If you want to learn how to sing like Nat King Cole, you're in good company. Cole was one of the most iconic vocalists of the 20th century, with a distinctively smooth and mellow sound that made many of his recordings into classics. If you want to emulate his style, here are some tips and resources to help you do so:

• The Nat King Cole Sound

Cole's voice was known for its relaxed and effortless quality, with a smooth and mellow tone that was often compared to velvet. In order to replicate this sound, there are a few techniques you might want to focus on:

• Breath Control: Like many great singers, Cole had exceptional control over his breath, which allowed him to sustain long phrases and execute smooth and seamless vibratos. If you want to learn more about breath control, Singing Carrots has several resources on breath support and respiration that can help.
• Phrasing: Nat King Cole was a master of phrasing, which allowed him to imbue his performances with a sense of natural musicality and flow. To practice phrasing, try singing along with some of Cole's recordings and pay close attention to things like where he takes breaths and how he emphasizes certain words or phrases.
• Vocal Placement: One key element of Cole's sound was his use of forward vocal placement, which created a more intimate and immediate tone. This involves focusing your voice towards the front of your mouth rather than the back, and can be practiced with exercises like hums and lip trills.
• Enunciation: While Cole's delivery was smooth and mellow, he was also known for his precise diction and enunciation. To work on your own enunciation and articulation, Singing Carrots has a helpful article on the subject.

• Songs to Study

If you want to really understand Nat King Cole's singing style, it's important to study his repertoire. Some of his most classic songs, like "Unforgettable" and "Mona Lisa," are great places to start, but there are plenty of other tracks that can help you get a sense of his phrasing, dynamics, and vocal control.

Here are a few other songs to consider studying:

• "Sweet Lorraine"
• "It's Only a Paper Moon"
• "Route 66"
• "Nature Boy"

By listening closely and analyzing these songs, you can start to identify the key elements of Cole's style and apply them to your own singing.

• Singing Carrots Resources

Singing Carrots is a great resource for singers looking to improve their technique and expand their repertoire. Here are a few specific resources that can help you learn to sing like Nat King Cole:

• Breath Support: Learn the basics of breath support and respiration, including exercises to help you improve your breath control.
• Open Mouth and Throat: Understand the importance of keeping your mouth and throat open while singing to achieve a fuller, more powerful sound.
• Vocal Health: Learn how to care for your voice and prevent damage with tips on good vocal health habits.
• Vocal Range Test: Determine your own vocal range and compare it to Nat King Cole's range.
• Search for Songs: Search for songs that match your vocal range, difficulty, and genre preferences - just like Nat King Cole did!
• Contemporary Vocal Techniques: Explore some contemporary vocal techniques like Heavy Modal, Twang, and Belting to add more variety to your sound.

Learning to sing like Nat King Cole is a great way to understand the essence of traditional pop singing, with its emphasis on smooth phrasing, effortless delivery, and emotional storytelling. Use these tips and resources to learn more about Cole's style and start incorporating his techniques into your own singing. With practice, you too can capture the sound that made him one of the most beloved singers of all time.