The first African-American performer to host a variety TV show, Nat King Cole remains to be one of the most memorable voices in the music history of America. He was a pianist, singer, and head of the band, ‘King Cole Trio’. He first gained fame as a jazz pianist and was known for his trademark soft, and baritone voice. He enjoyed an immensely successful solo career and his singles went on to peak the music charts. A prodigious child, he began learning to play the piano at the age of four and got formal training in music when he was 12. At the age of 15, he dropped out of school to pursue a career in the music industry. During his lifetime he encountered many instances of racism, especially during his professional tours and in one instance he was even attacked by a white supremacist group. In spite of facing criticism for not doing enough for the Civil Rights Movement, Cole strongly maintained his stand that he was more of a performer than an activist. He created controversy when he hosted the TV variety series, ‘The Nat King Cole Show’.