The Nat King Cole Show (1957) | 2 Episodes | Colored on TV

THE NAT "KING" COLE SHOW (Musical Variety)
FIRST TELECAST: November 5, 1956
LAST TELECAST: Decemberi7, 1957
BROADCAST HISTORY: Nov 1956-Jun 1957 , NBC Mon 7:30-7:45 Jul 1957-Sep 1957 , NBC Tue 10:00-10:30 Sep 1957-Dec 1957 , NBC Tue 7:30-8:00 REGULARS: Nat "King" Cole The Boataneers (1956) The Herman McCoy Singers The Randy Van Home Singers (1957) The Jerry Graff Singers (1957) The Cheerleaders (1957) Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra
Nat "King" Cole was a man ahead of his time, and that fact cost him his network series. When his 15-minute show premiered in 1956, he became the first major black performer to headline a network variety series. There had been previous attempts at black series, but they were either short-lived fill-ins with lesser-known talent such as Sugar Hill Times in 1949 and Hazel Scott in 1950, or rather degrading parodies such as Beulah or Amos 'n' Andy. Nat's short Monday evening show, which filled the remainder of the half hour in which NBC aired its nightly news program, allowed him little more than the opportunity to sing a couple of songs and occasionally welcome a guest vocalist. The following July, Nat moved to Tuesdays with an expanded half-hour show, allowing time for more variety and guests. Throughout its run, however, The Nat "King" Cole Showwas plagued with problems. It failed to attract a significant audience, and therefore sponsors were reluctant to underwrite the show.
From 1956-1957 Nat averaged only 19 percent of the viewing audience, compared to the 5o percent who were watching Robin Hood on CBS. Nat even trailed a documentary-travelogue on ABC, ca lled Bold Journey , which got 21 percent of the audience (the remaining 10 percent were watching non-network programs). Despite widespread apathy on the part of viewers and sponsors, NBC did not give up on the show, keeping it on the air, at a loss, through the fall of 1957. The performing community was well aware of Nat's spon- sor problems, and many stars appeared on the show for minimum fees as personal favors to him, in an effort to save the show. Virtually every black musical star showed up at one time or another, including Count Basie, Mahalia Jackson, Pearl Bailey, Billy Eck-stine, Sammy Davis, Jr., the Mills Brothers, Cab Cal-loway, Ella Fitzgerald, and Harry Belafonte. Nat had his white supporters too, among them Stan Kenton, Frankie Laine, Mel Torme, Peggy Lee, Gogi Grant, Tony Martin, and Tony Bennett. But the effort was in vain. It would be another decade before black entertainers could begin to make a significant dent in the mass medium of television. - The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, by Earle Brooks and Tim Marsh
Shared for historical purposes. I do not own the rights.
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[@CoreyGoldwaves]

The smoothest vocalist in history. He was a master of charm.

[@pamelabetts6459]

Right!!!🖤💜🖤

[@holoholohaolenokaoi2299]

Natalie Cole's 'Unforgettable' still gives me goosebumps.

[@DJWOLFLIVE]

No doubt

[@alexanderwoods2055]

im so glad i get to watch this.

[@krissmgvlogs]

This is how much we love Nat King Cole 👇

[@kme321]

It is unfortunate that his show lasted for only a year, this kind of music was perfect. Just magical, I love this kind of music

[@MsDisneylandlover]

Haters

[@soypatty]

Its acually amazing it lasted so long. Emmet TIll had just been murdered 2 years prior his show began. Racism is not joke.

[@brucescott4261]

@@soypatty ...The Nat "King" Cole Show first aired on November 5th, 1956.

[@lynnhazel2598]

I just love him, I could listen to him sing all day.

[@reynaldoluna5392]

He's very wonderful

[@user-xw2of9fi3q]

Me too

[@andrevillemaire5561]

Everytime i heard him sing on the radio in the last 50 years, i would pause as i knew this gentleman was one of a kind..... a golden voice that pleased generations of listeners. Too bad nobody makes music like this anymore..... at least we have the recordings. Thanks for posting..

[@coolestrarestthings8442]

Nat King Cole is the best jazz artist of all time and if a young Nat King Cole was alive in today's music industry he would definitely be one of the most popular artist cause Nat was classy and not trashy he was the ultimate charmer, with the smoothest singing voice he never had to hit high notes and yet women will still go crazy to to hear him sing

[@user-xw2of9fi3q]

Make the romantic side of me comes afor

[@user-xw2of9fi3q]

My personal conclusion his angelic Nat king cole

[@bealambwouldya]

He was so handsome 🥰

[@MsDisneylandlover]

Yes

[@user-xw2of9fi3q]

A man with no comparison

[@user-xw2of9fi3q]

Greatest entertainer 4ever and a day nat​@@MsDisneylandlover

[@user-xw2of9fi3q]

A celestial influence was he natlov u since

[@user-xw2of9fi3q]

Words cant deßcribe this amazing entity

[@KiannaMoon]

Nat's voice was velvety smooth. His charms also added to his performances. ❤

[@user-iz4mz4xi6i]

Спасибо за возможность окунуться в далёкое прошлое.

[@user-xw2of9fi3q]

An endless greatness

[@user-xw2of9fi3q]

🎉A Joyous celebrity

[@benbrownjr.7626]

Swoon. Just swoon. Absolute magic.

[@bluubird7077]

He was trying to do something that was hard to accept but was as natural as night meeting day. People often try to suppress awesomeness; he shined regardless. ✨

[@user-hf1vs8hd7t]

Beautiful

[@kerryshuler4959]

What can i say about this legendary person wow i love everything about Mr King Cole

[@user-xw2of9fi3q]

Only in dreamland you come across one this amazing

[@stevensmith743]

Every moment of Nat's show was pure magic. Unquestionably the coolest human ever.

[@user-xw2of9fi3q]

U can't put it better

[@user-xw2of9fi3q]

If I tell he was not of our kind would u stare at me in disbelief he is absolutely wonderful

[@user-xw2of9fi3q]

I am a dreamer ànd this man render my heart to flight mode

[@lynnhazel2598]

So true. Smooth as silk. Elagant

[@paulbariohay3213]

magnifique !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@tomwilson8607]

no one can deny his sheer magnetic magnificence, !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! , xxxxxxx

[@scottscott232]

N'K'C always reminded me of my dad. Dad used to like to imitate his singing and his very sophisticated dress style.

[@jimisanta]

world class , combines both white and black influences to produce a beautiful smooth velvet, buttery sound that makes you melt, one of a kind!!!

[@hailebenjamin5355]

So grateful 🙏😇

[@charlestheunissen-n8u]

Natking Cole what a musician !

[@Tremaineswife]

I love jazz 😩🥺🥰

[@bonnieallen2122]

Only the Good Die Young. We missed you Nate. Always. My favorite Song two of them Chestnut Roasting on Open fire. I can hear this Song all Day also the Biggest to me is, Moma Lisa yes. Your voice o just amazing. Joy Peace Luv. You will never be forgotten Luv.

[@brucescott4261]

@bonnieallen2122 ...Nat*

[@user-xw2of9fi3q]

An enjoyable entertainer

[@summerdovetrinity9078]

NAT King Cole, You Sooth My Soul, And, . . . Have Saved My Life Once Or Twice , When I Was A Child, and the Kids At School Were Not Being Nice, My Dad And Mom Would Play Your Songs, And For Those Moments My H34RT Belonged, In Pure Harmony, With H34V3NS ANG3LS In Synchronicity. With God Sweet God And 3verything Felt Good 🧡🙏🧡 A Poem From My Loving H34RT . For Mr Cole. Angels Blessings R.I.P. ✨

[@ronpiram17]

The music and the songs transport me back in my childhood days! Thanks a lot for uploading Nat King Cole's show. Very nice, excellent and really wholesome! Greetings from the Philippines.

[@jltrem]

This man was....so....god....damn.......cool.

[@krystallee3611]

So fine! As he can be ! 💯😊❤🎶🎶

[@heathertea2704]

Mama was married & pregnant w/my older sista, while daydreaming of Nat. Still talks about the history of his show, sponsors, cancellation & MUSIC🎶 of course. Why I fell in love with the Nat King Cole Trio music.😊

[@brucescott4261]

Heather TEA ...The King Cole Trio*

[@joseguerrido1511]

Love to watch this in color

[@timothythomas1951]

I Love his singing, very smooth vocal's!!! The Master at the piano

[@derekseven1647]

Thanks for posting these precious gems I am constantly reminded as to why I subscribed to your channel

[@tom11zz884]

Nat King Cole was a true gentleman. White audiences viewed him as "SAFE" and " Non Threatening" Despite all of that, his television show was still very short-lived.

[@willx_1]

Southern whites ain't ish that was the problem not much has changed on sixty years along with their northern cohorts.

[@sofiaplayz2115]

No major incorporations would sponsor him, so it was hard for him to continue.. When his show was cancelled, he later said “They were just afraid of the dark, that’s all”.. Long Live NAT💯💯 #Goat

[@JaySmith-wo3di]

@@willx_1 Wasn't just the south. People tend to forget that the most notorious sun down towns were in the midwest and the north.

[@jasonbeard4713]

@@sofiaplayz2115 False. Rheingold Beer sponsored his series on the East coast and Schenley sponsored it on the West coast. His series WAS sponsored, but as you mentioned, not a sponsor for both coasts. By the way, his series was originally videotaped for later broadcast later that evening for the West. These 16 millimeter kinescopes were transferred from those tapes. 24:00 "Raintree County", one of his most beautiful performances.

[@jamesmilton2495]

I agree with your comment. Nevertheless, it's terrible that the majority population claimed African Americans where free from slavery, but as long as African Americans stayed in their place as second class citizens everything would be fine for them. Not being able to vote in the former confederate states, housing discrimination, segregated audiences the Nat "King" Cole performed in front of it. Not being able to be served in the restaurants of the hotels that booked him in some cases.

[@johnbatson8779]

a brilliant musician and singer who I listen to when I need to calm down

[@chuckf6163]

This music touches my heart.

[@dgschindele]

Mr. Cole was an unbelievable performer. An American tragic hero.

[@sandrabarnes3221]

I love this

[@GOVECO2]

Simply the best!

[@sunrah4469]

Yes indeed 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@peagreen255]

Wonderful singer and a great pianist.

[@samblensdorf7384]

It should be more known this man was the first black man that had his very own show. And in the 50s!!

[@lordcron]

Perfection! The Blueprint...

[@lynnettemitchell7369]

Nice one!

[@atiyahkennedy3538]

i love this channel so much

[@MsDisneylandlover]

I loved this time for the fashion n talent but not the racism

[@MsDisneylandlover]

Happy black history month

[@solemandd67]

I read that Nat said the show was canceled because " Madison Avenue was afraid of the dark." They could only get Lincoln to sponsor.

[@MrNewktrane]

Yes, that's the famous quote from Mr. Cole. Southern stations was refusing to carry this brilliant show. Btw, a couple years ago the best documentary I've ever seen about this genius pianist/vocalist used his famous quote as it's title: "Afraid Of The Dark". Strange that it's never been made available as a physical dvd/blu ray disc.

[@sidneyjohnson892]

...I am more then glad that you posted these episodes of the Nat King Cole show...I was Rob Riendr Sr room service waiter back in 1994 or so and we talked about this show, the Nat King Cole show and he said that the sponsorship was there and that the show was not cancelled...Nate King Cole had a singers show and all of the singers who had shows back then had shows that lasted for a year...Judy Garland was popular enough that she warranted more episodes than the others but her show lasted for a year...all those white acts on his, Nat King Cole's show...wooo...he must have been angered...thanks for posting this

[@solo.solito]

Pure gold!! Mr Nat King Cole in the motherfucking house!!

[@tuue]

カッコいい！！！！！

[@CymoneHicks-lz6fz]

💜💜💜💜💜

[@user-xw2of9fi3q]

Only a romantic can truly enjoy his stuff

[@CymoneHicks-lz6fz]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@reynaldoluna5392]

The Golden Boys in America

[@alhamilton8690]

Sometimes imitated but never duplicated Nat had the attitude, talent, and the chops to be even greater but sadly received the stagnating bias and jealousy of the culture in power.

[@kervinfondren9226]

Sad no national sponsors would promote ads on his show due to racism. Thanks for opening the doors for future icons like Tyler Perry, Steve Harvey and other major black male stars.

[@CymoneHicks-lz6fz]

💎💎💎💎💎

[@MsDisneylandlover]

Upload more episodes please

[@andyfabo5802]

I remember his show a bit - certainly a great singer- but Josephine Baker needed to teach him how to pronounce "Pigalle"!

[@falanajerido875]

The one who writing is wrong he had a number 1 show but. They were jealous of him and he had no sponsor

[@MsDisneylandlover]

I can only snap on hand lol

[@falloutmanize]

Excellent! @reelblack: Is it at all possible that you could post Season 3, Episode 2? (Total, it's episode 46, I think) It aired 9/27/1957 and it has one of Nat's BEST performances where he magically sings the ballad "Soft Sands". I'd be forever grateful.

[@timothyhughes1904]

Part of the original "Paris" episode is not included here.

[@LadySwag502]

Colonized mind. I know this was WAY before my time but I just can't!

[@JohnnyTough]

I was saying the same thing Queen

[@bluubird7077]

I noted the same thing and though I know this, I like the music from both him and his daughter. 🥴☺️

[@naamiylirityisrael3289]

@LadySwag502 Please explain , "colonized mind."🤔 hmmm. What does this mean?

[@MsDisneylandlover]

Wish he sing me to sleep lol

[@gladysross1163]

I wish Nat Cole had let his hair be natural. Nat had his hair done to imitate the CAUCASIAN (white) young men. Most of the BLACK entertainments would have their hair straight like the white ones.

[@brucescott4261]

@gladysross1163 ...Those were the sign of the times. Let it go!!!

[@dudefrombelgium]

Why does everything need to be about race with you. I'm watching the entire show which features both white and black artists without even considering their ethnicity and when i scroll down all that is blotted out by negativity about race. Really sick of it.

[@filliusawusi6174]

ya ajabu..

[@MsDisneylandlover]

Is he saying pig alley or pink alley or paint alley

[@retroactivecontinuity3622]

See his hands for comparison as to how much powder they had him wear on his face.

[@TheDepriecebradford]

Who are the two artist??

[@MsDisneylandlover]

Y they cancelled his show idky smh

[@johnsonrocha6675]

what is this singer called?

[@kme321]

Nat King Cole

[@graceandpeace4414]

The Great Nat King Cole. Father of the Gracious Natalie Cole.❤

[@cmartmozzy]

Lisa Kirk

[@natssuarez2592]

@@cmartmozzy nat king cole maravilloso e inigualable 2021

[@falanajerido875]

Nat king cole

[@MsDisneylandlover]

I wish I spoke French

[@user-xw2of9fi3q]

To me he was a trillion timea greater then Elvis