Nana Wu
Thirty-five years after its groundbreaking release, Natalie Cole’s seminal album, Unforgettable… with Love, continues to resonate not only as a musical masterpiece but also as the cornerstone of an extraordinary philanthropic endeavor. The album, which cemented Cole’s own formidable legacy in the R&B, pop, and jazz genres, sold more than seven million copies, earning multi-platinum status and securing the coveted Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1992. Its iconic title track, a digitally enhanced duet with her late father, the legendary Nat King Cole, garnered three additional Grammys, including Record of the Year, transforming a technological marvel into an emotionally resonant, timeless classic. Yet, the album’s profound impact extends far beyond its commercial and critical success, now serving as the financial engine for the Natalie Cole Foundation, which has channeled over $1 million into scholarships and diverse charitable causes globally in just the last two years.
A Musical Triumph and a Personal Comeback
Released in June 1991, Unforgettable… with Love marked a monumental turning point in Natalie Cole’s career. Having achieved significant success in the 1970s with hits like "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" and "I’ve Got Love On My Mind," Cole faced personal and professional struggles in the 1980s. The album was conceived as a tribute to her father, Nat King Cole, who had passed away in 1965 when Natalie was just 15. The audacious concept involved re-recording many of his classic standards, culminating in the innovative virtual duet "Unforgettable," which married her voice with his original 1961 recording. This track not only topped the Adult Contemporary charts but also became a global phenomenon, bridging generations of fans and showcasing Natalie’s remarkable vocal prowess and interpretive skill. The album itself was a dominant force on the Billboard charts, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, holding the top spot on the latter for an impressive seven weeks. Its commercial triumph and critical acclaim underscored a powerful artistic statement and signaled a triumphant return to the forefront of the music industry for Natalie Cole. Beyond the Grammys for Album and Record of the Year, the project also won Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album and Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocals, solidifying its place in music history.
The Natalie Cole Foundation: An Unprecedented Philanthropic Model
Natalie Cole’s commitment to giving back, a value deeply ingrained in her family, has taken on an extraordinary form following her passing in 2015. Through a unique directive in her trust, Cole stipulated that her entire estate be transitioned into a nonprofit entity: the Natalie Cole Foundation. This arrangement ensures that every dollar generated from her estate – encompassing music royalties, SAG royalties, book royalties, and other income streams – is directly channeled into supporting the foundation’s charitable causes. This operational model is remarkably distinct within the entertainment industry. Howard Grossman, a veteran business management professional who served as Cole’s business manager from the late 1980s until her death, now spearheads the foundation as its CEO. Grossman, appointed executor of her estate by Cole and becoming sole trustee after her son Robert Yancy’s untimely death in 2017, highlights the foundation’s unique structure. "Unlike any foundation that is entertainment-derived that we know of – other than maybe the Louis Armstrong Foundation, which only services New Orleans – we are the only foundation of our type where 100% of the money goes to charity," Grossman emphasizes.
Working in collaboration with a dedicated board of directors, Grossman oversees the selection of the charities and organizations the foundation supports. This board comprises key figures who were instrumental in Natalie Cole’s career and financial management, including CFO Eduardo Pabellon (also with Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman), Seth Berg (co-manager of Frank Sinatra Enterprises and manager of Natalie’s entertainment legacy, including her recordings, videos, concerts, name, image, and likeness), Natalie’s former manager Barbara Rose, and music attorney Michael Crain. Their collective expertise ensures that the foundation’s mission to "give to charities where we can make a profound difference" is meticulously executed, with a particular gravitation towards arts-related initiatives, reflecting Natalie’s deep involvement in the arts throughout her life.
Broadening Impact: From Arts Education to Community Welfare
The Natalie Cole Foundation’s philanthropic reach is extensive and diverse, making significant contributions across a spectrum of needs. In the realm of arts and education, the foundation has become a vital supporter of institutions nurturing future talent. This includes substantial contributions to the Harlem School of the Arts, an esteemed institution dedicated to providing arts education to underserved youth in New York City, where the foundation supports its choir and orchestra programs. Similarly, the Berklee College of Music, a world-renowned contemporary music school, and Grammy Camp, an immersive summer program for high school students interested in music careers, have received scholarships and funding.
A notable international endeavor includes a partnership with the Playing for Change Foundation to fund a community center in Cahuita, Costa Rica. This center, recognized by the United Nations for its positive impact on aiding underserved children, provides essential lessons in musical instruments, dance, and voice, alongside a crucial after-school program, offering a safe and enriching environment for local youth. Further demonstrating its commitment to musical excellence on a global stage, the foundation recently announced its support for the first scholarship for an American student to attend the prestigious Vienna Philharmonic Academy. This initiative opens doors for aspiring musicians to receive world-class training in one of classical music’s most historic centers.
Beyond the arts, the foundation addresses critical social needs. Grossman points to the Bhatia Family Village in Los Angeles as a prime example of its mission to make a "profound difference." With a significant donation from the foundation, this center was able to construct an assisted living facility specifically for autistic adults aged 18 and older who often "fall off the grid" in terms of government assistance programs. This targeted support fills a crucial gap, providing long-term care and community for a vulnerable population.
Another impactful initiative is the foundation’s contribution to the TM23 Foundation, which aims to build soccer fields for underprivileged children in the Los Angeles area. Operating under the moniker Tommy’s Field, named in memory of pre-teen soccer player Tommy Mark who tragically passed away in 2018, these multipurpose sports fields are designed as safe spaces for local children, including those with special needs. Two fields are currently operational, with a third under construction, fostering physical activity, community engagement, and a sense of belonging. The foundation also maintains strong ties to musical collaborators and friends, contributing to the David Foster Foundation, a testament to the enduring relationship with David Foster, who produced the Unforgettable album. Additionally, both the City of Hope and the Children’s Hospital of L.A. are major beneficiaries, reflecting a commitment to health and well-being.
The Nat King Cole Foundation: Continuing a Legacy of Hope
The philanthropic spirit within the Cole family is not confined to Natalie’s foundation. Her twin sisters, Casey and Timolin Cole, established Nat King Cole Generation Hope in 2008. Their motivation stemmed from a growing concern over the deprivation of arts education in schools and programs due to local and federal budget cuts. Recognizing their father’s immense legacy and influence, they sought to honor his memory in a meaningful, non-performing capacity. "We thought it would be an important and wonderful way to keep our father’s memory alive," explains Timolin Cole. "Casey and I were never in the forefront. We’re not the singers, the performers. So we like to be on this side of the aisle. We’ve proudly provided music education to thousands of children, carrying forward our father’s legacy of hope, harmony and opportunity."
Since its inception, the nonprofit organization, recently rechristened as the Nat King Cole Foundation, has funded numerous music education programs, primarily focusing on South Florida, where Casey and Timolin are based, and Chicago, a city deeply connected to their father’s early career. Their efforts have directly impacted thousands of young lives, offering access to musical instruction and creative outlets that might otherwise be unavailable.
A Powerful Alliance: Uniting for Greater Impact
Recognizing the shared values and complementary goals, the Natalie Cole Foundation and the Nat King Cole Foundation have forged a strategic partnership. This collaboration allows both entities to broaden their outreach and amplify their collective impact. "It made sense," Howard Grossman comments, "to complement each other and work together on goals that were common to both of us." This synergistic approach leverages the resources and expertise of both foundations to address pressing needs more effectively.
The fruits of this partnership are already evident. Together, the foundations jointly fund multiple scholarships for Grammy Camp, ensuring more aspiring young musicians have access to invaluable industry experience. They also collectively support the choir and orchestra at the Harlem School of the Arts, strengthening its capacity to deliver high-quality arts education. Their combined efforts extend to major contributions to the City of Hope, a leading cancer research and treatment center, and the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, underscoring a holistic approach to community well-being.
A significant milestone in this joint venture occurred last November when Berklee College of Music awarded the inaugural Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole Scholarship for voice to sophomore student Paris Pineyro. This substantial $75,000 scholarship not only supports a promising young talent but also commemorated what would have been Natalie Cole’s 75th birthday, a poignant tribute to her enduring influence. More recently, Timolin and Casey Cole attended the Vienna Philharmonic Ball, marking the official announcement of the foundations’ commitment to fund the first scholarship for an American student to attend the prestigious Vienna Philharmonic Academy, further cementing their global reach in arts education.
The sisters, who work closely with the Nat King Cole Foundation’s board and development director, believe that this collaborative model is key to translating the Cole family’s rich heritage into tangible opportunities that will have a long-lasting impact. "It’s about a shared belief that our father and sister had about the transformative power of music; its timeless ability to inspire, empower and uplift," Casey Cole articulates. "And that’s what we hope to do. It’s all about connecting cultures, saving lives across generations and wanting to give children the opportunity to explore and enjoy the power of music."
The Enduring Resonance of a Family’s Philanthropic Harmony
The collaborative efforts of the Natalie Cole Foundation and the Nat King Cole Foundation represent a powerful continuum of a family’s legacy that transcends the stage and recording studio. By strategically investing in arts education, special needs support, and community development, the Cole family is ensuring that their "unforgettable" impact is felt not only through their timeless music but also through tangible, life-changing initiatives. This unique philanthropic model, particularly Natalie Cole’s directive for 100% of her estate’s earnings to fund charity, sets a precedent for how artistic legacies can be meticulously managed to generate profound and lasting social good. In an era where arts funding often faces austerity measures, and specialized care for vulnerable populations remains critical, the Cole foundations stand as beacons of hope, harmony, and opportunity, enriching lives and inspiring future generations, proving that true legacies are built on far more than just accolades and record sales.
