Natalie Cole (born Natalie Maria Cole on February 6, 1950) is an influential American singer-songwriter and performer who has won eight Grammy Awards. She achieved success in her early career as an R&B star, but smoothly changed her repertoire toward a more jazz orientated musical style in the early 90s.

Early life

Natalie Cole is the daughter of noted crooner Nat King Cole and Maria Cole, former singer with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Cole was raised in the affluent Hancock Park district of Los Angeles, just a few doors down from the California governor.http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/09/24/sunday/main2036354.shtml CBSnews.com Retrieved on 05-23-07 She has referred to her family as "the black Kennedys." She was exposed to the greats of jazz, soul and blues at an early age. Cole sang on her father's Christmas album at the age of six, and she began performing at the age of 11.