The Untold Story of Maria Cole: An Iconic Jazz Singer, Advocate, and Wife of Nat King Cole
When it comes to jazz, Nat King Cole’s name is one that is known by many. However, the story of his wife, Maria Cole, is one that often goes untold. Not only was she an iconic jazz singer in her own right, but she was also a passionate advocate for civil rights and a dedicated wife and mother. In this blog post, we will explore the life of Maria Cole and shed light on the often-overlooked contributions she made to the world of music and beyond.
Introduction
Maria Cole was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1922 and grew up in a musical family. She was trained in classical music for many years before turning to jazz. In 1946, she moved to New York City and began performing with a number of jazz greats, including Benny Carter and Lionel Hampton.
Over the course of her life, Maria Cole would go on to accomplish many things, both on and off the stage. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into some of the most significant aspects of her life and career.
Maria Cole: Jazz Singer Extraordinaire
Maria Cole was a gifted jazz singer whose career spanned several decades. She was known for her warm, sultry voice and impeccable phrasing. In 1953, she released her first album, “Maria Cole,” which was well-received by both critics and the public. She went on to release several more albums over the years, including “Maria Cole Sings,” “Love is a Special Feeling,” and “A Taste of Love.”
Maria Cole was beloved by audiences around the world, and she performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including the Apollo Theater and the Hollywood Bowl. She also shared the stage with other jazz greats, such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie.
Maria Cole retired from singing in the 1970s, but her contributions to the world of jazz will never be forgotten.
A Passionate Advocate for Civil Rights
Throughout her life, Maria Cole was a passionate advocate for civil rights. She was an active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and marched with other civil rights activists to fight for equality and justice.
In an interview with Ebony magazine in 1963, Maria Cole spoke out about the need for change, saying, “The biggest problem is not getting civil rights, but getting the white man to understand that he, too, has a stake in it.”
Maria Cole’s advocacy work continued throughout her life, and she was a force for change in her community and beyond.
A Dedicated Wife and Mother
While Maria Cole was certainly a talented and accomplished jazz singer, she was also a dedicated wife and mother. She married Nat King Cole in 1948, and the two were inseparable until his death in 1965.
Maria Cole and Nat King Cole had five children together, and Maria was deeply involved in their upbringing. She later reflected on the challenges of balancing her career with motherhood, saying, “It was always difficult being the wife of one of the most important men in the music industry. But I always valued my family the most, and I made sure to be there for them.”
Maria Cole’s Legacy Lives On
Although Maria Cole passed away in 2012, her legacy continues to live on. She was an iconic figure in the world of jazz, a passionate advocate for civil rights, and a dedicated wife and mother.
Maria Cole’s contributions to the world of music and beyond should not be overlooked. She was a trailblazer in every sense of the word, and her life serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and passion.
FAQs
1. What was Maria Cole’s most famous album?
Maria Cole’s most famous album was “Maria Cole,” which was released in 1953.
2. What other jazz legends did Maria Cole perform with?
Maria Cole performed with a number of jazz legends throughout her career, including Benny Carter, Lionel Hampton, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie.
3. When did Maria Cole retire from singing?
Maria Cole retired from singing in the 1970s.
4. What organizations was Maria Cole a part of?
Maria Cole was an active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
5. How many children did Maria Cole have?
Maria Cole and Nat King Cole had five children together.
6. What was Maria Cole’s stance on civil rights?
Maria Cole was a passionate advocate for civil rights and was involved in the fight for equality and justice.
7. What is Maria Cole’s legacy?
Maria Cole’s legacy includes her contributions to the world of jazz, her advocacy for civil rights, and her role as a dedicated wife and mother.
Conclusion
Maria Cole was an iconic figure who made significant contributions to the world of music and beyond. As a jazz singer, she captivated audiences with her warm, sultry voice and impeccable phrasing. As an advocate for civil rights, she fought for equality and justice with passion and dedication. And as a wife and mother, she was a pillar of strength and support for her family.
Through her talents and hard work, Maria Cole blazed a trail for others to follow. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations, and her life serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and passion.