Straighten Up And Fly Right Song List
Straighten Up and Fly Right, Cole's greatest composition, and first hit
record for Capitol records. A cute story about a buzzard and a monkey
that underscores a serious time in US history. Ultimately the two figure
out they must get along. The catchphrase in the title worked to inspire
discipline and honor to the members of the military. The song was most
likely inspired from one of Nat's father's sermons.
Prelude in C# Minor, Nat King Cole's and his trio's accessible interpretation
of the Rachmaninoff classic. Cole studied piano from the age of 12 and
played classical pieces from Bach to Rachmaninoff.
Sweet Lorraine, helped establish Nat Cole as a serious singer. He had
previously been known primarily, as a jazz pianist.
It's Only A Paper Moon, employs one of the most unique introductions
ever written.
(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66, One of Cole's personal favorites and is
based on the traditional 12 bar blues.
Mona Lisa, although Cole didn't particularly care for the tune when he
first heard it, he received praise from his idols, Duke Ellington and Billy
Strayhorn for this performance. The American public agreed.
Calypso Blues, highlights Cole's newfound addition to the trio,
percussionist Jack Costanzo.
Orange Colored Sky, one of the first songs to be launched from
television. This song teamed Cole with bandleader Stan Kenton.
Nature Boy, with hauntingly beautiful lyrics, tells the story of a boy that
has discovered the meaning of life.
Too Young, Walkin' My Baby Back Home, Unforgettable, were
recorded by Cole during a couple of different recording sessions, some
with full orchestration and some, without.
The Christmas Song, Written in 1946 by Mel Torme and Bob Wells as a way to get their
minds off the heat of summer. An early recording by the King Cole Trio included a small
string section. This 1946 smash hit was recorded four different times by Cole and
eventually featured a full orchestra and is probably the most played of ALL Christmas songs.
That Ain't Right, one of Cole's greatest compositions, was recorded in
1941. Traditional blues, yet contains certain chord harmony that would
later be used by jazz musicians.
Oh, Mary, Don't You Weep, reaches back to one of Cole's early
influences: Gospel music.
Answer Me My Love, love ballad that teams Cole with orchestrator
Nelson Riddle.
Send For Me, a challenge for Nat King Cole in that he still intended to
make tasteful music from a piece geared for a rhythm and blues market.
Straighten Up And Fly Right Song List
Something Makes Me Want to Dance With You, recorded during the
famed Billy May (orchestrator) sessions.
Ramblin' Rose, recorded June 19, 1962. The famous upbeat ballad with
a Country-Western flavor was a smash hit.
Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer, cheerful, coast to coast
million seller.
Looking Back, in Cole's word's, his "next step into soul music, on sort
of a religious kick." The song reminds us in many ways of one of Cole's
most admired peers, Ray Charles.
L-O-V-E, isn't this what Cole sang about during his entire career?