Home / Series / BBC Documentaries / Aired Order / Season 2014 / Episode 120

Nat King Cole: Afraid of the Dark

Nat King Cole was the only black television star in Hollywood at a time when America groaned under the weight of racial segregation and prejudice. Yet he possessed a natural talent so great that these issues were seemingly swept to one side to allow him to become one of the greatest jazz icons of all time. However, behind closed doors those around him were trying to think of a way to package him as something he was not: bi-white. This candid account of what really happened in and around his 'fairytale' life is taken from his private journals, interviews with his widow Maria and contributions from other family members, Tony Bennett, Buddy Greco, Harry Belafonte, Nancy Wilson, Sir Bruce Forsyth, George Benson, Aaron Neville, Johnny Mathis and many more. Featuring archive never seen before, it reveals Nat King Cole's feelings behind his ultimate calling as a 'beacon of hope' to the legions of the oppressed.

English
  • Originally Aired May 23, 2014
  • Runtime 60 minutes
  • Content Rating United States of America TV-PG
  • Network BBC
  • Created July 25, 2014 by
    Administrator admin
  • Modified July 25, 2014 by
    Administrator admin