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The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
UNFORGETTABLE
When Nathaniel tickled the ivories, he mesmerized Chicago’s jazz club audiences. The talented sixteen-year-old played for hot dogs, soda pop and pure joy. In 1935, he and his band, the Rogues of Rhythm, challenged the great Earl Hines and his Orchestra to a musical duel—and won.
Twenty-one years later, Capitol Records’ leading vocalist became the first African American to host his own television program. Performers from Sinatra to Ella Fitzgerald clamored to donate their services. Despite rave reviews, white sponsors refused to back him.
Fighting tears, Nat King Cole cancelled his show saying, “Madison Avenue’s afraid of the dark.”
*
*
Buddy DeSylva, founder of Capitol Records, is quoted as having said, “If Nat Cole were white, he’d be bigger than Sinatra or Crosby.”
Here’s a clip from the ill-fated The Nat “King” Cole Show
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Thank goodness we’ve moved on from those days. We have. Haven’t we?
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Dear Neil,
Have we? Thank you for coming by..
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I have seen that clip before, did not know the show was cancelled.
I can think of few things sadder than judging music by colour.
Nicely done, m’lady
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Dear C.E.
The cancellation of that show was a huge injustice. Although Cole himself cancelled due to lack of sponsors. That voice and that face were a part of my childhood. Happy memories, those. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I wonder if we have moved on that much from those days, what with Adele saying that Beyonce deserves more awards than she does. Sigh!
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Dear Joyful,
I’m not sure just how much progress we’ve made, although, I think it’s gotten better. I can hope. Yes? Thank you,
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, hope is the thing with feathers …..
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Now he’s remembered as one of the best~
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Hindsight’s always 20/20.
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You give us a great miniature of a great performer. The clip, too, is beautiful.
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Dear Penny,
He was always a favorite in our home. What a voice that man had. There was only one. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a sad story, made all the more so by current times. I can’t even bring myself to watch the video. In some ways, we’ve come a long way. In other ways, not so much. Beautifully written, as usual, Rochelle.
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Dear Jan,
It would be nice to think that past is way behind us, but it rears its ugly head all too often and in too many ways. Thank you for your sweet words, my friend.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow! I’ve learnt something from this story – as I assume it to be true. Awful how humans treat other humans!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Dear Susan,
This one is 100% true. After watching 2 hours of documentaries, I distilled what I could into a flash fiction. According to his widow he did utter the last line. How can you discount such talent because of a man’s color? Appalling.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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One of our favorite albums is his daughter Natalie covering his hits including “Unforgettable.”
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Dear James,
Nat King Cole’s music was part of my childhood. I loved Natalie’s tributes as well. How sad that they’re both gone now.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The first time I heard the words ‘velvet-voiced’ it was in connection with Mel Torme. Even as a little girl I thought the phrase was better applied to Nat King Cole. Lovely tribute, and beautifully done as ever, Rochelle.
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Dear Sandra,
I couldn’t agree more re ‘velvet voice.’ There was only one Nat King Cole. What a pity his colour made so much difference. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Fortunately history has elevated him to greatness. Alas too late for him to get sponsors on his show, but hopefully he pushed open the doors for others.
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Dear Iain,
No doubt the sponsors would be clamoring to represent him as were some of the most popular stars in Hollywood at the time. Go figure. I think the doors are cracked open to some degree, but we have a way to go. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ve worn out many a cassette tape and vinyl in my youth listening to Mr. Cole sing… truly a talented man. Didn’t know that he was African-American until I hit college. All I cared about was that he knew music, and brought it to life. Lovely write, Rochelle. I truly enjoyed it, and love that I can listen to him still via youtube. 🙂 ~Shalom, Jelli
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Dear Jelli,
I love it that you didn’t know he was African American. It shouldn’t matter, should it? That velvet voice. Yum. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re right, it doesn’t matter… save that his personal story is worthy of knowing…now, I do! 🙂 Shalom ~ Jelli
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America is and was a deeply racist country, and nowhere is this more evident than in its treatment of musical geniuses like Nat Cole. Nat Cole was an amazing talent. He sounded white, unlike Fats Waller. Because he was “neither fish nor fowl,” he didn’t have the traction with the black audiences (many of whom considered him to be a sellout). The delicate balance was also walked by Harry Belafonte and Sammy Davis, Jr, but even they were never considered wholly acceptable by white audiences. Duke Ellington, arguably the greatest American composer in history, was the picture of grace and style, but was often mistreated and discriminated against. Later artists like Mies Davis and Charles Mingus were embraced by fringe elements of white audiences, but never the mainstream culture. This continues to this day. The first rap superstar was Vanilla Ice.
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Dear Josh,
One particular story of Nat Cole that stands out is when he was attacked on stage by white racists in Alabama. If that wasn’t bad enough, because he refused to fight back, his own called him an Uncle Tom. Nonetheless, he was amazing.
Glad you liked my story and it inspired so much info. Thank you. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That voice – unforgettable. The treatment he received from sponsors – totally regrettable. I agree with many of the comments above – we have moved on a little bit since then, but not far enough! Hopefully what is happening in our country now is just the last ugly gasp and that type of hatred will become history.
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Dear Trent,
Well said. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Nat and his “Pussy-Willow” voice were my standard every time I went to my mother’s. She would say – “Ah, Dale is here, Nat King Cole is on the record player”.
You, in your inimitable way, have brought this to life. Such a horrid reality that talent, especially in the music business, was dissed on colour. Such a sad reality.
Lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
It goes to show what great taste you have in music. I’d not heard “pussy willow” voice. But it fits. That man could sing. It’s unthinkable to categorize talent by race and color, isn’t it? Thank you for your sweet comments re my story. 😀 ❤
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I can’t lay claim to the expression- it was on the back jacket of my mother’s album. I just thought it perfectly represented his voice. So soft and mellow… he definitely could. 💜🧡
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Nat King Cole was amazing, and you write a lovely tribute. It’s absolutely true that if he’d been white, he would have gotten the appreciation he deserved back then. I keep hoping we will collectively learn from this kind of black mark (pun intended) on our history, but obviously we have a long, long way to go.
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Dear Joy,
The stories of what black entertainers endured back in those days appalls me. I’m afraid that as long as there are people there will be hatred. And I hate that. Thank you for your wonderful comment. (Pun should always be intended. 😉 )
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Sarah Josepha Hale W(T)F,
Rejection is not an easy thing to accept, even if you’re a white, overweight hillbilly who occassionaly wears Care Bear pajamas. I have been rejected by some of the finest and most popular publications in America. Do they fear hillbillies, or is it my choce of apparel?
While we as a nation have come a long ways over the past 70 years the battle is not won and discrimination still continues and possibly even making a resurgence under the current administration. Thank you for uncovering another piece of little-known history and making it relevant in this platform.
Keep up the good work,
Marvin
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Dear Marvin,
Perhaps those cuddly pajamas might garner more acceptances. Just include the picture with your queries. I’m sure it you’ll get noticed and be remembered.
I’m not sure history has taught us much of anything. Sigh. Pity, my friends of color are some of the most fascinating and intelligent. Now those white hillbillies are something else entirely…;)
Shalom,
Sarah Josepha Hale W(T)F
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Poor Nat King Cole was just too early, sadly – a few decades later and yes, he wouldn’t have faced any such problems. I think you’re quote is right – he would have been bigger if he’d been white, his voice was absolutely beautiful, so moving, perfection.
Many black artists faced the same prejudice – Sammy Davis Jr was allowed to perform for white people, with white artists but wasn’t allowed to use the same hotel as those he shared the bill with. Sickening, all of it.
Cole seems like he was a lovely man too, taken too early by lung cancer.
A sad but fitting story, Rochelle
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Dear Lynn,
Nat King Cole ran into the same issue as Sammy Davis Jr. He wasn’t allowed to stay in the very same hotels he performed in. Makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it? As for his early death…damned cigarettes. (My mother died the same way 😦 )
Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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In the early 60s Ray Charles flew into the Springdale airport. A friend of mine drove him to Fayetteville to spend the night because Springdale heavily enforced the “sundowner” law.
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Let’s hope we’re moving on from that world of prejudice. I’m sorry to hear about your mum – such a sad way to go
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BTW, who’s the musician? A very nice set up there 🙂
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That’s my husband’s music room, Lynn. I’ve lost count of his guitars. That’s his hide away.
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What a voice! And the song his daughter “sang” with him so many years ago. . . Sadly, I feel we’re going back in time and will once again squelch talent, brilliance, and kindness through anger and stupidity. Can you tell you’ve riled me up? The sign of an excellent story.
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I thought that was his. (Sorry my previous comment ended up in a wacky place.)
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Dear LIsh,
I’ll see your riled up and raise you a couple of infuriateds. At any rate a good comment’s welcome no matter where it shows up. 😉 Thank you very much, my friend.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved Nat King Cole’s voice and charm.
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Same here, Pensitivity. Thanks for stopping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Something else I never knew!
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Happy to enlighten, Louise. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nat King Cole was awesome. I can still remember his rich voice. It’s a shame he didn’t gather more fame. He deserved it. Still, he paved the way for others after him. Our current artists owe him a debt.
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Dear Eric,
I couldn’t agree more. Thanks for stopping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This says so much… and I wonder how much has changed. Color of skin, sex so many things to consider before deciding if it’s talent or not…
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Dear Björn,
Things have changed but where humans live prejudice abounds. Sad. It should be about talent and personality, shouldn’t it? Pigment is only skin deep.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved Nat King Cole. What a beautiful voice.
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Hope you liked my story, too, Stu. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS I loved him, too.
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More fool them. I’d like to say those days are long gone, but it may be just that today money trumps colour. I’m such a cynic.
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Dear Ali,
It’s easy to become cynical, isn’t it? It seems we’ve taken a few steps forward and many back. Sigh. Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love your entry. So timely to consider all the places that we hope had changed … and all the things that may have … yet me be undone if we do not remain vigilant.
My own entry is going to be submitted momentarily at the link above. It goes in a different direction. Sort of. But, as is my ‘custom’ … am copying a direct link here, too, just because.
Na’ama
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Dear Na’ama,
It’s all good, now that I know the whys and wherefores. 😉
I suppose, there’s some progress. At least we don’t force people to use separate restrooms and water fountains. However, about 20 years ago I was with a dance troupe visiting Selma, Alabama. The bigotry lies just below the surface and it’s ugly. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, hate will rise when given opportunity and stoked by fear-of-the-other by dogmatic authoritarians who feed on such energies. We’ve seen it happen throughout history, always against minorities and those who are more vulnerable or more easily pushed off of the ‘have rights’ list. We also saw people rise above it, resist it, work to end hate, work to raise the standard of ethics so more people have better rights. I’ll hold hope that light will find a way. Na’ama (PS the comment about the link was sorta tongue in cheek … 😉 ).
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Wall Street missed a golden opportunity. I didn’t know this about NKC. Loved his voice.
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Dear Linda,
It was a shame and no one should’ve been more ashamed than the prospective sponsors on Madison Avenue. Thanks for stopping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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One is never to old to learn, Mr Cole was a fabulous singer… I suspect many individuals still miss out because of deep seated prejudices.
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Dear Michael,
No one loses more than the bigot him or herself, do they? We all have a lot to learn, I fear. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your story broke my heart. What a brilliantly talented man and the injustice of it all is heart breaking. I believe society has improved over time, but of course not nearly enough. Beautiful story as always, Rochelle.
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Dear Brenda,
My tears rolled as I watched two documentaries about him, back to back. What a beautiful voice and sweet man. I remember watching him on television as a child and not caring about his race. That smile just roped you in and his voice kept you there. Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I can imagine. Watching the video you posted and especially listening to him sing “Unforgettable,” I was in tears. A beautiful soul and a musical genius. Thank you for posting this!
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And we all come out lesser for it.
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Yes, we do, Alice.
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There is so much cheer and positivity in this that it makes the cutting and devastating last line so powerful, and sad. A thought-provoking slice of history, one that promotes joy on hearing Nat’s voice, and incredulity at fear of the dark.
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Dear Sarah Ann,
Those were dark times, particularly for people of color. While Mr. Cole could perform in certain places he wasn’t allowed service. White stupidity IMHO. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That last line 😦 Loved this story, always learning something new. Thank goodness his light was allowed to shine eventually
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Dear Bettina,
Sadly Mr. Cole’s light was snuffed way too soon, but his voice and legacy linger on. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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He looks so young in your video! Prejudice will always be with us, unfortunately, but there are also many of us who aren’t so hampered – we just have to make sure we come out on top.
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Dear Liz,
He was young. He was only 45 when he passed away from lung cancer. Damned cigarettes. His legacy will be with us forever. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Although already commented on, he was an awesome voice and singer. I didn’t know about the history you revealed. You always seem to do that. Such a wordsmith. Thanks.
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Dear Jan,
Wordsmith. I like that. 😉 ❤ All those hours of Scrabble are paying off, eh? Thank you, m'luv.
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Born too late. In just a handful of words, you’ve taught me stuff I didn’t know nor ever imagined. Thank you, Rochelle.
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Dear Keith,
You couldn’t pay me a higher compliment. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Like a few others it seems, I had no idea his show was cancelled. The clip made me smile because his voice is perfect and he is so charming, but it’s bittersweet knowing that it was taken away from him so unjustly.
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Dear Ellie,
He actually cancelled the show himself due to lack of sponsorship. But in a sense it was taken from him by the unjust bias of the white community that controlled Wall Street. Sad times in history. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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How far we have come…how far we have to go….
When people talk about the “good ole days”, well….I’m not gonna go there…but you know. Keep putting it out there Rochelle ❤
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Dear Dawn,
The ‘good ole days’ were good for some, but not for everyone. 😦 Thank you for your affirming words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A fantastic piece. Learned a lot from it. Very powerful. I think we’ve come a long way from those days filled with so much of that evil twosome prejudice and ignorance but there’s still a long way to go. Great piece.
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Dear Lisa,
Prejudice and bigotry take on many forms, don’t they? Thank you for your generous comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I had ‘heard’ of Nat King Cole but this is the first time I heard him – wow what a voice! Unforgettable indeed and what a lovely tribute and a reminder not to let history repeat itself. Once again thank you Rochelle 🙂
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Dear Dahlia,
That voice was a huge part of my childhood…always on the radio, on television. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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as they say, the best revenge is to be successful. 🙂
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I’m not sure where you find revenge in this, Plaridel. Thank you for reading.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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what i meant was that by becoming successful and wealthy, he proved his detractors wrong. in this context, his success became his best revenge.
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That’s again a very touching tale, Rochelle. I like his songs. Here’s my entry for this week
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Dear Piyali,
Thank you for your kind comments.He was an amazing singer.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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you instantly had me with the “tickled the ivories”
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Dear Yvette,
I’m glad you liked my ‘tickled the ivories.’ I figured ti would be a way to capture the time frame. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂
ah – well that adds more to the menaing for me –
thx
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Another great little piece of history for which I thank you again, Rochelle
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Dear Michael,
Always my pleasure to share history. You’re welcome and thank you for taking the time. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such an incredible voice
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Indeed it was, Laurie. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What an ending line! How sad that his show would have been cancelled. Thanks for sharing!
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Dear Sascha,
Sad indeed. And sadder still that Nat King Cole was the one to cancel the show because of short-sighted bigotry. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s so tragic. And to think it wasn’t that long ago too.
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Dear Anurag,
Bigotry is always tragic. It keeps us from knowing the heart of the other person. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I noticed how his motivation to play changed over the years…
First he was ready to play for food and drinks.
Later, he decided not to play for self-respect…
Have a lovely weekend, Rochelle!
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Dear Anita,
It wasn’t that his motivation changed so much as he matured. 😉 His childhood dreams became reality and income. I don’t believe he ever lost self-respect. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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One of my favorites. He had an ‘unforgettable’ way of touching one’s soul with his music.
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Dear Joyce,
I remember listening to that voice on the radio. He was a presence in my childhood. You’ve been on my heart, my friend. Thank you for stopping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks. I’ll write a persoal message later in Facebook messagine and get you updated. Hopeing to get settled soon in Nebraska near Erika.
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Loved this piece Rochelle, and I’m back on your page after eons. “Unforgettable” is an all time favourite. And what a wonderful use of the prompt.
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Dear Natasha,
Nice to see you here again. 😀 Thank you for your sweet words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a fabulous piece of flash fiction.
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Many thanks, Neel.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely reminder of a very special gift to my formative years. I was lucky enough to have a mother who was passionate about music. The unique sound of Nat King Cole was a precious part of my young life.
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Dear Jilly,
That voice was a part of my young life as well. You couldn’t turn on the radio without catching one of his songs. Thank you for your affirming comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle – thank you for sharing Nat King Cole’s story – to me such a familiar name and brilliant musician. I had no idea of how badly he was treated. You tell the story with a delicacy and compassion. Well done
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Dear Francine,
He was amazing…a melodious slice of my formative years. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I don’t think we have moved away from that totally. It lurks somewhere, still. Beautifully written, as usual, dear. Shalom.
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Dear Indira,
I don’t know if we’ve moved very far unfortunately. I believe that creativity and talent are bestowed upon those who will use it, regardless of skin color. I wish we could learn to celebrate that fact. One race–HUMAN. Thank you for your lovely comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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