Nathaniel Adams Coles , professionally known as Nat King Cole , ( March 17 , 1919 - February 15 , 1965 ) was an American jazz musician , singer and songwriter . Nathaniel Adams Coles ( March 17 , 1919 -- February 15 , 1965 ) , known professionally as Nat King Cole , was an American musician who first came to prominence as a leading jazz pianist .