Nat King Cole Vintage Photo Archive -1950s-60s
Photo Archive
[African American] [Music & Entertainment] Nat King Cole is one of the most famous household names of jazz in the 20th century. He was also the first African American to host a variety show on television, which was some of the most consumed forms of entertainment during the mid to late 20th century. This photo archive consists of 7 vintage black and white silver gelatin photographs spanning the on screen career of Cole. All measure approximately 8” x 10”. Some are press photos and have captions en verso or on the margins. Three photographs are stills from the film “St. Louis Blues” which features Cole alongside other big name Black entertainers such as Eartha Kitt and Pearl Bailey. The film offers a glimpse at black American life at the dusk of the Jazz Age. Two other photographs are from “The Nat ‘King’ Cole Musical Story” which follows Cole's journey from nightclubs to a record contract as he performs some of his original songs. Another photo is a still from the film “Istanbul”. One photograph shows himself alongside his wife, Maria, as they lounge in their lavish home in preparation for their appearance on his show, “The Nat ‘King’ Cole Show”. As an African American performer, Cole struggled to find his place in the Civil Rights movement. He had encountered racism firsthand, especially while touring in the South. In 1956, Cole had been attacked by white supremacists during a mixed race performance in Alabama. Although he claimed to be an entertainer and not an activist, his legacy is a testament to Black success during the time of Jim Crow. Some minor edge and corner wear, archive in overall very good condition.Item #20840
Price: $850.00
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