NAT KING COLE – “THE BEST FRIEND A SONG EVER HAD” – A RAINBOW OF ROLE MODELS {WEDNESDAY SERIES}
I celebrate ACHIEVEMENT EVERY DAY! When I discover role models, I do not see skin color, age, religion, sex, attractiveness (ok, I like beautiful ladies), or other nonessentials. I love learning from inspirational people who inspire me to drop MY EXCUSES and DO IT! Role models who stretch my ambitions and make me reach for the impossible.
There is dignity in achievement and success—in becoming a great factor in civilization.” Carter G. Woodson.
I hope you will share these short articles; perhaps a few people will be curious to learn more.
Disclaimer: Good Day, Readers. WealthBuildingPowers blog is a financial literacy/competency blog and does not provide specific investment recommendations.
NAT KING COLE – “THE BEST FRIEND A SONG EVER HAD”
With his silky-smooth baritone and perfect enunciation, Nat King Cole is my all-time favorite singer. He died at the young age of 45 from lung cancer—way too soon.
Cole lived in an era where he was hated by many whites simply for being brown. Surprisingly, he was also hated by many “coloreds” for not doing enough to support Equal Rights. He persevered, showing the world anything is possible if you work hard enough.
Born Nathaniel Adams Coles in 1917 and growing up in Chicago, he encountered brutal racism yet refused to let the hatred hinder his aspirations. Determined, he pursued his passion for music, becoming one of the most celebrated artists of his time.
HIS EXCELLENCE AND PERSEVERANCE BROKE BARRIERS
Cole broke barriers in a predominantly white industry during the mid-20th century. At a time when racial segregation was rampant, Cole’s smooth voice and charismatic stage presence captivated audiences worldwide, transcending racial divides. His success is proof we “can overcome.”
1956, Cole was the first African American to host a nationally televised variety show. The Nat King Cole Show was controversial, being the first nationally televised variety show starring a “colored” man. Despite the efforts of NBC and many of Cole’s industry colleagues—such as Ella Fitzgerald, Harry Belafonte, Frankie Laine, Mel Tormé, Peggy Lee, Eartha Kitt, and backing vocal group the Cheerleaders, who worked for industry scale (or even for no pay) to help the show save money—The Nat King Cole Show was doomed by lack of a national sponsor having the courage to sponsor his SUCCESFUL show.
Throughout the 1950s, Cole continued to rack up successive hits, selling millions throughout the world, including “Smile,” Pretend,” “Blossom Fell,” and “If I May .” Cole performed in many short films, sitcoms, and television shows and played W. C. Handy in the film St. Louis Blues (1958). He also appeared in The Nat King Cole Story, China Gate, and The Blue Gardenia (1953).
RACISM – A REALITY
In August 1948, Cole purchased a house from Col. Harry Gantz, the ex-husband of silent film actress Lois Weber, in the all-white Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. Shortly after, a burning cross was placed on his front lawn, and the property-owners association {HOAs USELESS EVEN THEN} told Cole they did not want any “undesirables” moving into the neighborhood. Cole responded, “Neither do I. And if I see anybody undesirable coming in here, I’ll be the first to complain.” His dog died after eating poisoned meat, something likely to be connected to his moving to the neighborhood.
1956 BIRMINGHAM ASSAULT
Cole was assaulted during a concert on April 10, 1956, in Birmingham, Alabama, while singing the song “Little Girl” on stage with the Ted Heath Band. After photographs of Cole with white female fans were circulated bearing such incendiary, boldface captions as “Cole and His White Women” and “Cole and Your Daughter,” three men belonging to the North Alabama Citizens Council attacked Cole in an attempt to kidnap him.
The three assailants ran down the aisles of the auditorium towards Cole. Local law enforcement quickly ended their invasion of the stage, but not until Cole was toppled from his piano bench and received a slight injury to his back. He did not finish the concert. Police later found rifles and brass knuckles in a car outside the venue. A fourth member of the group was later arrested. All were tried and convicted.
Six men, including 23-year-old Willie Richard Vinson, were formally charged with assault with intent to murder. Due to the era, the charges were later changed to conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor. The original plan to murder Cole included 150 men from Birmingham and nearby towns.
CRITICISM AND CIVIL RIGHTS
Thurgood Marshall, then the chief legal counsel of the NAACP, said, “All Cole needs to complete his role as an Uncle Tom is a banjo.” Roy Wilkins, executive secretary of the NAACP, wrote him a telegram that said:
You have not been a crusader or engaged to change the customs or laws of the South. Newspapers quote you as saying you leave that responsibility to the other guys. That attack upon you indicates that organized bigotry makes no distinction between those who do not actively challenge racial discrimination and those who do. This is a fight none of us can escape. We invite you to join us in a crusade against racism.
The Chicago Defender said Cole’s performances for all-white audiences were an insult to his race. The New York Amsterdam News said that “thousands of Harlem blacks who have worshiped at the shrine of singer Nat King Cole turned their backs on him this week as the noted crooner turned his back on the NAACP and said that he will continue to play to Jim Crow audience.”s.” To play “Uncle Nat’s” discs, wrote a commentator in The American Negro, “would be supporting his ‘traitor’ ideas and narrow way of thinking.”
Deeply hurt by the criticism in the black press, Cole was chastened. Emphasizing his opposition to racial segregation “in any form,” he agreed to join other entertainers in boycotting segregated venues. He paid $500 to become a lifetime member of the Detroit branch of the NAACP. Until his death in 1965, Cole was an active and visible participant in the civil rights movement, playing an important role in planning the March on Washington in 1963.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nat_King_Cole
In January 1964, Cole made one of his final television appearances on The Jack Benny Program. Cole was introduced as “the best friend a song ever had” and performed “When I Fall in Love.” His final film, Cat Ballou (1965), was released after his death. Cole, a heavy smoker, was diagnosed with lung cancer in December 1964. Despite treatment, his condition worsened, and Nat King Cole died in February 1965 at age 45. He is interred at Forest Lawn-Glendale.
Cole’s funeral was held on February 18 at St. James’ Episcopal Church on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles; 400 people were inside the church, and thousands gathered outside. Hundreds of public members had filed past the coffin the day before.[71] Honorary pallbearers included Robert F. Kennedy, Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Johnny Mathis, George Burns, Danny Thomas, Jimmy Durante, Alan Livingston, Frankie Laine, Steve Allen, and Pat Brown, the governor of California.
The eulogy was delivered by Jack Benny, who said, “Nat Cole was a man who gave so much and still had so much to give. He gave it in song, friendship to his fellow man, and devotion to his family. He was a star, a tremendous success as an entertainer, an institution. But he was an even greater success as a man, as a husband, as a father, as a friend.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nat_King_Cole
His groundbreaking achievement paved the way for future generations of African American performers, opening doors previously closed to people of color. “The Nat King Cole Show” shattered stereotypes and challenged societal norms.
As we celebrate his contributions to music and society, let us honor his memory by striving for equality, justice, and excellence in all we do.
“The best friend a song ever had” – Nat King Cole’s “When I Fall in Love”.
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BECAUSE I CARE
St Jude Hospital: The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion, or a family’s ability to pay.https://www.stjude.org/
Wounded Warrior Project: An American charity and veterans service organization that offers a variety of programs, services, and events for wounded veterans of the military https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Folds of Honor: Providing life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military. And now, our mission expands to the families of America’s first responders. On our watch, those who protect our freedoms and our families will know they are not forgotten. https://foldsofhonor.org
Wilson’s No-Kill Animal Shelter: A N0-Kill shelter that is a top-rated non-profit. They compassionately care for all their animals. https://wcnkas.org
Tunnel To Towers: Since 9/11, we have been helping America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. We are also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001. https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847/#!/donation/checkout
YOUR GREATNESS IS NOT WHAT YOU HAVE; IT’S WHAT YOU GIVE!
TRUST ME – YOU WILL LIKE THE BELOW POPULAR BLOGS!
YOUR GREATNESS IS NOT WHAT YOU HAVE; IT’s WHAT YOU GIVE!
YOUR GREATNESS IS NOT WHAT YOU HAVE; IT’S WHAT YOU GIVE!
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“WHAT WE BECOME DEPENDS ON WHAT OUR FATHERS TEACH US AT ODD MOMENTS, WHEN THEY AREN’T TRYING TO TEACH US”
https://wealthbuildingpowers.com/2021/11/03/what-we-become-depends-on-what-our-fathers-teach-us-at-odd-moments-when-they-arent-trying-to-teach-us/
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ABOUT ME
I am a proud nerd (as my beautiful wife and daughter have told me) investment and finance blogger with an N.C. State, Chemical Engineering, University Rutgers, MBA and Harvard University, Advanced Management education.
I left a corporate career because I desired to make a difference as a speaker and writer. I was blessed to be coached and mentored by strong women and men in my family and professional life. It is my time to serve and give back.
DISCLAIMER
I started my first business at ~13 years of age (a small but brilliantly created plant nursery). I am a successful investor in stocks, options, and real estate and am happy to share my finance and investment lessons. I am NOT a licensed financial advisor. Please do not construe my suggestions on this blog as recommendations for your situation. As an investor, you must establish your risk/loss tolerance. Investment in any asset involves risk, including complete loss.
Please seek your licensed CPA or fiduciary financial advisors for individual financial advice.
I write this weekly blog to make an impact by reaching an audience and demonstrating the need for financial literacy. I will help you get there.
