RIP, Maria Hawkins Cole (July 10, 2012) Jazz Singer; Wife Of Nat King Cole; Mother of Natalie Cole
Posted by themusicsover on July 10, 2012
Maria Hawkins Cole
1922 – July 10, 2012
Maria Hawkins was a popular jazz vocalist who began her career singing for the likes of Count Basie and Duke Ellington. In 1946, Hawkins launched her solo career and began singing at the legendary Club Zanzibar in New York City. She soon met the great Nat King Cole and the two married in 1948. Throughout the ’50s, Hawkins Cole traveled and performed with husband. In 1950, Hawkins Cole gave birth to their daughter, Natalie Cole who went on to become a multi-Grammy award-winning R&B singer. Maria Hawkins Cole died on cancer on July 10, 2012. She was 89.
Thanks to Harold Lepidus for the assist.