Born on March 15, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama, Nathaniel Adams Cole began his musical journey as a child, learning to play the piano at the age of four. He quickly formed a musical partnership with his brother, Ike, and the duo began performing in local clubs and bars. After serving in the Army during World War II, Cole moved to Los Angeles, where he formed the Nat King Cole Trio with his brother and guitarist, Eddie Cole. The trio's popularity soared, and they became one of the most sought-after acts in the music industry.