MAY 15th 1948 On this day Nat King Cole's "Nature Boy" goes to No 1 in the USA . The song was composed by a free-spirited songwriter named Eden Ahbez, a year earlier, he lived in a Los Angeles park. The song is a self portrait of Ahbez’s life & the group he hung out with ‘ Nature Boys’ , he is thought to be the inspiration behind the hippie movement some 20 yrs later in the late sixties . After Ahbez had written the song he tried offering it to Nat King Cole at a performance in LA one night, but is entourage told him to get lost continually, finally he got Coles valet to pass it on to him , Nat when finally got aware of the song loved it , so would use it in his shows, the appreciation grew amongst his audience, till they finally decided to make a recording of it , but they now needed Ahbez permission. They eventually found him living under the HOLLYWOOD sign were he granted NKC wish , it earned Ahbez a 1/4 of a million dollars in today’s money at the time he gave half away It’s been covered by hundreds of artist since , Peggy Lee just after NKC version , Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Miles Davis , , Bobby Darin , Marvin Gaye , George Benson , Central Line even Lady GaGa to name but a few A mystically charged vagabond song" whose lyrics evoked an intense sense of loss and haplessness, with the final line delivering a universal truth 😮🤭👬!! My dad played this & every Nat King Cole choon constantly whenst I was once a nipper 😩😄😍
This isn't just a beautiful song but the film (video) is just a superb setting. The muted green backdrop set against the tan suit, tie and shirt combo further set against Mr. Cole's amazing dark chocolate complexion with all of it's history and unique features and, his jet black shiny, wavy hair, the other musicians. Even the piano was the right color for the setting. Just wonderful.
This is one of my favorite songs EVER! Nat's voice has enchanted me since I was six years old. I have searched for this particular performance after seeing the incredible documentary, Nat 'King' Cole: Afraid of the Dark. In watching this, something grabbed me differently than listening to the initial studio recording. No matter the version, Nature Boy is on a constant loop whenever I am in the mood to hear Nat. My world would be a bit dimmer without his music. Thank you!
the black and white one he's in a tux he has sung this song so many times and the fact that he's not even in front of the piano and not looking at the keys amazing
This song seems like a real demarcation point in popular song lyrics and melody and really going inward. The guy who wrote this and who was living in the woods at the time and gave him the music for it was real interesting, too. I feel like it started a sense of psychological introspection and dared a person to look in the mirror and look inside. I imagine how Nat King Cole must have felt singing this in spite of the bitter racial hatred of that time and how he just might have been sending a message to us all to think about loving each other.
He was brave beyond expectations! To be asked to perform in Vegas but yet couldn’t eat or even stay in the same hotels he sang @ was an atrocity! I went to THE SANDS in 1953 & he was performing there! After he was done he had to travel several miles to another area bc the same white hypocrites who applauded his singing wouldn’t even shake his hand,let alone,eat in the dining room with him! My family protested & tore up our tickets!
Yes eden ahbez ,he was living under the L in the HOLLYWOOD sign in the woods camping out..what a spellbinding peace it brings im learning this now on guitar today thanks to Dirk..
This is my all time favorite singer. Nat's voice and piano playing was so beautiful. Thank you Grand Mother Edna for giving me my musical taste. You always had Nat King Cole or Ray Charles, Andy Williams or others of that era playing on your stero.
“ The greatest thing you ever learn is just to love and be loved in return”. The simplicity of a perfect relationship… If only….. but never to be in today’s complex society of self entitled me me me syndrome. A Master piece of a song that only Nat king Cole, with his unique distinct voice that makes this song eternally special and beautiful.
I know you think you sound wise, but you're just pessimistic. And if you think the line "The greatest thing you ever learn is just to love and be loved in return" is about a *perfect relationship* it appears you missed the meaning of the entire song. Well done.
His eyes welling up as he is singing those wise, heart felt and worldly words, as the camera pans in, make me tear up even more. I feel as if he knew the joy and pain that hits at that moment in the song. 💔
😢😢😢😢😢😢😢❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😢😢😢😢😢😢😢❤❤❤❤❤❤😢😢😢😢😢😢 Quand vous entendez cette merveille écrite et composée par un grand Monsieur(Eden Ahbez), chantée par un autre grand Monsieur à la voix exceptionnelle (Nat King Cole), vous avez deux choix et pas un troisième : 1- Mourir sur le champ. 2- Vous endormir et rêver le restant de votre existence. Pour moi, c'est un suave mélange des deux 😢❤😢❤😢❤ Un grand merci pour le partage ❤
In all the videos I've ever seen of Nat King Cole, this is the only one where I have ever noticed him doing the little trick with his bottom jaw.....moving it back and forth or forward to create a different sound of his voice.
Thank you so much for having shared this. I had heard the song referenced but this was my first time having heard it or seen a filmed rendition. Greatly appreciated especially in this era of fast food autotune.
Это мой перевод текста "Дитя природы" Nature boy Жил паренёк. Был странным, ворожить он мог. И множество прошёл дорог, Далеко за моря ходил. Он скромным был, и грустью жил, Всем мудрости дарил. Прекрасным днём Он проходил моим путём. Он говорил мне обо всём, Что - король, что - дурак, всё - бред. Есть главное: познаешь свет Большой любви, и лишь любви в ответ.
This man had courage! To entertain white people in Vegas & then be told he couldn’t even stay @ the hotel he sang for & worse yet,wasn’t allowed to eat or go the bathroom in The Sands Hotel!
@@yogi9631 My, oh my. Did I touch a sensitive nerve in your reprobate soul? No problem. I leave you to suffer the consequences of the fate you so richly desire. So be it. Shalam.
![Billie Holiday - "Strange Fruit" Live 1959 [Reelin' In The Years Archives]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/-DGY9HvChXk/mqdefault.jpg)
MAY 15th 1948 On this day Nat King Cole's "Nature Boy" goes to No 1 in the USA . The song was composed by a free-spirited songwriter named Eden Ahbez, a year earlier, he lived in a Los Angeles park. The song is a self portrait of Ahbez’s life & the group he hung out with ‘ Nature Boys’ , he is thought to be the inspiration behind the hippie movement some 20 yrs later in the late sixties .
After Ahbez had written the song he tried offering it to Nat King Cole at a performance in LA one night, but is entourage told him to get lost continually, finally he got Coles valet to pass it on to him , Nat when finally got aware of the song loved it , so would use it in his shows, the appreciation grew amongst his audience, till they finally decided to make a recording of it , but they now needed Ahbez permission. They eventually found him living under the HOLLYWOOD sign were he granted NKC wish , it earned Ahbez a 1/4 of a million dollars in today’s money at the time he gave half away
It’s been covered by hundreds of artist since , Peggy Lee just after NKC version , Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Miles Davis , , Bobby Darin , Marvin Gaye , George Benson , Central Line even Lady GaGa to name but a few
A mystically charged vagabond song" whose lyrics evoked an intense sense of loss and haplessness, with the final line delivering a universal truth 😮🤭👬!!
My dad played this & every Nat King Cole choon constantly whenst I was once a nipper 😩😄😍
This isn't just a beautiful song but the film (video) is just a superb setting. The muted green backdrop set against the tan suit, tie and shirt combo further set against Mr. Cole's amazing dark chocolate complexion with all of it's history and unique features and, his jet black shiny, wavy hair, the other musicians. Even the piano was the right color for the setting. Just wonderful.
This was dad's and my favourite song and he was a wonderful.pianist who played this beautifully .Sadly he passed away in 1990 💜
❤ I know that feeling. Keep him alive in your memories and the stories you tell.
So wonderful. Nat was amazing.❤
Haunting . He was made to sing this song. God blessed us with Nat King Cole. King is very fitting for this man.
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."
this song has me tearing up every time I hear it beautiful
"The greatest thing, you'll ever learn, is just to love and be loved in return."
Miss those days of beautiful songs and beautiful voices singing them.
There are young people who miss this too. The record labels…the music industry. Robs us all. Got to go underground for the real talent these days
This is one of my favorite songs EVER! Nat's voice has enchanted me since I was six years old. I have searched for this particular performance after seeing the incredible documentary, Nat 'King' Cole: Afraid of the Dark. In watching this, something grabbed me differently than listening to the initial studio recording. No matter the version, Nature Boy is on a constant loop whenever I am in the mood to hear Nat. My world would be a bit dimmer without his music. Thank you!
The greatest thing is listening to him! His voice, his culture and manner of singing, that musical arrangement! Incredibly wonderful!❤❤❤❤
Listen to the voice of the man who was born to sing.
❤
the black and white one he's in a tux he has sung this song so many times and the fact that he's not even in front of the piano and not looking at the keys amazing
This song seems like a real demarcation point in popular song lyrics and melody and really going inward. The guy who wrote this and who was living in the woods at the time and gave him the music for it was real interesting, too. I feel like it started a sense of psychological introspection and dared a person to look in the mirror and look inside. I imagine how Nat King Cole must have felt singing this in spite of the bitter racial hatred of that time and how he just might have been sending a message to us all to think about loving each other.
Thank you for explaining the source and sentiments so beautiful.
[edited for typo]
@@tubularap Gosh, thank you. I do feel an aura of love for all when I hear that song.
He was brave beyond expectations! To be asked to perform in Vegas but yet couldn’t eat or even stay in the same hotels he sang @ was an atrocity! I went to THE SANDS in 1953 & he was performing there! After he was done he had to travel several miles to another area bc the same white hypocrites who applauded his singing wouldn’t even shake his hand,let alone,eat in the dining room with him! My family protested & tore up our tickets!
Yes eden ahbez ,he was living under the L in the HOLLYWOOD sign in the woods camping out..what a spellbinding peace it brings im learning this now on guitar today thanks to Dirk..
@@DippyHippie wow you got to see and hear him ?
Interesting style of singing. Very exaggerated Cole style. Thank you for sharing!
This is my all time favorite singer. Nat's voice and piano playing was so beautiful. Thank you Grand Mother Edna for giving me my musical taste. You always had Nat King Cole or Ray Charles, Andy Williams or others of that era playing on your stero.
❤
This is my theme song.
Play it at my funeral...
"The greatest thing, you'll ever learn, is just to love, and be loved in return."
Yes, same.
I want to have these words written on my tombstone as an epitaph when I'm gone...)
I hope you found that love,dear Jack!
@@DippyHippie Thank you for the kind words!
I remain open and optimistic!
:)
Best wishes to you and your journey as well !
@@Jack_Stafford ❤
“ The greatest thing you ever learn is just to love and be loved in return”.
The simplicity of a perfect relationship…
If only…..
but never to be in today’s complex society of self entitled me me me syndrome.
A Master piece of a song that only Nat king Cole, with his unique distinct voice that makes this song eternally special and beautiful.
I know you think you sound wise, but you're just pessimistic. And if you think the line "The greatest thing you ever learn is just to love and be loved in return" is about a *perfect relationship* it appears you missed the meaning of the entire song. Well done.
@@Mariojinn2 Which tree did you fall off from bro ??
His eyes welling up as he is singing those wise, heart felt and worldly words, as the camera pans in, make me tear up even more. I feel as if he knew the joy and pain that hits at that moment in the song. 💔
😢😢😢😢😢😢😢❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😢😢😢😢😢😢😢❤❤❤❤❤❤😢😢😢😢😢😢
Quand vous entendez cette merveille écrite et composée par un grand Monsieur(Eden Ahbez), chantée par un autre grand Monsieur à la voix exceptionnelle (Nat King Cole), vous avez deux choix et pas un troisième :
1- Mourir sur le champ.
2- Vous endormir et rêver le restant de votre existence.
Pour moi, c'est un suave mélange des deux 😢❤😢❤😢❤
Un grand merci pour le partage ❤
The most wonderful voice I have ever heard. NAT KING COLE for ever 🎶🎶
He was so talented and awesome. Love listening to him...RIP!
Here in 2023
No way me too
@@ihavejust6521 cool man can't wait till I find the next song from back in the day
@@ComicKishsame, bruh
It's a bit tedious to find, that all these diamonds are hidden in the sand
Absolute elegance. Thank you !!
Such a sweet testimony to true and lasting love.
My first memory of loving a song from the radio. ❤️💕
I´m floating....
Он выворачивает мне душу👏👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️сейчас так х нет😉
So debonair and African what a beautifully elegant man he was
Fabuloso, fantástico, excepcional. Nat King cole foi um presente de Deus para a humanidade.
❤
Thank You.
Wondeful melody
❤
❤
In all the videos I've ever seen of Nat King Cole, this is the only one where I have ever noticed him doing the little trick with his bottom jaw.....moving it back and forth or forward to create a different sound of his voice.
Astute observation!! Thank you! I must use this
I noticed that too and i was looking for a similar comment
Wow! Magnificent
¡¡Él es el mejor!!
Beautiful and video too ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
AWESOME!
Thank you so much for having shared this. I had heard the song referenced but this was my first time having heard it or seen a filmed rendition. Greatly appreciated especially in this era of fast food autotune.
Это мой перевод текста "Дитя природы" Nature boy
Жил паренёк.
Был странным, ворожить он мог.
И множество прошёл дорог,
Далеко за моря ходил.
Он скромным был, и грустью жил,
Всем мудрости дарил.
Прекрасным днём
Он проходил моим путём.
Он говорил мне обо всём,
Что - король, что - дурак, всё - бред.
Есть главное: познаешь свет
Большой любви, и лишь любви в ответ.
Mr Cole you didnt have to go that hard on this one. MY GOD that was breathtaking
Magic❤
The Magnificence !
Damn. I listen to New Wave, Metal, Hip hop, Rockabilly ...all kinda shit.
But MAN, CRAZY talent on the King here. Just wow.
Pure class
This man had courage! To entertain white people in Vegas & then be told he couldn’t even stay @ the hotel he sang for & worse yet,wasn’t allowed to eat or go the bathroom in The Sands Hotel!
They should bulldoze it....
@@ronfrey5327 or rename it in his honor
Америка!
Oh my God that's disgusting!!
Wow
Uma linda música, uma linda voz, um lindo rapaz
Tears...
Tha best!!!!!❤
WOW THIS ONE IS EVEN BETTER BTW FK THE SANDS HOTEL FOREVER.
What happened at the Sands Hotel?
Thank you "Andy Warhol Diaries" for introducing this song to me
Read the wikipedia page on the guy who wrote it. A truly unusual story. I love Nat King Cole's version the very best. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eden_ahbez
I wonder if the violinist was Heifetz…
Nature Boy is a metaphor for Christ. Just my analysis of the words. So be it. It expresses Christ's philosophy perfectly.
Rubbish, take your religious views elsewhere. For there are 100’s of other Gods that claim their rightful existence as well as your god!!
@@yogi9631 My, oh my. Did I touch a sensitive nerve in your reprobate soul? No problem. I leave you to suffer the consequences of the fate you so richly desire. So be it. Shalam.
NO IT'S NOT AT ALL STOP IT
@@denieledwards6893 LMAO.
@@SwaneeFlack-bz8fi YOUR A SICK IDIOT
If you like this version, listen to this one:
ua-cam.com/video/Iq0XJCJ1Srw/v-deo.html
Irving Ashby's guitar work is amazing. Such a virtuoso.
Thank you so much. This version adds the strings but misses out on Irving's amazing guitar work.