Nat King Cole - Mona Lisa

"Mona Lisa" is a song written by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston for the Paramount Pictures film Captain Carey, U.S.A. (1950). It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for 1950. The arrangement was by Nelson Riddle and the orchestral backing was played by Les Baxter and his Orchestra. The soundtrack version by Nat King Cole spent eight weeks at number one in the Billboard singles chart in 1950. Also, Cole's version of the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1992. The Billboard sales charts of 1950 also showed significant sales on versions by Dennis Day and Harry James. In 1986, it was used as the theme to the British film Mona Lisa. An uncredited version of Mona Lisa plays in the background of one scene in Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window (1954). The song was used in the wedding scene of the NBC mini-series, Witness to the Mob, in 1998.
Various artists, including Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Art Lund, Shakin' Stevens, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, the Neville Brothers, and Nat King Cole's daughter Natalie Cole, have released cover versions of this song. Bruddah Iz (Israel Kamakawiwo'ole) also covered the song on the album Alone in IZ World. Harry Connick, Jr. included the song on his 2009 album, Your Songs.
A rockabilly version of "Mona Lisa" (b/w/ "Foolish One") was released by Carl Mann on Phillips International Records (#3539) in March 1959 and reached number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. Conway Twitty recorded a version of "Mona Lisa" in February 1959, but planned to release it only as an album cut (on an EP and an LP by MGM Records). Nevertheless, it peaked at #5 in the UK Singles Chart in that year.[1] Sam Phillips signed Carl Mann to record his version of the song after the Twitty version began getting radio play in early 1959[4]. This was the most successful single in Mann's career. The melody is slightly different, and the lyrics are also mostly the same as in the original version by Nat King Cole, though a few more phrases are added in that elaborate more on the girl he likes.
The singer Don Cherry recorded a version backed by the Victor Young Orchestra which reached number seven in 1952.
In 1961, this song was covered by Hong Kong female singer Kong Ling (江玲), on her LP album Off-Beat Cha Cha with the local Diamond Records.
(extract from Wikipedia 2011)

[@maykechi7752]

This song is fire, worthy of being spoken of in the same breath as the painting itself.

[@TheBlueExplosion3114]

only a shithead idiot would deny this song's brilliance.

[@Platitudinous9000]

@@xia1494 thank you for extracting all of the subtlety from this comment

[@urd247]

absolutely worth...remembering 😂

[@Riley_Mundt]

I know you're referencing the movie, but Nat King Cole's voice makes this comment absolutely true.

[@leannvlewis]

His name was Miles Bron.

[@icatfishman]

My dad was dying of cancer in 1978 and all he ever asked me to play for him on my guitar was this song and I failed. I play it for him all the time these days.

[@ebonyperry7578]

Hope you're doing well today ! 💜💜💜💜💜

[@ngannguyenngoc7135]

Mona lisa mona lisa

[@ellsworthwhite4098]

Why did you not

[@ladymiss9466]

don't trip. we all disappoint our parents.

[@yolandarodriguez-el3vh]

Icatfishman, i do know how u feel b4 my father passed all he wanted was for me to stay with him night and day and i could not for i had small children at home with no help. I was there when my father passed but i wish i could go back and give him more of my time. U didnt fail him and ur father knew that. He loves u more and more everyday. Believe when i say u are his greatest gift...

[@juanitaherrin4095]

My Dad would sing this to me all the time He’s been gone 22 years today! I will never get used to him being gone! I love you my Daddy!!

[@monaestrada6256]

I grew up having people sing this song to all the time . I'm 77 now and no one sings to me anymore. I miss it. My name is Ramona and been Mona all my life.

[@danielacevedo3361]

I'll sing too you

[@jennrat2982]

My Dad loved Nat King Cole and this was one of his faves..I would hear him singing this around the house...lost him over 15 yrs ago...I like to play this for his Birthday and sometimes Father's Day..😊

[@petermcardle2744]

Great song.​@@jennrat2982

[@Armored_Saint]

Ramona the Pest (1968)

[@ami-el7dg]

Mona lisa Mona lisa~

[@GoesSoejono]

I heard this song for the first time in 1955 now I'm 81

[@pauloalvim3623]

Ouvi essa música também em 1955, na cidade de Pres . Bernardes onde morava quando criança, até hoje aos 76 anos gosto ainda!!!!

[@manuelgonzalezsanchez4801]

god bless you

[@JoeBuck-uc3bl]

That’s the year that Marty McFly went back in time, and had to deal with that damn Biff Tannen.

[@annesaturley3181]

My dear father's favorite. He was crazy about Nat King Cole's voice.

[@davidmoore2325]

Hi there,how are you doing at the moment,how is the weather?

[@dagmarpeissl3180]

I like his voice too

[@DP-pj7qn]

Same....makes me smile and cry every time I hear his voice because I van hear dad's as well❤

[@anthonyarredondo8559]

Awesome singer ! He died a yr before I was born ! RIP !!

[@septimogamer.6783]

Jajajaja pinche pendejo

[@fjccommish]

This guy could sing. He sounded smooth. He looked smooth. He was terrific.

[@Juan-ud3if]

The beauty of the painting is that you can't see a smile on the lips, there's a twinkle of a smile in the eyes, that is the real greatness and loveliness of this masterpiece.

[@michaelbousfield6114]

Silky, smooth, unique sounding voice coupled with souful, heartfelt phrasing. A favourite of my mum and I now carry on her love of Nat.

[@monalisavillar825]

My name, so my favorite♥️♥️♥️

[@clairegallagher262]

Oh yes, same here as far as my mom; I know his daughter's music much better. My mom grew up in NYC & she told me that he was getting off the bus she was getting on, & my mom was completely starstruck and couldn't remember his name and called him Mona Lisa! It's especially funny considering my mom was never at a loss for words! My mom starstruck; it's hard to imagine!

[@michaelhayden725]

Totally agree, he even gave Old Blue Eyes a run for his money. Such a pity that lung cancer took far too soon. RIP

[@nat-uu7us]

real

[@VictorLopez-tv7bp]

As a young boy i was always thrilled to hear nat i dont know howi life would have been without nat

[@adamsevern9960]

My grandfather Dale loved to play Nat King Cole songs when he had time. He was born in Iowa during the depression in 1921 .

[@panentheistic]

Congratulations from Brazil. I'm 62 years old, but remember my father, since when I was 7 or 9, listening N K C and saying he was the best. At that time I didn't understand why, but now I do. N K C had a natural gift, a legacy to us. Thanks Nat. (sorry about my english).

[@terrencehead6213]

Eating pasta with a little red wine listening to Nat King Cole, aaaaahhhhh heaven.

[@paccur1252]

I remember so very long ago, when l was a small child, Saturday mornings, helping my father play his records..Nat King Cole was his favourite and I grew up enjoying them and feeling privileged to be able to help my dad play them..

[@normanplatt2407]

That voice is something that you cannot forget

[@PABLOPICAXO]

Just smoke the same amount he did. Your voice will fatten like that too

[@Ricky_Bobby2314]

Nat King Cole had a beautiful voice. May The Almighty rest his soul 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@pablohingley2679]

the voice is a reflection of the Soul, ... & Nat King Cole had an incredibly beautiful Soul !

[@StevenTorrey]

Excellent. He knew how to put a song over!

[@bobbiemarsden4340]

I think Nat King Cole nailed Mona Lisa and the meaning behind the art, God bless Nat King Cole, and Mona Lisa

[@andrewbalan8144]

It's almost obscene the level of talent this man has been gifted with. Absolutely amazing voice, great piano playing...the full package!

[@miltonmoore8369]

So in theory, the more talent a person has is driving them to a point where they would eventually be recognized as being obscene, rather than becoming more glorious and meritorious? That concept, be it an expression, is so nonsensical that I have never liked it, nor ever used it. Respectfully 😊😊

[@52rupert]

A voice like liquid velvet . magic.

[@mrs.berniemadoff3324]

Rupert Thompson- Back in the day, they called him "The Man with the Velvet Voice".........I love this mans voice, I could listen to him everyday and all day and never get tired of listening to him.........smh

[@julietterosetatro8940]

G.O.A.T

[@lucibonannevinte9200]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💖💖💖

[@mattveteska8559]

Today we have J Zee or whatever his stupid name is

[@dwaynereese1047]

Seal has his potential.

[@inyourfaceguitar5454]

As a guitarist, I gotta say I was blown away by this guitarist. Nat makes playing the piano look like a walk in the park. What a talent.

[@davidhayden4695]

One of the greatest!

[@ArrinDuo]

The guy goes to all that trouble to play a concerto behind Nat, and no one thinks to mention his name! Thank heavens (and you) that someone knows!

[@michaelcap9550]

@Kevin Falvey Sounds like Les Paul.

[@JohnLomax-fu9qj]

@@michaelcap9550 Les Paul sounds (kind of) like Oscar Moore.

[@spideraxis]

Nat King Cole gives expression to an enigmatic painting that captivates the world.

[@janicemjones3458]

A man with a golden voice - -will always love that voice

[@MaryLynnPlaisance1111]

My dad was a fan of Nat King Cole. I listened to his music as a child.

[@davidmoore2325]

Hi ,how are you doing at the moment,how is the weather?

[@shaunkelly7480]

Seventy years ago this month, Nat Cole's signature song was by far the bestselling and most played tune in both the United States and Canada. You could hear it in barbershops, in local diners, car radios, and as the opening song at high school proms everywhere. (For instance, it was the initial number played at Sylvia Plath's 1950 Wellesley High Senior Prom at the Maugus Club in Wellesley, Massachusetts). Before this monstrous hit, Nat King Cole was better known as a renowned jazz pianist. Until 1947 when he was credited as a solo artist on the classic, "Nature Boy," he recorded as a member of the King Cole Trio. "Mona Lisa" helped establish his reputation as a top vocalist of the era, although many Jazz aficionados also consider Nat one of the best piano players of the time. The timelessness of Cole's version of this ballad is so profound that it still sounds as if it was written and recorded today. In the end, all that is not eternal is eternally out of date.

[@amadobustamante5237]

@Shaun Kelly Very well and so poignantly said !! Thank you for living to tell how was it like during that time . May the good Lord bless and keep you .

[@shaunkelly7480]

@@amadobustamante5237 - thank you!

[@tymw3637]

Were u even born yet 70 yrs ago???

[@jimmybusk]

I was going to put my 2 cents in, but after reading your comment,.. I have nothing else to say

[@trujustice1587]

Nice summary from the Rock and Roll History course textbook I'm currently taking

[@wimonnl]

Favorite memory from my childhood 😢

[@paiekomiti790]

My favorite classic of all-time 💝💝💯

[@joaotakanorijamjao1312]

Songs like MONA LISA only are perfect in NAT KING COLE'S VOICE!!!

[@oldandnew1234]

My lovely Dad named me after this masterpiece. Rip Dad.xx

[@smukhopadhayay2634]

Came after watching Glass Onion. Thanks to the movie, else I would have never known such a beautiful song ever existed.

[@reklessheart]

What a beautiful Voice ,Nat King Cole brought me here

[@thedrumandlyrecorpsexperie2067]

this is an awesome song. sadly they don't make songs this cool anymore.

[@sofiathemoonwakingarmy9395]

I remember when I was young, my parents used to play this song at Thanksgiving, and back then, I didn't understand the importance of Nat King Cole until I was 11-years old. Now that I am older and a teenager, I play this song to remember those moments. This is the first song I play on Thanksgiving Day because it reminds me that Christmas is near. Thanks, Mom and Dad for playing this song! This is a very beautiful song and I am so glad that kids today can learn about Nat King Cole through this platform! God bless you, Mr. Nat King Cole, God bless you!

[@manuash4670]

What a beautiful and pure warm voice.

[@davidmichelberg9979]

I couldn't have said it.... BETTER!!!

[@ednaassuncao2759]

Incantevogli.questa canzione

[@daviddrullinger3564]

A beautiful voice silenced way too soon!

[@melvinstapleton6133]

The Classiest, Coolest and most talented singing pianist ever! Imo

[@maddie7444]

If he was in a different era he would have had the credit he deserved.Instead of the disgusting racism he had to tolerate.Absolute talent.So sad he died so young.

[@fred9083]

Awesome. I have been listening and singing this timeless classic since I was in high school. I'm now 67 now and is still singing and listening.

[@allenbuckland348]

Wow! Look how young... awesome voice, good looks, and great talent!

[@Gitfiddle]

So beautiful. The voice and the man.

[@DavidDickersonDFMC13]

A Timeless Classic !

[@percynothandomatshoba4594]

Nat King Cole is king.

[@Luisrojas1945.]

Percy Nothando Matshoba de acuerdo

[@kattisrihari]

And so is BB King

[@marcosoliveirasantos3243]

Yes...😭😭

[@user-td4ej3ug9g]

King of King.

[@johnwhitehead3360]

Classic Thank You Privileged to see Nat's concert in Leeds UK

[@npol024]

Big shout out to Rene Hall on guitar. Over a 30 year career, he arranged top records for Earl Hines, Ritchie Valens, Ike & Tina, Sam Cooke, and Marvin Gaye. He also discovered & promoted Billy Ward and his Dominoes, which eventually helped launch the careers of Clyde McPhatter, Jackie Wilson, Rudy Lewis, Ben E King, and Johnny Moore.

[@foxibot]

The electric guitar, his piano playing, and the bass and his silky voice are so gorgeous. My parents loved him. So I grew up listening to old music. My parents had me when they were older, I think I was a happy surprise. I loved his daughter Natalie too. I love their duets when she did them with technology. He looked like he was a kind man. His face just radiates kindness & also some sadness.

[@salmasulieman7089]

I used to hear it with my grandpa, he passed away last year.. now I'm standing in front of his house and can't get in without running to his room and say hi..

[@gatograto]

Oh, young King Cole...heart breaking. The guitar is super good, and the bow bass is nice too.

[@poivihiuamisilele6022]

Beautiful song amazing musician 👍 Nat King Gole only the only can sing this song perfectly 👍🤠🤠

[@mike-rayner-videos]

how very beautiful this is 🎶 💕

[@godgod156]

¿How many threads do you think are attatched to this song❓

[@yunglew7500]

I agree, totally different to music these days.

[@denisoneill4096]

@@godgod156 help us to be able for you and the following information war

[@solarpoweredafricanvegansp178]

One of my fathers favorite songs 😢 RIP Daddy James Speller April 28th 1934 - October 12th 2022. Love you

[@madamezenobia7227]

Mine too. So blessed that he is still here. Sorry for your loss.

[@AikiWarriorWay]

Off the charts freakin fantastic

[@RobertSJHu]

Just love your singing !!!!!!!!!!!! Am 78 yrs. old and your songs keep me alive !!!!!!! They talk about life and living !!!! Aloha and Rest in Peace !!!!!!!!! Grateful fan, Robert S.J. Hu July 5, 2020.

[@RobertSJHu]

Thank you Nat King Cole for that adorable song !!!! Gratefully, Robert March 13, 2021.

[@pablohingley2679]

❤

[@timkucij9632]

An absolutely velvety voice! Beautiful! One of my all-time favorite male vocalists!

[@definitelynottommywiseau3037]

Thank you, Rian Johnson. Glass Onion fucking rules.

[@vanjohnson9837]

This was the song that i grow up on.r.i.p.may2021.

[@zaveline]

A charming singer like we do not do it anymore !!

[@derpychris9817]

Wow, such a beautiful song. ☺️

[@flaviowilner6036]

What a performance! Nat`s vocal is enhanced by ingenious harmonies of his piano playing. The guitar countermelodies and harmonies fit properly. And the bass, delivers the complementary ground and wraps up the ensemble seamlessly. At the very end of the vídeo, a delicious flutter of the tape gives us a touch of that old media which managed to survive the test of time.

[@rubewaddell1704]

Australia's 84th number one hit along with a version by Doris Day

[@shirleyzafiau7115]

Do not forget! "The (Nat) KING COLE TRIO! Nat on piano & vocals! Wonderful and 'UNFORGETTABLE' ......

[@carolineelkington407]

Silky smooth and hauntingly beautiful. I grew up with my mother's love of music, Nat was one of her favourites. Still listening here in 2021. I hope Nat has met my mum up there. Xxx

[@davidmoore2325]

Hi ,how are you doing at the moment,how is the weather?

[@MaKarYaKenime]

my father's favorite song ever🥰...he sings this to me before going to sleep when i was just a kid.....now that i have kids of my own i sang the same song to them as well🥰...i miss my papa😭

[@chillphyll6925]

this is my grandpas favorite song sadly he passed ayaw last feb 14 i love this song too.

[@ladyanne8139]

Oh My Goodness ❤💞💗💜💙💚💖💓❤. First Recall hearing him on mom's radio yrs and yrs ago. I was but a small girl yet I paused and looked at the radio.....i think it was his soothing voice...pretty words for a child to hear. I bet he's been singing in heaven since he left us.... 💜💓❤💙💖💕💋💜💜

[@errolfan]

Not so cold and lovely work of art. Thanks to Nat and his rendition.

[@AlessioRomaMusic]

God bless Mr. Nat King Cole you are a Legend forever 🌍❤🎶🎶

[@foxvienna1]

Oh my what a wonderful talent.

[@Theaddman]

Thank you Mr. Cole for your beautiful music.

[@user-kr4yn6ql2e]

Just remembered this again and loved it ever since, nothing compares to this masterpiece

[@petersurdo4984]

I've heard it said he didn't like his voice. If that's true he was the only one.

[@MrMessoblues]

Peter Surdo It was smoooooooth as silk...!

[@edwardbevilacqua7377]

@söder bröder interesting. Obvious they often covered him in white face paint.

[@akaonk]

@söder bröder *ahem* RASICT HELLO ARE YOU BLIND

[@edwardbevilacqua7377]

Even if he didnt like his "white person voice", he always looked like he was having fun. He's the best. A sincere performer and I would guess a sincere man.

[@allenarmstrong934]

His Brother looked and sounded like him according to my parents who accidentally saw him in Vegas which was where they went on there 1st honeymoon they took another in Hawaii in 80 something and really were a testament for love in general and were married on 15th day after Valentines

[@jorgeschneider803]

That guitar boy oh boy!!!

[@maryrawson4324]

Just love this song..What a great song..

[@davidmoore2325]

Hi there,how are you doing at the moment,how is the weather?

[@charlesbarry6730]

Beautiful song. Marvelous voice.They don't make them like this anymore

[@fairchildsecurity9072]

And if they did they wouldn’t get any exposure. Nobody wants a class act anymore so the “powers that be” will not finance it. No dollars and cents in class anymore... Robert Fairchild, Jr. Newfoundationproductions.com.

[@mattveteska8559]

Yes they do,you ever listen to 50 cent ?

[@15743_Hertz]

They don't write, perform or enchant people like this anymore. Thanks, Nat!

[@jmquibilan8759]

I was named after this song, my dad was always singing me this when i was still on the womb. And now i appreciate it so much.

[@pborgia1]

A great song sung by an even greater singer and talent. Nat was an unparalleled artist.

[@nippy22]

Such a classic ..He was handsome too

[@summertime1875]

Very!

[@1eljae1]

His eyes tho

[@summertime1875]

@@1eljae1 yes, sexy! Slightly like a cross between a China man and an African man, just beautiful. I love that shape, he must have been very successful with the ladies of then.

[@darnellgodwin1433]

Your died

[@summertime1875]

@@darnellgodwin1433 what?

[@annabellaankenman4091]

YES I SAW THE MONA LISA AT THE LOUVRE IN PARIS, MANY YRS AGO.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

that didn't merit turning your capslock on, be more judicious in the future. Signed, The Capslock Police

[@brendastowers2500]

This music had class

[@urris1968]

One of the true greats

[@pablohingley2679]

❤

[@DavidTransformer]

My dads favourite singer and this song was played a lot when I was young. RIP dad until we meet again

[@kiajohnson]

As an employee at Olive Garden, I hear this song multiple times a day, everyday and I love this song the most. Never knew it was sang by Nat King Cole!

[@cherylhi8247]

wonderfully talented..classic

[@damemun]

He was looking at the camera. I love you 💓

[@barbarapembleton8839]

My sister was named for this song, I am 10 years older than her. I would rock her and sing to her. When she started Kindergarten she got kicked out for fighting...she had told the kids she had a song written for her and they didn't believe her....she has always believed everything I've told her...her 2nd Momma. Thank you Mr. Cole for singing this for her, as no one else can top you, it will always be one of my very favorites.

[@monasmith512]

I was named after the painting but people have sung this song countless times to me too when they learn my name 🖤

[@davidmoore2325]

Hi ,how are you doing at the moment,how is the weather?

[@Marcel_Audubon]

your sister's name is Doorstep? cool.

[@JohnHighSax]

My uncle Joe Comfort (RIP) on bass!

[@anndonnelly6920]

Wow what talent your uncle shows♥️

[@lamontburton1233]

Cool! In the company of greatness!

[@rocknroller77]

Wowzers. Love it !♡♡ more info please

[@MrMessoblues]

Very cool, John. What a thrill it must have been...!

[@chuckhockey9464]

Nice work

[@Samm_LAC]

Gahh that guitar😍 man they don't do it right anymore.

[@michelleseal8732]

Lovely , lyrics make me cry

[@scottrichard5792]

He always leaves one in a state of awe. Is this your favorite song?

[@Yasujiro76]

I love this man. Elegance and talent as only a master can combine. Thank you Mr. Cole, you'll never be forgotten 🎶🎹❤🎹🎶

[@miadora9406]

I was raised right because I know this song by heart.

[@normaconte3404]

My Papa’s favorite ; I’m 64 now; Brings back memories of my childhood, of watching him singing this in front of the mirror while grooming after a good bath . ❤️ NKC

[@miriammaldonado7848]

I was a child listening to greatest singer NKC 🎶now at 70 nice memories❤

[@davidmcauliffe9555]

one of the all time greatest..........never get tired of listening to it.

[@mariacouto6363]

Eu amo as músicas pele é demais Jesus proteja vocês

[@MegaBobQ]

Nat was amazing , anyone with ears must fall in love ! , side note the guitar riffs are sublime and way before its time.

[@allandowd1718]

Unreal voice...I was born to late...where are these voices now ? They sadly don't exist anymore. I was born to decades to late.

[@yourtubesteak]

Great piece of video of a great tune! As great as his voice is listen to those tasty guitar licks!

[@randomlifeoffola3719]

This song is near and dear to my heart. It brings me back to when I was a little girl and my grandfather would listen to Nat King Cole. 💕 They don't make songs like this anymore.

[@RobertSJHu]

Just love this "Mona Lisa" song. Thank you Nat King Cole and Roy Gardnera for posting this most beautiful song. I am 78 yrs.old and keep returning back to hear this beloved serenade and my life's journey. Aloha !!!!!!!!!! Gratefully, Robert S.J. HuMay 6, 2020.

[@user-em8sv5yp2x]

Nat king Cole is such a legend of music

[@parrotpirate9648]

Little girl from Australia brought me here. Thank you sweet angel your still living on through your story.