#25 of 25
· Cratewise Editorial
“That voice. Those strings. Cole's baritone is so smooth it's practically a texture. Capitol-era Cole is warm enough to heat a room. The definition of easy Sunday listening.”
Nat King Cole (1919-1965) was one of the most influential and commercially successful artists of the 20th century. Beginning his career as a jazz pianist and bandleader in the 1930s, he transitioned to become a legendary vocalist, recording over 100 songs that became standards. His smooth baritone voice and sophisticated phrasing defined the popular music landscape from the 1940s through his death. Cole's recording of "Unforgettable" (1951) became his signature song, while albums like "The Nat King Cole Story" and "Love Is the Thing" (1957) showcased his versatility across jazz, pop, and orchestral arrangements. Despite facing racial discrimination throughout his career, Cole became the first African American to host his own television variety show (1956-1957) and remained one of the best-selling artists of his era.
Style
Nat King Cole mastered multiple genres including jazz, pop, and traditional standards, characterized by his warm, intimate baritone and impeccable phrasing. His style evolved from early jazz piano work to sophisticated vocal performances backed by lush orchestral arrangements and jazz ensembles.
Significance
As one of the best-selling recording artists of all time, Nat King Cole's extensive discography makes him a cornerstone of vinyl collecting, particularly sought for his original Capitol Records releases. His albums represent a golden age of recorded music and remain reference recordings for both sonics and vocal interpretation among serious collectors.
"The Very Thought of You" is a standards album recorded by Nat King Cole in 1958, showcasing his sophisticated interpretive skills on classic American songbook material. Cole recorded these tracks during sessions with arranger Nelson Riddle, who crafted lush orchestral arrangements that became the hallmark of Cole's vocal style in this era. The album features Cole performing beloved compositions from the 1930s and 1940s, including the title track, "Unforgettable," and "Too Young." These sessions were part of Cole's prolific period at Capitol Records, where he was establishing himself as a premier interpreter of popular standards alongside his success as a pop and jazz vocalist. The recording reflects Cole's maturity as an artist, blending his warm baritone with Riddle's elegant orchestrations.
Historical Context
Released in 1958, this album arrived during the height of the LP era when vinyl albums were becoming the primary format for serious music listening. Cole was at the peak of his popularity, having successfully transitioned from his early jazz trio work to become a mainstream entertainment icon. The late 1950s saw a particular resurgence of interest in American standards, with artists like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Cole dominating the album charts. The album was well-received by critics and fans, appealing to adult listeners who appreciated sophisticated pop and jazz-influenced vocal performances.
Pressing Notes
The original Capitol Records pressing features the iconic cover photography typical of Cole's 1950s releases. Various pressings exist, including mono and stereo versions, with the stereo editions now preferred by collectors for their enhanced sound quality. Early pressings can vary in pressing quality and label variations. Reissues have been released on both vinyl and CD formats over the decades. Collectors should look for original Capitol pressings from the late 1950s, as these represent the definitive release of these particular sessions. Condition and pressing quality can significantly affect value, with clean copies commanding premiums.
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