Natalie Cole Biography

Fast Facts

• Served as a spokesperson for the University Kidney Research Organization, a nonprofit organization supporting medical researched related to the treatment and prevention of kidney disease
• In 2001, received an NAACP Image Award for outstanding actress in a television, mini-series or dramatic special for portraying herself in "Livin' for Love: The Natalie Cole Story․"
• Graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a degree in child psychology and German in 1972
• Daughter of singer Nat King Cole and Duke Ellington Orchestra singer Maria Hawkins Ellington
• After college, she pursued a singing career and signed to Capitol Records, her father's label
• At the age of 6, she appeared on her father's Christmas album and started performing at 11
• Made her acting debut in 1987 in the TV series "Marblehead Manor․"
• Performed a medley of Whitney Houston's songs "Run to You" and "I Have Nothing" at the 65th Annual Academy Awards
• Ranked number 92 on VH1's 100 Greatest Women of Rock 'N' Roll