November 5, 1956 - June 24, 1957 (15 minutes)
July 2, 1957 - December 17, 1957 (30 minutes)
When Nat King Cole' NBC TV series began November 5, 1956 it originated from New York City while Cole was winding up his current stint at the Copacabana. After the fourth broadcast the series was broadcast from Los Angeles. where it would remain for its complete run.
Nat King Cole became the first major black performer to headline a network variety series. His 15 minute show filled the remainder of the half hour in which NBC TV aired its nightly news program, THE HUNTLEY BRINKLY REPORT.
On July 2, 1957 THE NAT KING COLE SHOW became a half hour program. Many stars appeared on the show for minimum fees as personal favors to him, in an effort to bolster low ratings. But the efforts were in vain, and it would be another decade before a black entertainer could begin to make a significant dent into he mass medium of television.
Announcer: Bill Hanrahan
This entire show is dedicated to the music compositions of song writer extraordinaire, Harry Warren. Harry tells Nat how he wrote such classics as "September in the Rain," and "Lullabye of Broadway" which Nat King Cole sings. Harry Warren at the piano with the Randy Van Horne Singers singing "We're in the Money." Nat sings "Plenty of Mohey and You," "Lu Lu's Back in Town," and "You'll Never Know."
NOTE: Last 15 minute show.