Quotes by Nat King Cole

About Nat King Cole:

Nathaniel Adams Coles was an American singer who first came to prominence as a leading jazz pianist. He was widely noted for his soft, baritone voice, which he used to perform in big band and jazz genres and which he used to become a major force in popular music for three decades producing many hit songs.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Critics don't buy records. They get 'em free.

Nat King Cole

Get me well so I can get on television and tell people to stop smoking.

Nat King Cole

I am an American citizen and feel I am entitled to the same rights as any other citizen.

Nat King Cole

I often wonder whether Negroes like myself who are pretty well known help out at all in breaking down barriers.

Nat King Cole

I was a guinea pig for some hoodlums who thought they could hurt me and frighten me and keep other Negro entertainers from the South.

Nat King Cole

I'm an interpreter of stories. When I perform it's like sitting down at my piano and telling fairy stories.

Nat King Cole

I'm not playing for other musicians. We're trying to reach the guy who works all day and wants to spend a buck at night. We'll keep him happy.

Nat King Cole

I'm proud of our court. It knocks back a lot of the propaganda the Communists put out about the way America treats her Negroes.

Nat King Cole

If I could read it, I could play it.

Nat King Cole

It's not the people in the South who create racial problems - it's the people who are governing.

Nat King Cole

I'm a musician at heart, I know I'm not really a singer. I couldn't compete with real singers. But I sing because the public buys it.

Nat King Cole

The sheriff is at the cash register, and if I don't get a hit soon, I don't know what I'll do.

Nat King Cole

You've got to change with the public's taste.

Nat King Cole

Primarily I'm a meat man, although once in a while I toy with a few vegetables.

Nat King Cole

I'm in the music business for one purpose - to make money.

Nat King Cole

I make no claim to being a business genius. You can make so much money in this business that it loses its value.

Nat King Cole

The Supreme Court is having a hard time integrating schools. What chance do I have to integrate audiences?

Nat King Cole

For years the Trio did nothing but play for musicians and other hip people. We practically starved to death.

Nat King Cole

Only time, education and plenty of good schooling will make anti-segregation work.

Nat King Cole

The only prejudice I've found anywhere in TV is in some advertising agencies, and there isn't so much prejudice as just fear.

Nat King Cole

Author Bio

  • NameNat King Cole
  • DescriptionAmerican singer and jazz pianist
  • AliasesNathaniel Adams Coles
  • BornMarch 17, 1919
  • DiedFebruary 15, 1965
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionSinger-songwriter; Pianist; Actor; Jazz Musician
  • AwardsGrammy Lifetime Achievement Award