Natalie Cole Net Worth was a topic of interest for many, especially considering her iconic status in the music industry. At the time of her passing in 2015, Natalie Cole, an esteemed American singer, songwriter, and performer, had a net worth of approximately $5 million. Best known for her R&B hits like ‘This Will Be (An Everlasting Love),’ ‘Inseparable,’ and ‘Our Love,’ she left an indelible mark on the music world.
Financial Struggles and Bankruptcy
Despite her success, Natalie faced significant financial challenges. In 1997, she filed for bankruptcy, a surprising move given her towering career. This situation was largely attributed to her excessive spending habits and debts, including substantial royalties owed to her father’s estate for their collaborative album.
What is Natalie Cole net worth?
| Name | Natalie Cole |
|---|---|
| Category: | Richest Celebrities › Singers |
| Net Worth: | $5 Million |
| Birthdate: | Feb 6, 1950 – Dec 31, 2015 (65 years old) |
| Birthplace: | Los Angeles |
| Gender: | Female |
| Height: | 5 ft 9 in (1.753 m) |
| Profession: | Singer, Singer-songwriter, Actor, Pianist, Performer, Songwriter |
| Nationality: | United States of America |
The Nat King Cole Estate
Natalie’s financial woes could in part be traced back to the estate left by her father, Nat King Cole. His estate, valued at $3.5 million in 1965, would be worth about $30 million today. However, due to inadequate estate planning, after taxes and other expenses, the family received only about $1 million, roughly $7 million in today’s terms.
Early Life and Influences
Born on February 6, 1950, in Los Angeles at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital, Natalie Cole was destined for musical greatness. Her father was the legendary jazz musician Nat King Cole, and her mother, Maria Cole, was a former singer with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Natalie’s early exposure to music began with singing on her father’s Christmas album at age six and performing solo by age 11. Her education took her to Northfield School for Girls in New England, but the death of her father in 1965 when she was just 15 marked a turning point in her life.
She pursued higher education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, earning a degree in Child Psychology with a minor in German in 1972. During these years, her relationship with her mother became strained, prompting her to find solace in her studies and eventually her music.
Rise to Fame and Musical Achievements
Post-graduation, Natalie Cole embarked on her music career, performing in small clubs with her band, Black Magic. Initially, her performances were met with mixed receptions as club owners expected her to mirror her father’s style. However, her collaborations with Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy led to a breakthrough. Recording in Curtis Mayfield’s Chicago studio, her demo tapes caught the attention of Capitol Records, resulting in her debut album ‘Inseparable,’ which featured hits like ‘This Will Be’ and ‘I Can’t Say No.’
The album’s success was meteoric; ‘This Will Be’ became a top ten hit, earning her a Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best New Artist, making her the first African-American artist to win this accolade. Her newfound fame led to comparisons with Aretha Franklin, and a notable rivalry ensued, particularly after Cole’s Grammy win over Franklin, a category Aretha had dominated for years.
Her subsequent albums, including ‘Natalie,’ ‘Unpredictable,’ and ‘Thankful,’ solidified her status, with hits like ‘Sophisticated Lady,’ ‘Mr. Melody,’ and ‘I’ve Got Love on My Mind.’ Her music career, however, faced challenges in the 1980s due to drug addiction, nearly derailing her trajectory. Yet, she made a formidable comeback with the pop album ‘Everlasting’ in 1987.
Arguably, Cole’s greatest success came in the 1990s with the release of ‘Unforgettable…with Love,’ a tribute to her father, selling over seven million copies. The album featured a virtual duet with her father on the title track, ‘Unforgettable,’ capturing the hearts of many and relaunching her career.
Natalie’s later works, including jazz albums like ‘Take A Look’ and ‘Stardust,’ continued to earn critical acclaim and Grammy Awards. Her versatility shone through with holiday records like ‘Holly and Ivy’ and performances for significant events such as the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute in 1998 and HBO’s ‘Comic Relief’ special in 1990.
Acting Ventures
Beyond music, Natalie Cole also made her mark in acting. She played herself in ‘Livin’ for Love: the Natalie Cole Story’ in 2001, earning her the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress. Her television appearances included a feature on ‘Real Housewives of New York City’ in 2011.
Personal Life and Legacy
Natalie Cole’s personal life was as eventful as her career. She was married three times, first to Marvin Yancy, with whom she had a son, Robert Adam Robbie Yancy, a musician who tragically passed away in 2017. Her subsequent marriages to producer Andre Fischer and Bishop Kenneth Dupree ended in divorce.
Health issues plagued Natalie throughout her life, including hepatitis C, which she attributed to past drug use. Her health further deteriorated, leading to kidney failure and the need for dialysis. Despite canceling several events in late 2015 due to illness, her passing on December 31, 2015, from congestive heart failure was a shock to many. Her funeral in Los Angeles was attended by numerous celebrities, underscoring the profound impact she had on the entertainment industry. Natalie Cole’s burial took place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, solidifying her legacy as a beloved icon in music history.
What is Natalie Cole’s estimated net worth?
Natalie Cole’s estimated net worth is approximately $5 million. She was a successful singer and songwriter, with multiple Grammy awards and hit songs. However, she also faced financial struggles due to health issues and substance abuse. Despite this, her legacy and impact on the music industry continue to be invaluable
How did Natalie Cole accumulate her wealth?
Natalie Cole accumulated her wealth through her successful music career, which included hit songs, Grammy awards, and sold-out concerts. She also earned income from acting, endorsements, and royalties from her father’s music. Additionally, she made smart investments and owned multiple properties. Her hard work, talent, and business savvy contributed to her impressive net worth
What are some of Natalie Cole’s most successful albums?
Some of Natalie Cole’s most successful albums include ‘Unforgettable… with Love,’ ‘Thankful,’ and ‘Take a Look.’ These albums showcase her powerful vocals and diverse range, earning her multiple Grammy awards and cementing her as a legendary artist in the music industry
Did Natalie Cole inherit any money from her famous parents?
No, Natalie Cole did not inherit any money from her famous parents, Nat King Cole and Maria Hawkins Ellington. Despite their success, they were not able to leave a significant inheritance due to financial struggles and estate planning issues. Natalie had to work hard to build her own successful career in the music industry
How does Natalie Cole’s net worth compare to other musicians in her genre?
Natalie Cole’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, which is relatively lower compared to other musicians in her genre. However, her legacy as a Grammy-winning R&B and soul singer has solidified her place in music history. Despite facing personal struggles, Cole’s talent and impact on the industry cannot be denied
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