Nat King Cole - The Legendary Nat King Cole DVD

This documentary traces the life of one of America's most celebrated and well-loved performers, whose personal history intersects with and reflects the nation's. Told through vintage video and television clips and rare photographs, the film follows the trajectory of Nat King Cole's life, beginning with his humble beginnings in Montgomery, Alabama, the heart of the segregated south. Cole began his musical career early, forming a jazz sextet with his brother Eddie, and went on to lead his own swing jazz band, the King Cole Trio. His transition to pop met with some dismay from die-hard jazz fans, but with his rich voice and warm humor Cole's pop acumen could hardly be denied. The height of Nat King Cole's popularity coincided with the Civil Rights Movement, which placed him in the midst of controversy once again with both sides taking issue with his behavior. His decisions to sue all-white hotels which excluded him, and to move his family to a predominantly white LA neighborhood, met with outrage from racists, while activists accused him of not doing enough to further their cause. Despite these setbacks, however, he became one of the most successful pop musicians of his generation, second only to Frank Sinatra, due to his smooth, refined sound and personable style. The film includes clips from collaborations with numerous top performers, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Coleman Hawkins, Sammy Davis Jr., and Harry Belafonte. Cole performs many hits of his own, including "Sweet Lorraine," "Paper Moon," "Nature Boy," "For Sentimental Reasons," "Mona Lisa," "Route 66," and many others.

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