Grand Boulevard (Bronzeville) in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Nat "King" Cole

Chicago Tribute

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 27, 2021

1. Nat "King" Cole Marker

Inscription.
Nat "King" Cole
Musician
1919 - 1965

Nat "King" Cole's warm, relaxed, velvety voice made him a best-selling recording star. His 1949 hit "Mona Lisa" sold more than three million copies, and in 1956 he became the first African-American to host a network television program.

Born Nathaniel Coles, he gained fame as a piano player while living at 4023 South Vincennes Avenue. Greatly influenced by both Earl "Fatha" Hines and Count Basie, Coles honed his playing skills by performing at amateur nights in local clubs, including the Savoy Ballroom and the Regal Theater. His father, a minister at True Light Baptist Church, would only allow him to play jazz if he continued to play organ in church. In fact, Cole's first commercial hit, "Straighten Up and Fly Right," (1942) was based on the title of one of his father's sermons.

Coles left Chicago in 1937 to tour with the musical revue "Shuffle Along of 1933." After settling in southern California, Coles shortened his name and began playing in small clubs. Cole achieved great commercial success when he began to sing as well as play. His many hits include "Nature Boy," "Too Young," and "Unforgettable."

Erected 2002 by Chicago Tribune, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs

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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Education. In addition, it is included in the Chicago Tribute series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 17, 1919.

Location. 41° 49.242′ N, 87° 36.793′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Grand Boulevard (Bronzeville). Marker is on South Vincennes Avenue north of East 41st Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4023 South Vincennes Avenue, Chicago IL 60653, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bessie Coleman (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Forum (1897) (approx. 0.4 miles away); Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong (approx. 0.4 miles away); Ida B. Wells-Barnett (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Ida B. Wells Homes (approx. half a mile away); Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church (approx. half a mile away); Richard Wright (approx. 0.6 miles away); a different marker also named Ida B. Wells-Barnett (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Also see . . .
1. Nat King Cole - Mona Lisa (live performance) (YouTube, 3.5 min.). "Mona Lisa" is a song written by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston for the Paramount
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 27, 2021

2. Nat "King" Cole Marker - wide view
The marker is visible here mounted to a pole in front of Cole's former home.
Pictures film Captain Carey, U.S.A. (1950). It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for 1950. The arrangement was by Nelson Riddle and the orchestral backing was played by Les Baxter and his Orchestra. The soundtrack version by Nat King Cole spent eight weeks at number one in the Billboard singles chart in 1950. Also, Cole's version of the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1992.... (Submitted on August 29, 2021.)

2. Nat King Cole (NatKingCole.com). (Submitted on August 29, 2021.)

Marker inset: Nat "King" Cole image. Click for full size.

3. Marker inset: Nat "King" Cole

Credits. This page was last revised on June 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 29, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 421 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 29, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.