Download Instrumental    I was in a music store in Ft. Lauderdale in 1992 trying out different keyboards, when an older gent came up to me and asked if I’d come play for his group. But to get the job, I’d have to play his favorite song “Unforgettable”. His “group” turned out to be 10,000 people living in a place called Century Village – my first introduction to the crazy “retired people” communities of South Florida.

I quickly learned the song and it became a permanent resident in my repertoire.  It was written by one Irving Golden and first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1951.  Golden’s original title for the song was Uncomparable, but the music publishing company decided it should be Unforgettable – works either way.  In 1991, Elvis Presley’s music director, Joe Guercio, came up with the idea to edit and remix  Cole’s original version to create a duet with his daughter, Natalie.  It won three Grammys in 1992.

Natalie was mildly successful in the mid-1970’s with such hits as “This Will Be” and “Our Love”.  Her career faltered through years of drug abuse, but she re-emerged in ’87 with a cover of Springsteen’s “Pink Cadillac”.  Through the 90’s she re-recorded standards by her father, resulting in her biggest success – “Unforgettable, with Love”.  You can download our backing tracks for this great Nat King Cole/Natalie Cole tune off the Pop/Rock list.

Natalie Cole died this past December 31st of congestive heart failure, brought on by her years of drug addiction.  Why, oh why, must they always go down that road?