The Grove will host a series of musical tributes in celebration of Nat King Cole’s centennial, beginning this weekend with “L-O-V-E: A Nat King Cole Experience.” In addition to the musical performances, the venue will feature the actual piano used by Jimmy McHugh to compose several Cole classics as well as projected rare clips from Cole’s legendary shows.
The experience is open to the public and complimentary from Friday, Feb. 14 through Sunday Feb. 16, from noon to 5 p.m. at The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles.
The world continues the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Nat King Cole, widely acknowledged as one of the most honored and iconic performing and recording artists of all time. Cole first began his music career as a jazz artist forming the Nat King Cole Trio. He signed to Capitol Records in 1943, and released his first album, “The King Cole Trio.” The album was a success and was the first of his many albums to hit the top of the Billboard charts.
Cole went on to record more than 700 jazz and pop songs for Capitol Records, including 150 singles that appeared on the R&B, Pop and/or Country charts. A few of Cole’s classic hits include: “L-O-V-E,” “Mona Lisa,” “Unforgettable,” “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” “Nature Boy” and the holiday staple, “The Christmas Song.”
His countless hits resulted in the legendary Capitol Records building in Hollywood on Vine Street informally referred to as “The House That Nat Built.”
Cole’s story continues to grow as each new generation discovers his music, as well as his trailblazing, catalytic role in several important cultural and sociopolitical advancements, including the U.S. civil rights movement. The arc of Cole’s life is a study in success despite adversity, and the triumph of civility, respect and talent married with political, cultural and business savvy.
