Maria Cole facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maria Cole |
|
|---|---|
Cole with her husband Nat, 1951
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Maria Antoinette Hawkins |
| Born | August 1, 1922 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | July 10, 2012 (aged 89) Boca Raton, Florida, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupations | Singer |
| Years active | 1936–1955 |
| Labels | Capitol |
| Associated acts | |
| Children: 5, including Natalie Cole | |
Maria Cole (born Maria Hawkins) was an American jazz singer. She was known for her beautiful voice and for being the wife of the legendary singer Nat King Cole. Maria was also the mother of another famous singer, Natalie Cole. She lived from 1922 to 2012.
Early Life
Maria Antoinette Hawkins was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on August 1, 1922. Her father, Mingo Hawkins, worked as a letter carrier. Maria was also the niece of Charlotte Hawkins Brown, a well-known educator.
In 1943, Maria married Spurgeon Ellington. He was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, a brave group of all-Black pilots during World War II. Sadly, Spurgeon passed away during a training flight.
On March 28, 1948, Maria married Nat King Cole. Their wedding took place in Harlem's Abyssinian Baptist Church. Maria and Nat had five children together. Their daughter, Natalie, became a very successful singer, just like her parents. They also had an adopted daughter named Carole and an adopted son named Nat Kelly. Later, they welcomed twin daughters, Casey and Timolin, born in 1961.
Maria was a strong support for Nat during his final illness. She stayed by his side until he passed away. Five years after Nat's death, Maria bought a house in Tyringham, Massachusetts. There, she raised her five children.
Music Career
Maria Cole was a talented jazz singer. She performed with famous musicians like Count Basie and Duke Ellington. At that time, she was known by the name Marie Ellington.
She met Nat King Cole while they were both singing at a club called Zanzibar. Their shared love for music brought them together.
In the 1960s, Maria also co-hosted a talk show. It was called "Tempo" and aired on KHJ television in Los Angeles.
Later Life and Death
Maria Cole passed away on July 10, 2012. She was 89 years old. She died in a nursing home in Boca Raton, Florida, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer.
Discography
Maria Cole released several albums during her career:
- A Girl They Call Maria (Kapp, 1954)
- Maria Cole (Dot, 1960)
- Love Is a Special Feeling (Capitol, 1966)
See also
In Spanish: Maria Cole para niños
