Notes About The Poem

Nat King Cole

All you have to do is listen to his music
Most importantly, listen...
To that haunting, booming velvet voice of his
His signature song is "Unforgettable"
The man himself, is that, and much more
One of the greatest interpreters of song
That America, and the world over, has ever produced
More than just a great singer
He was a truly gifted pianist as well
The first African-American to host a national TV show
One of the very few African-American entertainers 
To be embraced by White America in a very segregated America
That glory came with a price
He had to constantly deal with racism 
In practically all facets of his life
And he did it all with class and quiet dignity
Despite being a trailblazer
Despite being one of the most successful musicians
Of his era, he remained a humble man
Until his untimely death on February 15th, 1965
At the young age of 45 from lung cancer
Long gone, much too soon, but he continues to live on 
Through his music. The late, great Nat King Cole
If I could, I would bring him back, in a heartbeat



Who Would You Bring Back in A Heartbeat Poetry 
Sponsored by: Caren Krutsinger (Winner: 2nd Place)
Date written and posted: 10/05/2018
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Wolf Avatar
October 22, 2018 at 10:15 AM
A wonderful tribute to my favorite baladeer, the peerless Nat King Cole. He certainly was unforgettable! I remember seeing neon billboard signs on the South Side of Chicago in the late 1950's, "The King is Coming!" ---And it sure wasn't Elvis Presley!... btw, if you haven't seen a 1958 film titled "St. Louis Blues," starring Nat King Cole, I believe you'd really enjoy it. Best wishes, Gershon
Ibeh Avatar
October 22, 2018 at 12:01 PM
Thanks for the comments and recommendation, Gershon!:-) I'll check out the movie since I'm obviously a Nat King Cole fan!
Gauthier Avatar
October 22, 2018 at 9:55 AM
A beautiful tribute, Edward. Congrats on your well deserved win.
Ibeh Avatar
October 22, 2018 at 12:02 PM
Thank you very much, Line!:-)
Cunningham Avatar
October 6, 2018 at 7:25 AM
A lovely dedication to a great man and singer Edward. Well written. Tom.
Ibeh Avatar
October 6, 2018 at 7:38 AM
Thank you very much, Tom!:-)
Allison Avatar
October 5, 2018 at 5:23 PM
what a lovely tribute, he had such an amazing voice. it would have been so lovely to meet such an inspirational man:-) hugs jan xx
Ibeh Avatar
October 5, 2018 at 5:46 PM
Thank you, Jan:-) I grew up on Nat's music; my father had a treasure trove of his records. What a talent, what a loss to the world*sigh*
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