Nat King Cole Park
History
The Chicago Park District purchased this property in 1961 at the request of local residents who saw a need for additional recreational space in their under-served Chatham community. Park improvements, including a fieldhouse, began almost immediately. In 1967, the park district named the site Cole Park for American pianist and singer Nat King Cole (1919-1965). Born Nathaniel Adams Coles in Montgomery, Alabama, Cole grew up in Chicago, where his father was pastor of the True Light Baptist Church, not far from the park site. Cole learned to play the piano early, and organized a 14-piece band while in high school. Cole went on to become one of America's most popular singers. His hits included "Straighten Up and Fly Right" (1944), "The Christmas Song" (1946), "Route 66" (1946), "Nature Boy" (1948), "Unforgettable" (1950), and "Mona Lisa" (1950). His 1956 album, Around Midnight, demonstrated his extraordinary talents as a jazz pianist. In 1957, Cole became the first African-American to host his own weekly network television show.
