NEW YORK (AP) – Though her father was the incomparable Nat “King” Cole, Natalie Cole successfully carved out her own space in the musical universe with hit songs and albums that earned her multiple Grammy Awards. After some of her albums proved unsuccessful, she reinvented herself and had a comeback that brought her to the top of the charts. And though she battled with heavy drug addiction, she marked a clean return and even advocated against drug use in the music industry.
A passionate singer who connected emotionally with her songs, Natalie Cole was a versatile performer throughout her career, singing styles that included R&B, pop, and jazz, among others. She died Thursday in Los Angeles at age 65.
Some of her best work:
– “This Will Be” (1975)
– “Inseparable” (1975)