Diane Watson: “I was just up in New York at the funeral for Lionel Hampton; and all of the way through, the talented performers would…”

“I was just up in New York at the funeral for Lionel Hampton; and all of the way through, the talented performers would recall when they were all together, and Nat King Cole was part of that group. He was a man whose artistic talent was matched only by his efforts to break down the barriers that divided America from itself. Nat King Cole had a gift of enormous musical talent. He did not like his singing voice; he thought it was not good enough so he thought he should play, but they talked him into singing while he was playing. He was known most for his singular voice, bringing alive such tunes as 'Mona Lisa,' 'Rambling Rose,' 'The Christmas Song,' and 'Unforgettable.' His daughter, Natalie Cole, would say that for many a year she mourned her father's death and did not have the courage to record with him until much later after his death; and the song 'Unforgettable' truly will live forever. He was truly unforgettable. But many experts considered his work as a pianist as his most significant contribution to American music. He was recognized among jazz musicians as one of the most formidable and technically proficient pianists of his day.”