The Nat King Cole Story cover

The Nat King Cole Story

Nat King Cole · 1961

103 min · 36 tracks · jazz

A suave blend of jazz and pop, characterized by Nat King Cole's velvety voice and sophisticated arrangements.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • contemplative evening ambiance
  • smooth transitions between tracks
  • sentimental and reflective moods

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 1961, 'The Nat King Cole Story' came at a pivotal moment in Cole's career, following his transition from a successful trio format to a solo artist. This album encapsulated his greatest hits and showcased his evolution as a performer, solidifying his status in the music industry just prior to his untimely passing in 1965.
Stylistic neighbors
Frank Sinatra· Ella Fitzgerald· Tony Bennett

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Straighten Up and Fly Right 2:36
  • 2 Sweet Lorraine 3:22
  • 3 It’s Only a Paper Moon 2:57
  • 4 (Get Your Kicks on) Route 66 2:56
  • 5 (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons 3:04
  • 6 The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You) 3:11
  • 7 Nature Boy 2:53
  • 8 Lush Life 3:46
  • 9 Calypso Blues 3:25
  • 10 Mona Lisa 3:27
  • 11 Orange Colored Sky 2:33
  • 12 Too Young 3:24
  • 13 Unforgettable 3:27
  • 14 Somewhere Along the Way 3:00
  • 15 Walkin’ My Baby Back Home 2:42
  • 16 Pretend 2:45
  • 17 Blue Gardenia 3:04
  • 18 I Am in Love 2:33

Disc 2

  • 1 Answer Me, My Love 2:55
  • 2 Smile 2:53
  • 3 Darling, je vous aime beaucoup 2:48
  • 4 The Sand and the Sea 2:41
  • 5 If I May 2:57
  • 6 A Blossom Fell 2:41
  • 7 To the Ends of the Earth 2:25
  • 8 Night Lights 2:48
  • 9 Ballerina 2:41
  • 10 Stardust 3:14
  • 11 Send for Me 2:30
  • 12 St. Louis Blues 2:24
  • 13 Looking Back 2:26
  • 14 Non dimenticar 3:07
  • 15 Paradise 3:11
  • 16 Oh, Mary, Don’t You Weep 1:55
  • 17 Ay, Cosita Linda 2:13
  • 18 Wild Is Love 2:48

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata