orig. Nathaniel Adams Coles
born March 17, 1917, Montgomery, Ala., U.S.
died Feb. 15, 1965, Santa Monica, Calif.
U.S. jazz pianist and singer.
Cole grew up in Chicago and formed a trio in Los Angeles (1939), establishing himself as a major jazz piano stylist. Commercial success, however, came with his singing. His warm, relaxed voice brought a personal touch to the ballads and light swing in which he specialized. "Mona Lisa" and "Unforgettable" were among his major hits of the 1950s. He excelled as a stage personality, and he was also a capable film actor.