Straighten Up And Fly Right Song List - Musicians Unlimited



Straighten Up and Fly Right, Cole's greatest composition, and first hit

record for Capitol records. A cute story about a buzzard and a monkey

that underscores a serious time in US history. Ultimately the two figure

out they must get along. The catchphrase in the title worked to inspire

discipline and honor to the members of the military. The song was most

likely inspired from one of Nat's father's sermons.

 

Prelude in C# Minor, Nat King Cole's and his trio's accessible interpretation

of the Rachmaninoff classic. Cole studied piano from the age of 12 and

played classical pieces from Bach to Rachmaninoff. 

Sweet Lorraine, helped establish Nat Cole as a serious singer. He had

previously been known primarily, as a jazz pianist.

It's Only A Paper Moon, employs one of the most unique introductions

ever written.

(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66, One of Cole's personal favorites and is

based on the traditional 12 bar blues.

Mona Lisa, although Cole didn't particularly care for the tune when he

first heard it, he received praise from his idols, Duke Ellington and Billy

Strayhorn for this performance. The American public agreed.

Calypso Blues, highlights Cole's newfound addition to the trio,

percussionist Jack Costanzo.

Orange Colored Sky, one of the first songs to be launched from

television. This song teamed Cole with bandleader Stan Kenton.

Nature Boy, with hauntingly beautiful lyrics, tells the story of a boy that

has discovered the meaning of life.

Too Young, Walkin' My Baby Back Home, Unforgettable, were

recorded by Cole during a couple of different recording sessions, some

with full orchestration and some, without.

The Christmas Song, Written in 1946 by Mel Torme and Bob Wells as a way to get their minds off the heat of summer. An early recording by the King Cole Trio included a small string section. This 1946 smash hit was recorded four different times by Cole and eventually featured a full orchestra and is probably the most played of ALL Christmas songs.

That Ain't Right, one of Cole's greatest compositions, was recorded in

1941. Traditional blues, yet contains certain chord harmony that would

later be used by jazz musicians.

Oh, Mary, Don't You Weep, reaches back to one of Cole's early

influences: Gospel music.

Answer Me My Love, love ballad that teams Cole with orchestrator

Nelson Riddle.

Send For Me, a challenge for Nat King Cole in that he still intended to

make tasteful music from a piece geared for a rhythm and blues market.

Something Makes Me Want to Dance With You, recorded during the

famed Billy May (orchestrator) sessions.

Ramblin' Rose, recorded June 19, 1962. The famous upbeat ballad with

a Country-Western flavor was a smash hit.

Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer, cheerful, coast to coast

million seller.

Looking Back, in Cole's word's, his "next step into soul music, on sort

of a religious kick." The song reminds us in many ways of one of Cole's

most admired peers, Ray Charles.

L-O-V-E, isn't this what Cole sang about during his entire career?

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