Natalie Cole, the Grammy-winning singer and daughter of jazz legend Nat King Cole, passed away on December 31, 2015. Her death shocked fans and music lovers around the world, leaving many wondering about the circumstances surrounding her passing.
Cole’s family revealed that she died from heart failure brought on by idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), a rare lung disease. This condition, first diagnosed in 2010, ultimately led to complications that claimed her life at the age of 65.
The singer’s battle with IPAH was not widely known to the public, making her death all the more unexpected. Cole’s legacy as a talented vocalist and performer continues to inspire musicians and fans alike, with her contributions to the music industry spanning decades and genres.
Early Life and Career
Natalie Cole, born on February 6, 1950, in Los Angeles, California, was destined for musical greatness. As the daughter of legendary singer Nat King Cole, she grew up surrounded by music and influential artists.
Rise to Fame
Natalie Cole’s musical journey began early, singing in her father’s Christmas album at age 6. She honed her skills performing in college clubs before being discovered by R&B producers Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy. In 1975, Cole released her debut album “Inseparable,” which catapulted her to stardom.
The album’s hit single “This Will Be” earned Cole her first Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Her follow-up albums “Natalie” and “Unpredictable” solidified her status as a rising R&B star. Cole’s unique blend of R&B, soul, and pop music resonated with audiences, leading to multiple chart-topping hits.
Influence of Nat King Cole
Growing up as the daughter of Nat King Cole significantly shaped Natalie’s musical style and career. She often cited her father as her biggest inspiration and mentor. While initially avoiding his jazz repertoire, Natalie later embraced her father’s legacy.
In 1991, Natalie released “Unforgettable… with Love,” an album featuring duets with her late father’s recordings. The title track became an instant classic, earning her multiple Grammy Awards. This album marked a turning point in her career, blending her R&B roots with her father’s jazz influences.
Critical Acclaim and Awards
Natalie Cole’s talent and versatility earned her widespread recognition throughout her career. She received numerous accolades, including nine Grammy Awards. Her debut album “Inseparable” won Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female in 1976.
Cole’s 1991 album “Unforgettable… with Love” won Album of the Year, solidifying her place in music history. She was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2021, recognizing her contributions as both a performer and songwriter.
Her ability to seamlessly transition between R&B, jazz, and pop genres showcased her exceptional musicianship. Cole’s powerful vocals and emotive performances consistently garnered critical praise, cementing her status as one of the most respected artists of her generation.
Health Struggles and Public Battles
Natalie Cole faced significant health challenges throughout her life, battling substance abuse and chronic medical conditions. Her journey was marked by periods of recovery and relapse, as well as ongoing health complications.
Substance Abuse and Recovery
Cole’s struggles with drug addiction began in the 1970s. She used heroin and cocaine heavily, which led to multiple stints in rehab. Her first attempt at recovery came in 1983 when she checked into a treatment facility.
Cole’s battle with addiction was public, and she openly discussed her experiences. In her 2000 memoir “Angel on My Shoulder,” she detailed her journey through substance abuse and recovery.
Despite periods of sobriety, Cole faced relapses. Her ongoing fight against addiction impacted her career and personal life.
Health Decline and Diagnoses
In 2008, Cole was diagnosed with hepatitis C, likely resulting from her past drug use. The diagnosis led to kidney failure, necessitating dialysis three times a week.
Cole underwent a kidney transplant in 2009, which improved her condition temporarily. However, she continued to face health complications.
In her later years, Cole was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, a progressive disorder affecting the lungs and heart. This condition ultimately contributed to her death in 2015.
Throughout her health struggles, Cole maintained her career, though often having to cancel or postpone performances due to medical treatments and hospitalizations.
Medical Condition and Cause of Death
Natalie Cole’s death on December 31, 2015, was attributed to heart failure resulting from idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). This rare lung disease affected the blood vessels in her lungs, leading to complications that ultimately proved fatal.
Struggle with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Natalie Cole battled idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. The term “idiopathic” indicates that the cause of her PAH was unknown. This disease causes the small blood vessels in the lungs to narrow, increasing resistance to blood flow and straining the heart.
Cole’s IPAH diagnosis likely came after experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain. Treatment for PAH typically involves medications known as PAH-specific agents, which aim to dilate blood vessels and improve heart function.
Complications Leading to Death
The progression of Cole’s pulmonary arterial hypertension ultimately led to heart failure. As her condition worsened, the right side of her heart had to work harder to pump blood through the constricted lung arteries. This increased strain resulted in right heart failure, a severe complication of PAH.
Despite treatment efforts, Cole’s heart failure became intractable, meaning it did not respond adequately to medical interventions. The combination of lung disease and heart failure created a complex medical situation that proved too challenging to overcome.
On New Year’s Eve 2015, Natalie Cole passed away due to heart failure brought on by her long struggle with IPAH. Her family released a statement confirming the cause of death, bringing awareness to this rare and serious lung condition.
Final Years and Lasting Impact
Natalie Cole’s musical contributions and personal journey left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her final years were characterized by health challenges, yet her legacy continues to inspire artists and fans alike.
Enduring Legacy and Tributes
Natalie Cole’s passing on December 31, 2015, prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow musicians and admirers. Her family revealed that she died of heart failure brought on by idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Despite her health struggles, Cole remained active in the music scene until her final days.
Numerous awards ceremonies and concerts honored her memory in the years following her death. The Grammy Awards featured a special tribute performance, highlighting her impact on the industry. Cole’s autobiography, “Love Brought Me Back,” published in 2000, continues to resonate with readers, offering insights into her life and career.
Continued Influence in Music
Cole’s musical style and versatility continue to influence contemporary artists. Her unique ability to blend jazz, R&B, and pop elements serves as a blueprint for many emerging musicians. Her iconic “Unforgettable” duet with her late father, Nat King Cole, remains a touchstone for virtual duets and cross-generational collaborations.
Music education programs and scholarships have been established in Cole’s name, fostering new talent and preserving her musical legacy. Her extensive discography, spanning over four decades, continues to be celebrated and rediscovered by new generations of listeners. Cole’s impact on the music industry extends beyond her recordings, inspiring artists to embrace their heritage while forging their own paths.