Nat "King" Cole (b. Nathaniel Adams Coles; March 17, 1919 - February 15, 1965) was an influential American jazz pianist and vocalist beloved for his velvety baritone voice. One of the best-selling artists of the 1940s and 1950s, Cole was widely known for his single "Unforgettable." He was also the first African-American to host a variety show on network television. A protégé of Nat Jaffe and a student of Earl Hines, Cole achieved fame as a leader of The King Cole Trio in the late 1930s and went on to lead innovative and successful small groups in the 1940s and 1950s. A prolific recording artist, he sold more than fifty million singles and albums in the United States alone during his career. His many hits included "Mona Lisa," "Nature Boy," "Too Young," and "Quizas, Quizas, Quizas." He was posthumously inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for great recordings in the 1989 and also received a special award at the first-ever Grammy Awards. Cole's influence reached far beyond music. He was a tireless advocate for civil rights and was a friend and advisor to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He opened doors for African-American artists to mainstream radio and TV, and inspired numerous other male vocalists during the latter half of the 20th century. He is survived by his widow Maria Cole and their five children, all of whom have gone on to successful music careers. Nat King Cole's memory lives on in his music and his tremendous legacy as an artist, civil rights champion, and role model.