Description
Nat King Cole resides near the top of a very short list of the most identifiable and most memorable voices in American music. 41 years after the 1965 release of Cole's Unforgettable and his premature death at the age of 47, a new documentary film, the World of Nat King Cole, explores his 30-year recording and television career and transformative events in his life. PBS is airing the World of Nat King Cole as part of the 20th anniversary season of the acclaimed AMERICAN MASTERS series. To coincide with the PBS premiere broadcast, Capitol/EMI is releasing an expanded, 90-minute edit of the documentary, plus 30 minutes of bonus footage, on DVD and in a deluxe, limited edition DVD/CD package. Featuring a who's-who of music greats and other world-famous entertainment luminaries, the documentary presents a moving portrait of one of the world's most beloved entertainers, shedding new light on Cole's enduring universal appeal and his most pioneering achievements. In 1942, Nat King Cole was one of the first artists to sign with Capitol Records, and he recorded nearly 700 songs for the label, becoming the first #1 artist on Billboard's first album chart. During his 30-year recording career, Cole recorded more than 150 charting singles on Billboard's Pop, R&B and Country charts, a staggering record that remains unbroken by any other artist ever signed to Capitol Records. In 1956, Cole also became the first person of color to host his own national network television show, NBC's "Nat King Cole Show." at the time of his death, it was reported that Capitol Records had sold more than nine million Nat King Cole records. Cole's catalog continues to sell in excess of one million albums per year around the world.