Nat King Cole Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Nat King Cole — A Life Etched in Song, Struggle, and Legacy

The Rise of a Voice Like No Other

Born Nathaniel Adams Coles on March 17, 1919, Nat King Cole grew up in Montgomery, Alabama — a child of church music whose early exposure to his mother’s organ playing laid the groundwork for what would become an extraordinary career. 

Cole’s journey from a talented young pianist in Chicago nightclubs to one of the most beloved vocalists of the 20th century is a story of both musical brilliance and quiet resilience. In 1945, his debut with The King Cole Trio marked the beginning of a string of successes that would define his legacy. 

Over the ensuing decades, he crossed genres — from piano-driven jazz to lush pop ballads — and crafted timeless songs like The Christmas Song, Mona Lisa, Unforgettable, and Nature Boy. 

Yet his ascent wasn’t simply about records sold or charts topped. His smooth baritone and elegant piano playing made him a crossover sensation — and enabled him to subvert, in subtle yet powerful ways, the rigid racial barriers of his era.

Breaking Barriers: Fame, Television & Influence

Cole wasn’t just a studio artist. He made history in 1956 when he became one of the first African American entertainers to host a national television show — the The Nat King Cole Show on NBC. For many, this was as much a cultural milestone as a musical one. 

Though the show lasted only 64 weeks — reportedly unable to secure consistent sponsorship because of the racial attitudes of the time — its very existence shattered a ceiling and paved the way for future Black artists on television. 

Outside of entertainment, Cole also encountered racism firsthand. When his family moved to a mostly white neighborhood in Los Angeles, a cross was burned on his lawn by the KKK — a grim testament to how controversial his success was to some. Yet he remained unbowed, famously responding that if he saw “someone undesirable,” he’d be the first to complain. 

Throughout his life, he used his prominence not only to enchant audiences — but also to challenge social norms.

The People Behind the Artist: Love, Family, and Legacy

Relationships and family were central to Cole’s life, even amid his stardom. He first married singer Nadine Robinson in 1937, when he was just 18; that union ended in 1948.

Six days after that divorce, on March 28, 1948 (Easter Sunday), he married singer Maria Hawkins in Harlem’s Abyssinian Baptist Church. Together they had five children: biological daughter Natalie Cole (born 1950), twin daughters Casey and Timolin (born September 26, 1961), plus two adopted children — Carole and Nat Kelly Cole. 

In the later years of his life, Cole reportedly engaged in an extramarital relationship with a young dancer named Gunilla Hutton, which reportedly caused strain — though he ended the affair and reconciled with Maria prior to his death. 

In many ways, his family was the anchor behind his public life: it was Maria who stayed by him during his final illness, and their children helped keep his legacy alive for generations — even decades after he was gone.

Wealth in Melody — Understanding His Net Worth

At the time of his death, estimates suggest Cole’s net worth was around US$3.5 million. Adjusted for inflation, that corresponds to roughly US$27–30 million today. 

His financial success was built on multiple pillars: record sales, extensive touring, radio and television work, and — crucially — royalties and licensing from a catalog that continues to endure decades after his passing. 

In recent years, his estate has seen renewed attention. In March 2022, a major deal was struck: Iconic Artists Group — led by music executive Irving Azoff — acquired the rights to manage Cole’s recorded music, publishing, likeness, and other aspects of his brand, a move aimed at preserving and expanding his cultural legacy. 

That deal underscores how — even six decades after his death — the earnings from jukebox plays, streaming of classics, and licensing continue to contribute to the value of his estate.

Why His Birthday Still Resonates

Cole’s birthdate — March 17, 1919 — is more than a historical detail. It marks the arrival of a voice that would challenge stereotypes, soften hearts, and build bridges in an America divided by race. Mentioning his age or the fact that he died fairly young often overshadows the magnitude of what he achieved in those years.

On his birthday each year, listeners around the world revisit his recordings — from the smoky swing of his early jazz trio to the serene romance of “Mona Lisa,” or the quiet melancholy of “Unforgettable.” In that sense, his music makes his birthday evergreen.

Moreover, remembering that birthdate helps anchor his life in time — reminding us that even a life spanning only a few decades can leave a monumental legacy when talent, courage, and artistry combine.

The Final Curtain – A Voice Silenced Too Soon

In February of 1965, Cole’s life ended after a battle with lung cancer. He died on February 15, 1965 — a tragic coda to a career that had forever altered American music. 

Yet his passing did not silence his influence. On the contrary, his music — and his story — have only grown richer with time. From the soft glow of holiday radio to the reverent hush of a jazz club, Nat King Cole’s presence lingers.

Through his family, his recordings, and the ongoing stewardship of his legacy, Cole remains what he always was: a king — not of dominion or power, but of melody, dignity, and grace.