It’s rare when the child of a legendary performer becomes a legend inĀ her own right.
When the news broke today of the death of Natalie Cole, I kept reading the word “legendary” to describe the singer’s career.
She was the daughter of one of American music’s greatest singers . . . ever! Nat “King” Cole died in 1965 at a much-too-young age.
His daughter, Natalie, who Dad once said “had it” as a youngster, would outlive her father by a good bit.
She was troubled by issues of her own: drug abuse that produced hepatitis C. She died today of complications from hep C.
It saddens beyond measure to hear of this latest loss.
Then again, I am proud that Natalie Cole stood tall in the face of her struggles. She had been sober for many years. She fought back. She continued to dazzle audiences with her magnificent voice.
What’s more, she never backed down from what troubled her. She spoke openly about her difficulty with drugs. In that context, Natalie ColeĀ became a role model.
This 65-year-old woman did not bask in her father’s reflected glory. She left her own giant footprint in an entertainment industry that demands much of the children of great entertainers.
Natalie Cole delivered.