The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
HomeEntertainmentMusicianNatalie Cole
Entertainment • Musician

Natalie Cole

Natalie Cole was an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her work in R&B, soul, jazz, and pop.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Natalie Cole was an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her work in R&B, soul, jazz, and pop. The daughter of Nat King Cole, she achieved major success in the 1970s, won multiple Grammy Awards, and became especially well known for her 1991 album Unforgettable... with Love.

Early life

Natalie Cole was born in Los Angeles in 1950 to singer and jazz pianist Nat King Cole and singer Maria Cole. She grew up in a musical family.

Music career

Cole began her recording career in the 1970s. Her debut album, Inseparable (1975), launched her recording career and earned Grammy recognition. She became known for a blend of R&B, soul, jazz, and pop, establishing herself as a major solo artist beyond her family name.

Breakthrough and major works

Cole's early success included hits such as 'This Will Be,' 'Inseparable,' 'Our Love,' and 'Miss You Like Crazy.' In the 1990s, her album Unforgettable... with Love featured renditions associated with her father and was a major commercial and critical success, strengthening her reputation as an interpreter of standards.

Awards and recognition

Cole received nine Grammy Awards over the course of her career, recognized for both her commercial success and cross-genre versatility. Her career also included acting work and later honours from music institutions.

Death and legacy

Cole died on December 31, 2015, in Los Angeles at age 65. She is remembered as a prominent R&B and jazz-influenced vocalist and as one of the notable recording artists of her generation.

Key facts

  • She was the daughter of singer and jazz pianist Nat King Cole and singer Maria Cole.
  • Her debut album, Inseparable (1975), launched her recording career and earned Grammy recognition.
  • She became widely known for hits including 'This Will Be,' 'Inseparable,' 'Our Love,' and 'Miss You Like Crazy.'
  • Her album Unforgettable... with Love was a major commercial and critical success.
  • She won nine Grammy Awards over the course of her career.
🍁
Canadian context

Natalie Cole had broad international influence as a major American singer whose recordings were widely heard in Canada, and her jazz and standards repertoire connected strongly with Canadian radio, concert audiences, and music collections.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Natalie Cole?
Natalie Cole was an American singer, songwriter, and actress best known for her R&B, soul, jazz, and pop recordings.
Who were her parents?
She was the daughter of Nat King Cole and Maria Cole.
What was Natalie Cole’s biggest album?
Unforgettable... with Love is generally regarded as her best-known album.
How many Grammy Awards did she win?
She won nine Grammy Awards.
When did Natalie Cole die?
She died on December 31, 2015, in Los Angeles at age 65.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natalie_Cole
    Supports: Birth name, birth and death dates, nationality, occupations, and parentage.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Natalie-Cole
    Supports: Biography, birth and death information, and description as a singer of rhythm and blues and jazz-based pop.
  3. Biography.comhttps://www.biography.com/musicians/natalie-cole
    Supports: Career overview, debut album, family background, and death information.
  4. GRAMMY Museumhttps://grammymuseum.org/exhibit/75-years-of-natalie-cole/
    Supports: Career genres, notable songs, Grammy recognition, and *Inseparable* as her debut album.
  5. BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-35210812
    Supports: Death announcement, age, and major songs including “Unforgettable” and “This Will Be.”