Nat "King" Cole {1919-1965} was already an acclaimed jazz pianist when his warm, relaxed vocal style brought him even greater success as a balladeer. Handsome, suave, and elegant, he made his first recording in 1936 and formed his own trio in 1939. Cole composed and wrote the lyrics for his first hit "Straighten Up and Fly Right." His many records garnered him an international following and included such timeless favorites as "Unforgettable" and "Mona Lisa." Cole also had a national television show, the first hosted by an African-American artist.