat Kelly Cole was born in 1959 and passed away in 1995. The twin daughters, Casey and Timolin Cole, were born on September 26, 1961.

Nat King Cole’s Discography

Nat King Cole’s music collection includes many famous albums and songs that have left a big mark on music. Some of his best-known albums are listed in the table below

Nat King Cole’s Death

Nat King Cole (1937–1965) passed away on February 15, 1965, at the age of 45 due to lung cancer. His death was a significant loss to the music industry, and he left behind a remarkable legacy that continues to influence music lovers worldwide.

Summing Up

In short, “Nat King Cole: Live at The Blue Note Chicago” is a wonderful tribute to one of the greatest singers ever. With rare live recordings from his 1953 shows, this release captures Nat King Cole’s amazing talent. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his music, you won’t want to miss this chance to enjoy his timeless songs. Dive into the magic of Nat King Cole’s music with this special release.

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