: Even in slow ballads, Cole maintained a jazz-inflected rhythmic "pocket" that prevented the songs from becoming overly sentimental or "mushy."
Nat King Cole ’s association with Christmas is so profound that he is often referred to as the "King of Christmas." While many artists release holiday albums, Cole’s smooth baritone and sophisticated jazz sensibilities created a definitive soundscape for the season that has lasted for over 70 years. The Genesis: "The Christmas Song" (1946) nat_king_cole_king_of_christmas
: The album has appeared on the Billboard charts nearly every year since its release. In the streaming era, it regularly returns to the Top 10 during December. : Even in slow ballads, Cole maintained a
Musicologists often point to specific qualities in Cole’s performance style that align with holiday "warmth": Musicologists often point to specific qualities in Cole’s
The "King of Christmas" title was further solidified in the 1990s and 2000s through clever archival work:
: The version most people hear today on the radio and streaming services was recorded in 1961. It is widely considered the "definitive" performance, featuring the iconic overhead strings and Cole’s most mature, velvety vocal delivery. The Landmark Album: The Christmas Song (1960)
The cornerstone of his holiday legacy is, of course, "."