Dennis Lyall (American, B. 1946) "Nat "King" Cole" Signed and dated lower center. Original Oil painting on Hot Press Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 29c Nat "King" Cole stamp issued September 1, 1994. Nathaniel Adams Coles was born in Montgomery, Alabama, on March 17, 1919. The son of a Baptist minister, he moved to Chicago at the age of five. As a young child he was proficient at picking out tunes on the piano, and at 12 Coles had already become a competent musician. In 1936, he joined the company of a black revue known as Shuffle Along. Although the group disbanded a year later, Coles found work as a soloist, performing in small nightclubs in California. Taking the advice of a lounge manager, he formed a combo known as the King Cole Trio. The group's title was created by dropping the "s" from his family name. The "king" portion, a nickname that stayed with the musician throughout his life, came about when he was required to wear a paper crown during a performance. The trio attracted an avid following of Jazz enthusiasts and played at Hollywood's leading nightspots. In 1941, the group embarked on a national tour and began recording with the newly-formed Capitol Records Company. By 1943, Cole had become a solo artist. Referring to his success, he humbly explained, "I guess it's the hoarse, breathy noise that some like -- that's why they call me The Sound." Regardless of the reason, Cole's style was inimitable. His first recording, 1943's Straighten Up and Fly Right, was inspired by one of his father's sermons. It quickly became one of the biggest hits of the early 40s and was followed by many more, including Get Your Kicks on Route 66, Mona Lisa, Too Young and Smile. Image Size: 18 x 15.75 in. Overall Size: 18.5 x 16.5 in. Unframed. (B14756)