CTVA
The Classic TV Archive - US  Music Variety  -  Sponsors
The Nat "King" Cole Show (1956-57)
 Episode Guide compiled by The Classic TV Archive
with contributions by: Rina Fox
references:
TV Guide / Library of Congress (telnet://locis.loc.gov)
Internet Movie Database (https://us.imdb.com)
UCLA Film and Television Archive
 ------------------------
THE NAT "KING" COLE SHOW
------------------------
NBC Production
Executive Producer: Carlos Gastel (Nat's manager)
Producer-Director: Jim Jordan, Bob Henry

US Music Variety series 1956-57  57 episodes (34x15min + 23x30min)

Hosted by Nat "King" Cole

Regular Vocal Groups:
The Boataneers
The Eddie Beale Singers
The Herman McCoy Singers
The Randy Van Horne Singers
The Jerry Graff Singers
The Cheerleaders
Regular Instrumental Accompaniment:
Gordon Jenkins and his Orchestra (episodes 1-6)(from New York)
Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra (episodes 7 - )(from Hollywood)

Theme Song: "Shadow Waltz"
Closing Theme: "It's Just About That Time Again" (from 5Nov1957 on)

Announcer: Vince Pelletier

########## The Nat "King" Cole Show ##########
############## season 1 1956-57 ##############
##############################################
NBC Mondays 7:30-7:45PM Eastern (15min) (5Nov56-24Jun57) (34 episodes)

In the mid-1950s, 15-minute TV shows weren't unusual. Networks usually split an early-evening half hour
into two halves - one for news and the other for an entertainment show. In NBC's case, during the
1956-57 season, the 7:45-8:00 pm slot was filled by popular newsmen Huntley and Brinkley, while
at 7:30-7:45, viewers saw Eddie Fisher on Wednesday and Friday, Jonathan Winters on Tuesday, Dinah Shore
on Thursday, and Nat "King" Cole on Monday.
Information on these 15-minute Nat "King" Cole episodes is somewhat sketchy
Because the shows were so short and rarely had guest stars, TV listings in newspapers and TV Guide usually
didn't provide much information.

11.1 [--] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (show originated from New York) (15min)
05Nov1956 NBC Mon
Produced, Directed & Written by Jim Jordan
Guests:
(no details)
Regulars:
The Boataneers (4 men, 1 woman) (regulars)
Gordon Jenkins and his Orchestra (regulars)
Songs:
"Somebody Loves Me," "I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face" (Nat), "Tea For Two" (Nat vocal/piano and Boataneers),
Memory Song: "Unforgettable" (Nat)
Note: Nat was appearing at the famous Copacabana in New York, so his first half dozen shows originated from that city.
This episode didn't air in Los Angeles.
Highlights:
Nat sings, "Somebody Loves Me", "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face", "Tea For Two" and "Unforgettable".
*Note: (from The Musuem of Broadcast Communications)
The first broadcast, on 5 November 1956, aired without commercial sponsorship. NBC agreed to foot the bill for
the program with the hope that advertisers would soon be attracted to the series. Cole felt confident a national
sponsor would emerge, but his optimism was misplaced. [RF]

1.2 [--] The Nat "King" Cole Show:(show originated from New York) (15min)
12Nov1956 NBC Mon
Produced, Directed & Written by Jim Jordan
Guests:
(no details)
Regulars:
The Boataneers (regulars)
Gordon Jenkins and his Orchestra (regulars)
Songs:
"This Can't Be Love" (Nat), "The End of a Beautiful Friendship" (Nat and Boataneers), "C-U-B-A,"
Memory Song: "Mona Lisa" (Nat)

1.3 [--] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (show originated from New York) (15min)
19Nov1956 NBC Mon
Guests:
(no details)
Regulars:
The Boataneers (regulars)
Gordon Jenkins and his Orchestra (regulars)
Songs:
Nat King Cole sings "Early American" melodies. [RF]
"Thou Swell," "Night Lights," (Nat) "Two Different Worlds" (Nat and Boataneers),
"It's Only a Paper Moon" (Nat vocal/piano and his combo),
Memory Song: "Early American" (Nat)

1.4 [--] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (show originated from New York) (15min)
26Nov1956 NBC Mon
(no song details in TV Guide WJIM-TV Lansing MI. Ch. 6 at 7:30pm) [RF]
Guests:
(no details)
Regulars:
The Boataneers (regulars)
Gordon Jenkins and his Orchestra (regulars)
Announcer: Bill Hanrahan
Songs: "To the Ends of the Earth" (Nat and Boataneers), "My Foolish Heart" (Nat), "Sweet Sue, Just You" (Nat and Boataneers),
"Stella By Starlight" (Nat on piano), "Love Letters" (Nat and Boataneers), "Street of Dreams" (Jenkins Orchestra)
Note: Nat does a mostly Victor Young program, in tribute to the songwriter who passed away 16 days earlier.

1.5 [--] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (show originated from New York) (15min)
03Dec1956 NBC Mon
Guests:
(no details)
Regulars:
The Boataneers (regulars)
Gordon Jenkins and his Orchestra (regulars)
Songs: "I'm Shooting High," "Autumn Leaves" (Nat), "Just One Of Those Things" (Nat on piano),
Memory Song: "There Goes My Heart" (Nat)

1.6 [--] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (show originated from New York) (15min)
10Dec1956 NBC Mon
(aired on WJAC-TV ch. 6 Johnstown, PA and WFMJ-TV ch. 27 Youngstown, Ohio.) [RF]
Guests:
(no details)
Regulars:
Unidentified vocal group,
Gordon Jenkins and his Orchestra (regulars)
Songs:
"Little Girl," Medley: "Repeat After Me"/"True Love" (Nat and vocal group),
"Too Marvelous For Words" (Nat vocal/piano and his combo),
Memory Song: "Too Young" (Nat)

#####################

1.7 [--] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (show originated from Hollywood and aired in color) (15min)
17Dec1956 NBC Mon
Guests:
(no details)
Regulars:
The Eddie Beale Singers (regulars) ,
Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra (regulars)
Songs:
"When You're Smiling," (Nat and Beale Singers), "Night Lights" (Nat),
"Take Me Back to Toyland," (Nat and Beale Singers), "Just in Time," Memory Song: "Somewhere Along the Way" (Nat)
and "Memories" (Nat).

Note: With this episode, airing in color, Nat moved his show from New York to Hollywood.

1.8 [--] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (show originated from Hollywood and aired in color) (15min)
24Dec1956 NBC Mon
Guests:
(no details)
Regulars:
Unidentified vocal group,
Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra
Songs:
"Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," "A House With Love In It," "Mrs. Santa Claus,"
"Jingle Bells" (Nat and vocal group), Memory Song: "The Christmas Song" (Nat), "Silent Night" (vocal group)
Note: Nat's daughters Cookie (Carol) and Sweetie (Natalie) show up at the close of the show.

1.9 [--] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (show originated from Hollywood and aired in color)(15min)
31Dec1956 NBC Mon (aired on WJIM-TV Lansing MI. Ch. 6 at 7:30pm) [RF]
Regulars:
Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra (regulars)
Nat's songs for the New Year are:
"Almost Like Being in Love," "Route 66," "Love Me Tender," "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" (Nat)
Note: This .

1.10 [--] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (show originated from Hollywood and aired in color) (15min)
07Jan1957 NBC Mon
Guests:
(no details)
Regulars:
Unidentified vocal group
unidentified orchestra
Songs: "Thou Swell," "You Stepped Out Of a Dream," "Two Different Worlds," "Crazy Rhythm"

1.11 [--] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (show originated from Hollywood and aired in color) (15min)
14Jan1957 NBC Mon
Guest:
Stuff Smith
Regulars:
unidentified vocal group,
unidentified orchestra
Songs: "Pick Yourself Up," "Somebody Loves Me," "Love Me Tender," "I Know That You Know"
Note: Violinist Stuff Smith was Nat's first guest.

1.12 [--] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (show originated from Hollywood and aired in color)(15min)
21Jan1957 NBC Mon
Guests:
(no details)
Regulars:
The Herman McCoy Singers
Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra (regulars)
Announcer: Vince Pelletier
Songs: "Just in Time" (Nat), "Jealous Lover" (Nat and McCoy Singers), "You Are My First Love" (Nat),
"The Banana Boat Song (Day-O)" (Nat and McCoy Singers), Memory Song: "Ballerina" (Nat)
Note: This episode was sponsored Carter Products, with commercials for Arrid deodorant and Rise shaving cream.
At the close of the show, Nat announces that he'll be leaving the next day for New York City, where he'll
be appearing "this coming Wednesday" for one week at the Paramount Theater.

##########################################################################

1.13 [--] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (show originated from New York) (15min)
28Jan1957 NBC Mon
Guest:
Count Basie
Regulars:
unidentified vocal group
Announcer: Bill Hanrahan
Songs:
"I'm Sitting On Top of the World," "This Can't Be Love" (Nat), "Namely You" (Nat and vocal group),
"Lady Be Good" (Nat and Basie), Memory Song: "September Song" (Nat and vocal group)
Note: Ella Fitzgerald was to have joined the guest roster but cancelled due to illness.

1.14 [--] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (show originated from Miami)(15min)
04Feb1957 NBC Mon
Guests:
(no details)
Regulars:
Unidentified vocal group
unidentified orchestra
Songs:
"You're the Top," "But Not For Me," "You Are My First Love" (Nat),
"Just You, Just Me" (Nat vocal/piano and his combo - probably John Collins, guitar; Charlie Harris, bass; Lee Young, drums),
Memory Song: "There Will Never Be Another You" (Nat)
Note: Nat was appearing at The Tropicana in Havana for two weeks, and this show originated from Miami)
Nat mentions that his new sponsor is America's largest-selling deodorant (probably Arrid).

[15] Nat King Cole Show (show originated from Miami) (15min) [RF]
11Feb1957
Produced, Directed & Written by Jim Jordan
Guests:
(no details)
Regulars:
The Herman McCoy Singers [RF]
Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra (regulars)
Musical Highlights:
Songs:
"That's My Girl" (Nat), "Little Coquette," "True Love" (Nat and vocal group), "Tea For Two" (Nat on piano),
Memory Song: "My Funny Valentine" (Nat)

[16] Nat King Cole Show
18Feb1957 NBC Mon [El Paso Herald]
Produced, Directed & Written by Jim Jordan
Guests:
(no details)
Regulars:
The Boataneers,
Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra
Musical Highlights:
Nat King Cole sings "I'm Shooting High", "Blueberry Hill", "I've Grown Accustomed to Your Face", "Ballerina"
Memory Song: "Pretend" (Nat)

[17] Nat King Cole Show (15min) [RF]
25Feb1957 NBC Mon
(no details WBZ-TV ch. 4 Boston, MA 7:30pm) [RF]
Guests:
(no details)
Regulars:
Unidentified vocal group
Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra (regulars)
Songs:
"Should I?" (Nat), "It All Depends On You," "Namely You" (Nat and vocal group),
"This Is My Night To Dream" (Nat vocal/piano with his combo),
Memory Song: "Unforgettable" (Nat)

[18] Nat King Cole Show (15min) [RF]
04Mar1957 NBC Mon
(no details WYSR-TV ch. 3 Syracuse, NY 7:30pm)

[19] Nat King Cole Show (15min) [RF]
11Mar1957 NBC Mon
(no details WRCV-TV ch. 3 Philadelphia, PA 7:30pm)

[20] Nat King Cole Show (15min) [RF]
18Mar1957 NBC Mon

[21] Nat King Cole Show (show originated from Hollywood) (15min) [RF]
25Mar1957 NBC Mon
Guests:
Maria Cole (Nat's wife)
Song:
"You're Getting To Be a Habit With Me" (Nat and Maria)
Note: This show originated from Hollywood. Maria Cole, under the name "Marie Ellington," had a moderately successful
career with Duke Ellington (no relation) and as a solo singer.

[22] Nat King Cole Show (15min) [RF]
01Apr1957 NBC Mon
(no details WRCV-TV ch. 3 Philadelphia, PA 7:30pm)
Song: "Stardust"

[23] Nat King Cole Show (15min) [RF]
08Apr1957 NBC Mon

[24] Nat King Cole Show (15min) [RF]
15Apr1957 NBC Mon

[25] Nat King Cole Show (15min) [RF]
22Apr1957 NBC Mon
(no details WRCV-TV ch. 3 Philadelphia, PA 7:30pm)

[26] Nat King Cole Show (15min) [RF]
29Apr1957 NBC Mon

[27] Nat King Cole Show (15min) [RF]
06May1957 NBC Mon
(no details WBZ-TV ch. 2 Boston, MA 7:30pm)
Songs:
"Sweet Lorraine," "Lucky Day," "Stay As Sweet As You Are"

[--] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (15min)
(airdate not known - possibly 06May1957)(see above)
Guests:
(no details)
Regulars:
The Randy Van Horne Singers (3 men, 2 women),
Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra
Songs:
"Lucky Day" (Nat and Van Horne Singers), "Stay As Sweet As You Are" (Nat),
"Sometimes I'm Happy" (Nat with Combo - probably John Collins, guitar; Joe Comfort, bass; Lee Young, drums),
"Caravan" (Nat with Combo - same musicians plus Juan Tizol, trombone; Jack Constanzo, bongos),
Memory Song: "Shadow Waltz" (Nat and Van Horne Singers)
Note: This show featured members of the backstage crew: Jim Kilgore (lighting), Raoul Murphy (audio),
Joe Conn (technical director), and Sid Rushakoff (art director).


[28] Nat King Cole Show (15min) [RF]
13May1957 NBC Mon

[29] Nat King Cole Show (15min) [RF]
20May1957 NBC Mon

[30] Nat King Cole Show (15min) [RF]
27May1957 NBC Mon

[31] Nat King Cole Show (15min) [RF]
03Jun1957 NBC Mon

[32] Nat King Cole Show (15min) [RF]
10Jun1957 NBC Mon

[33] Nat King Cole Show (15min) [RF]
17Jun1957 NBC Mon

1.34 [--] Nat King Cole Show (final 15min show)
24Jun1957 NBC Mon
(aired on WBZ-TV ch. 2 Boston, MA 7:30pm) [RF]
Tonight Nat investigates the influence of rock 'n' roll on art.
Songs include:
"On the Sunny Side of the Street", "When Sunny Gets Blue", "Send For Me", "You're My Personal Possession"
and "Mona Lisa".
*NOTE: This is Nat's last show at this hour. Starting next Monday, he'll be seen in a half-hour show from 10-10:30pm.


----------------------------------
15 min episodes - unknown airdates
----------------------------------
Stan Kenton, Lurlean Hunter, and Harry Warren (in that order) all guest starred after March 25, 1957.

1.x [--] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (15min)
1957 NBC Mon - airdate not known
Guests:
(no details)
Regulars:
The Randy Van Horne Singers (4 men, 2 women),
Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra
Songs:
"My Blue Heaven," "Old Folks" (Nat and Van Horne Singers), "Down By the Old Mill Stream," (Randy Van Horne Singers),
"Kee-mo Ky-Mo" (Nat), "When Rock 'n Roll Came to Trinidad,"
Memory Song: "Home" (Nat and Van Horne Singers)
Note: Nat dedicated this show "to every member of the American family - yours and mine."

1.x [--] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (15min)
1957 NBC Mon - airdate not known
Guests:
(no details)
Regulars:
Unidentified vocal group,
Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra (regulars)
Songs:
"Chicago," "Where or When" (Nat and vocal group), "Tea for Two" (Nat on piano),
Memory Song: "There Will Never Be Another You" (Nat)
Note: Nat was appearing at Chez Paree in Chicago and did this show from that city.
He shows the audience the June 1957 issue of Ebony magazine which features an article about the movie China Gate
(in which Nat appears) and introduces a clip from it.

1.x [--] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (show originated from Chicago) (15min)
1957 NBC Mon - airdate not known
Guests:
Lurlean Hunter
Regulars:
unidentified vocal group, unidentified orchestra
Songs:
"Muskrat Ramble" (Nat and vocal group), "Sweet Lorraine" (Nat with combo), "It Never Entered My Mind" (Lurlean),
"Too Marvelous for Words" (Lurlean and Nat with Nat on piano),
Memory Song: "Love Letters" (Nat)
Note: This episode originated from Chicago

1.x [--] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (originated from Hollywood) (15min)
1957 NBC Mon - airdate not known
Guests:
(no details)
Regulars:
The Randy Van Horne Singers (3 men, 2 women)(regulars)
unidentified orchestra
Songs:
"It Was Just One of Those Things" (Nat and Van Horne Singers), "Easy to Love," "The Party's Over" (Nat),
"When Rock 'n Roll Came to Trinidad",
Memory Song: "The Sand and the Sea" (Nat and Van Horne Singers)
Note: Nat was appearing at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas but flew in to Hollywood for his TV show.

1.x [--] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (15min)
1957 NBC Mon - airdate not known
Guest:
Harry Warren,
Regulars:
The Randy Van Horne Singers (3 men, 2 women) (regulars)
unidentified orchestra
Songs:
"Lulu's Back in Town," "Lullaby of Broadway," "September in the Rain" (Nat and Van Horne Singers),
"We're in the Money" (Van Horne Singers with Harry at the piano), "With Plenty of Money and You" (Nat and Van Horne Singers),
Memory Song: "You'll Never Know" (Nat)

1.x [--] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (15min)
1957 NBC Mon - airdate not known
Guests:
(no details)
Regulars:
The Randy Van Horne Singers (3 men, 2 women)(regulars)
Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra (regulars)
Songs:
"Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart" (Nat and vocal group), "So Long, My Love,"
"Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful?" (Nat),
"Crazy Rhythm" (Nat vocal/piano and his combo - probably John Collins, guitar; Charlie Harris, bass; Lee Young, drums),
Memory Song: "Red Sails in the Sunset" (Nat and vocal group)
Note:
In the show's opening, Nat announces that they'll be doing the show "just as though we were coming to you
from the Copa Room of the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, where I'm currently appearing."

1.x [--] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (15min)
1957 NBC Mon - airdate not known
Guests:
(no details)
Regulars:
Unidentified vocal group
unidentified orchestra
Songs:
"Almost Like Being in Love," "Anything Goes," "It's All in the Game" (Nat), "Where or When" (Nat and vocal group),
Memory Song: "Love is the Thing" (Nat)
Note: This episode appears to immediately follow the one above. The theme is outdoor Las Vegas
(as opposed to the previous week's Copa Room theme), and the backdrop consists of films and still photos of that
city's streets, night clubs, and other sites.

########## The Nat "King" Cole Show ##########
############# season 2 Summer 1957 ###########
##############################################
NBC Tuesdays, 10:00-10:30 pm (30Min) (2Jul57-10Sep57)
(10 episodes)

In July 1957, NBC gave Nat a half hour to work with and moved him to Tuesday nights. The hour was a bit
late for this kind of show, but both parties expressed optimism that a regular national sponsor could
be found. Variety liked seeing more of Nat but felt the extra minutes gave him more time to clown around
- something that wasn't his forte. It wanted more music and less comedy.

2.1 [35] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (30min)
02Jul1957 NBC Tue
Guest:
Frankie Laine
Regulars:
The Randy Van Horne Singers (3 men, 2 women), Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra
Songs:
"I'm Shootin' High" (Nat), "When Rock 'n Roll Came to Trinidad" (Nat and Van Horne Singers),
"It Only Happens Once" (Excerpt) (Nat), "Without Him" (Frankie),
"Love Letters in the Sand" (Nat and Van Horne Singers), tongue-in-cheek medley of "That's My Desire"
(Frankie)/"Nature Boy" (Nat)/"Rockin' Chair" (Frankie)/"By the River Sainte-Marie" (Nat and Frankie)/"Mona Lisa"
(Nat)/"On the Sunny Side of the Street" (Frankie)/"Night Lights" (Nat)/
"Be a Clown" (Nat and Frankie), "I Get a Kick Out of You" (Nat on piano), Memory Song: "Stay As Sweet As You Are" (Nat)

2.2 [36] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (30min)
09Jul1957 NBC Tue
Guests:
Mel Tormé, June Christy
Regulars:
The Randy Van Horne Singers (3 men, 2 women), Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra
Songs:
"Crazy Rhythm" (Nat and Van Horne Singers) "When I Fall in Love" (Nat), "I Want To Be Happy" (June),
"Send For Me" (Nat, Van Horne Singers, and combo), "A Foggy Day" (Mel), "Exactly Like You" (Mel on piano and drums),
"Exactly Like You" (Nat and Mel dancing), "How High the Moon" (June on vocal, Nat on piano, Mel on drums,
probably John Collins on guitar, Joe Comfort on bass), Memory Song: "I'm in the Mood for Love" (Nat and Van Horne Singers)
Note: Nat announces that in two weeks his guests will be Sammy Davis Jr. and the Hi-Lo's.

2.3 [37] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (30min)
16Jul1957 NBC Tue
Guests:
Pearl Bailey, Louis Bellson,
Regulars:
The Randy Van Horne Singers (3 men, 2 women), Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra
Songs:
"Breezin' Along With the Breeze," "My Personal Possession" (Nat and Van Horne Singers),
"You Came a Long Way From St. Louis" (Pearl), "Around the World" (Nat and the Van Horne Singers),
"Non Dimenticar" (Pearl), "C-U-B-A" (Nat), "Takes Two to Tango" (Pearl), Drum Solo (Louis),
"I Can't Rock 'n Roll to Save My Soul" (Pearl), Memory Song: "The Nearness of You" (Nat and the Van Horne Singers)
Note: Nat announces that Sammy Davis Jr. and the Hi-Lo's will be coming up in August and in two weeks his guests
will be Robert Mitchum and the King Sisters.

[--] 23Jul1957 Pre-empted by "The Big Issue," a debate about the then-current civil rights bill before Congress

2.4 [38] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (30min)
30Jul1957 NBC Tue (possibly postponed from 23Jul1957)
Produced, Directed & Written by Jim Jordan
Guests:
Sammy Davis Jr.
The Hi-Lo's
Regualrs:
The Randy Van Horne Singers (4 men, 4 women), unidentified orchestra
Songs:
"Taking a Chance on Love" (Nat and the Van Horne Singers), "Maybe It's Because (I Love You Too Much)" (Nat),
"I'm Ridin' for the Moon," Dance Number (Sammy), "My Sugar is So Refined" (the Hi-Lo's),
"It's Only a Paper Moon" (Nat singing and playing piano), "Somewhere Along the Way" (Nat and Sammy),
Comedy Sketch: "A Night in A Café" or "The Brother's Return" (Nat and Sammy), Memory Songs: "Beyond the Blue Horizon"
and "Linger Awhile" (Nat, Sammy, the Hi-Lo's, the Van Horne Singers)
Note: According to TV Guide, Robert Mitchum and The King Sisters were to have guest starred, but it appears that
Mitchum cancelled out and the King Sisters were rescheduled for 8/20/1957.
Musical Highlights:
Nat sings, "Here I Come Again" and "Maybe Because I Love You".
Sammy sings "Ridin' on the Moon" and a song-and-dance number called "Man Against the Stools"
Sammy imitates the "King" as in Nat King Cole.
The Hi-Lo's perform "My Sugar Is So Refine".
Finale with Sammy and Nat a la Charlie Chaplin. [RF]

2.5 [39] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (30min)
06Aug1957 NBC Tue
Guests:
Harry Belafonte
Regulars:
The Randy Van Horne Singers (4 men, 4 women), unidentified orchestra
Songs:
"Love Is Sweeping the Country," "It's Not For Me To Say" (Nat and Van Horne Singers), "Did You Hear About Jerry,"
"Scarlet Ribbons" (Harry), "I Thought About Marie" (Nat), Short versions of "Straighten Up and Fly Right,"
"Nature Boy" (Nat), and "How High the Moon" (Nat on piano, Harry on drums), "Island in the Sun" (Harry),
"Send For Me" (Nat and Harry), "Mama Look a Boo-Boo Day" (Nat, Harry, and Van Horne Singers),
Memory Song: "Unforgettable" (Nat)

2.6 [40] The Nat "King" Cole Show: SALUTE TO PARIS (30min)
13Aug1957 NBC Tue
Guests:
Lisa Kirk
Jimmie Komack
Regulars:
The Randy Van Horne Singers, Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra
Songs:
"Valentine," "Pigalle," (Nat), "Alouette" (Nat and four boys), "Mam'selle" (Nat),
"Rock-a-Bye Your Baby With a Dixie Melody" (Jimmie), "The Paris Merry-Go-Round," "Hi-Lili Hi-Lo" (Lisa),
"C'est Si Bon" (Nat vocal/piano, Lisa and Jimmie), "La Seine" (Nat and Van Horne Singers),
Memory Song: "You Were Only Passing By" (Nat)
Note: Nat and his guests salute Paris.

2.7 [41] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (30min) [RF]
20Aug1957 NBC Tue
Guests:
Johnny Desmond
The King Sisters
The Merry Macs
Alvino Rey
Margaret Whiting
Songs:
"When You're Smiling," "It All Depends On You" (Nat), "Easy to Love" (The King Sisters), "Where or When" (Nat),
"I'll Be Seeing You" (Johnny), "Moonlight in Vermont" (Alvino), "Consideration" (Johnny)
Note: Nat describes this as "a cavalcade of songs from the past thirty years." 

2.8 [42] The Nat "King" Cole Show: SUMMER THEATRE:
27Aug1957 NBC Tue
Guests:
Margaret Whiting
The Merry Macs
Regulars:
The Randy Van Horne Singers (3 men, 2 women), unidentified orchestra
Songs:
"Another Opening, Another Show" (Nat and Van Horne Singers), "Raintree County" (Nat),
"Pop Goes the Weasel" (The Merry Macs), "It Might As Well Be Spring" (Margaret), "I'm Sitting On Top of the World" (Nat),
"I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles" (The Merry Macs), "Alone Together" (Margaret), "Pretend" (Nat),
"Chopsticks" (The Merry Macs with Nat and Margaret on piano), Memory Song: "Shine On Harvest Moon" (Nat)
Note: This was billed as The Nat King Cole Summer Theatre.

2.9 [43] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (30min)
03Sep1957 NBC Tue
Guests:
Peggy Lee
Julius La Rosa
Regulars:
The Randy Van Horne Singers, Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra
Songs:
"It's a Good Day" (Nat and Van Horne Singers), "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter" (Nat),
"My Heart Stood Still" (Peggy), "With You On My Mind" (Nat and Van Horne Singers - four men only),
"Famous Last Words" (Julius), "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" (Peggy), "That Old Black Magic" (Julius),
"How High the Moon" (Nat), "Makin' Records" (sung to the tune of "Makin' Whoopee") (Nat, Peggy and Julius),
Memory Song: "There's a Gold Mine in the Sky" (Nat and Van Horne Singers)
Note: This show's theme is records.

2.10 [44] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (originating from the Copa Room at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas) (30min)
10Sep1957 NBC Tue
(WBRE-TV Wilkes-Barre PA, ch. 28 10pm) [RF]
Guests:
Ella Fitzgerald
The Four Lads
Regulars:
The Randy Van Horne Singers (3 men, 2 women), Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra
Songs:
"Pick Yourself Up" (Nat and Van Horne Singers), "Anything Goes" (Nat), "Standing On the Corner,"
"The Eyes of God" (The Four Lads), "Fascination" (Nat), "Goody Goody," "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" (Ella),
"It's All Right With Me" (Ella with Nat vocal/piano), "You're the Top" (Ella and Nat),
Memory Song: "Love Is the Thing" (Nat)
Note: This is the first of four consecutive shows originating from the Copa Room at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas.


########## The Nat "King" Cole Show ##########
############## season 3 Fall 1957 ###########
##############################################
NBC Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30 pm Eastern (30Min) (17Sep57-17Dec57)
(13 episodes)

When strong ratings failed to materialize for Nat's new half-hour show, NBC tried moving him to an earlier time slot
in the fall of 1957. Unfortunately, that pitted him against Cheyenne and Sugarfoot, two popular western shows that
aired alternate weeks on ABC. With no big national sponsor in sight, Nat decided to pull the plug at the end of the year.

3.1 [45] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (show originated from the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas) (30min)
17Sep1957 NBC Tue
Guests:
Tony Martin
The Sparkletones
Regulars:
The Jerry Graff Singers (2 men, 2 women), Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra
Songs:
"Lucky Day" (Nat and Graff Singers), "An Affair to Remember" (Nat), "Rocket," "Black Slacks" (The Sparkletones),
"It's All in the Game" (Nat), "At Last" (Tony and Graff Singers), "Manhattan" (Tony and Nat),
"On the Sunny Side of the Street" (Nat vocal/piano and Tony vocal/clarinet),
Memory Song: "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" (Nat and Graff Singers), "Shadow Waltz" (Nat), "I'll See You In My Dreams" (Tony)
Note: This show originated from the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas.
Highlights: [RF]
Tony sings "Fire Down Below".
Nat & Tony duet on "Sunny Side of the Street".
Nat sings "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes". [RF]

3.2 [46] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (show originated from the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas) (30min)
24Sep1957 NBC Tue
Guests:
Gogi Grant
The Dunhills (dance trio)
The Copa Girls,
Regulars:
The Jerry Graff Singers (2 men, 2 women),
Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra
Songs:
"Who Cares," "Soft Sands" (Nat and Graff Singers), "I Can't Give You Anything But Love,"
"It's a Wonderful Thing To Be Loved" (Gogi), "With You On My Mind" (Nat and Graff Singers), "Blue Skies" (The Dunhills),
"Tea for Two" (Nat and The Dunhills),
Memory Song: "Mona Lisa" (Nat)
Note:
This show originated from the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. Gogi Grant did the singing for The Helen Morgan Story.
Highlights: [RF]
Nat sings "Safe Sands", "Who Cares", "With You on My Mind", "Tea For Two" and "Mona Lisa",
Gogi sings a pair of ballads. [RF]

3.3 [47] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (show originated from the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas) (30min)
01Oct1957 NBC Tue
Produced & Directed by Bob Henry
Guests:
Tony Bennett
The Beachcombers with Natalie Cole
unidentified orchestra;
Jane Russell (cameo)
Lee Young
Songs:
"Little Girl," "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter" (Nat), "In the Middle of an Island,"
"I Am" (Tony), "Raintree County" (Nat), "It Must Be True" (The Beachcombers with Natalie),
"Muskrat Ramble" (The Beachcombers with Natalie plus Nat, Tony, bassist Charlie Harris, and drummer Lee Young),
Memory Song: "Star Dust" (Nat)
Note: In honor of his 47th episode, Nat's guests handle the introductions.
This show originated from the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. Jane Russell, the star who will succeed Nat at the hotel's
Copa Room, comes on at the end of the show. Charlie Harris and Lee Young were members of Nat's combo.
Highlights: [RF]
Nat King Cole, puts the spotlight on Tony Bennett and Natalie and the Beachcombers.
Songs include "Taking a Chance on 'Love," "Littie v Girl," "It Ain't,". "The Muskrat V. Ramble". [RF]

3.4 [48] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (show originated from Hollywood (30min)
08Oct1957 NBC Tue
Produced & Directed by Bob Henry
Guest:
Eartha Kitt
Regulars:
The Jerry Graff Singers (2 men, 2 women), Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra
Songs:
"I'm Just Breezin' Along With the Breeze," "It's Not For Me To Say" (Nat and Graff Singers),
"Just an Old Fashioned Girl" (Eartha), "My One Sin" (Nat), "My Heart Belongs To Daddy" (Eartha),
"The Sheik of Araby" (Eartha and Nat), Memory Song: "Maybe It's Because I Love You Too Much" (Nat)
Note: This show originated from Hollywood. At the time, Nat and Eartha were shooting the film St. Louis Blues.
Highlights: [RF]
Eartha sings "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" and "Just An Old-fashioned Girl".
Nat & Eartha duet with "Sheik of Araby".
Nat sings "Breezing Along With the Breeze", "It's Not For Me to Say" and "My Own Sin". [RF]

3.5 [49] The Nat "King" Cole Show: JAZZ SHOW (30min)
15Oct1957 NBC Tue
Produced & Directed by Bob Henry
Guests:
Norman Granz' Jazz at the Philharmonic (JATP)
featuring Roy Eldridge (trumpet), Coleman Hawkins, Stan Getz, Illinois Jacquet,
 Flip Phillips (tenor saxophone), Oscar Peterson (piano), Herb Ellis (guitar), Ray Brown (bass), Jo Jones (drums)
Regulars:
Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra
Songs:
"It's Only a Paper Moon" (Nat with Riddle Orchestra; sax solo by Phillips),
"Sweet Lorraine" (Nat with Hawkins, Peterson, Ellis, and Brown),
"C Jam Blues" (Phillips, Jacquet, Eldridge, Peterson, Ellis, Brown, and Jones),
"I Want To Be Happy" (Nat on piano with Ellis, Brown, Jones, Eldridge, and Getz),
"With You On My Mind" (Nat with Phillips, Jacquet, and Riddle Orchestra),
"Stompin' at the Savoy" (Nat with Getz, Hawkins, Eldridge, Peterson, Ellis, Brown, and Jones),
Memory Song: "Tenderly" (Nat with Peterson, Ellis, Brown, and Riddle Orchestra),
"Shadow Waltz" (JATP), "Shadow Waltz" (Nat on piano with Riddle Orchestra)
Note:
Impresario Norman Granz acts as co-emcee with Nat, helping him introduce the numbers.
Granz' first JATP concert on July 2, 1944 featured Nat on piano. At the end of "Stompin' at the Savoy,"
the horns play the melody to Coleman Hawkins'
"Spotlite." Leading into the "memory song" segment, the melody to "Memories" is played by Hawkins,
rather than sung by a vocal group.
Highlights: [RF]
Nat sings one of his first big hits,
"Sweet Lorraine", "Only a Paper Moon," "Tenderly" and "With You on My Mind." [RF]

3.6 [50] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (30min)
22Oct1957 NBC Tue
Guests:
Cab Calloway (King of Hi-De-Ho)
Hugh O'Brian
Regulars:
The Randy Van Horne Singers (4 men), unidentified orchestra
Songs:
"I'm Shooting High," "Don't Move," "My Personal Possession" (Nat and Van Horne Singers), "Home on the Range" (Nat),
"It Ain't Necessarily So" (Cab), "Don't Fence Me In" (Nat and Cab), "The Calloway Boogie" (Cab),
"California, Here I Come" (Nat on piano), Memory Song: "Give a Thought" (Nat)
Note: O'Brian is billed as Nat's "surprise guest," with the only clue being that he's one of TV's biggest western stars.
Not surprisingly, this show has a western theme. O'Brian had just released a vocal album and Nat sings "Don't Move"
from that album.

3.7 [51] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (30min)
29Oct1957 NBC Tue
Produced & Directed by Bob Henry
Guests:
Johnny Mercer
Regulars:
The Cheerleaders (2 men, 2 women), unidentified orchestra
Songs:
"I'm Sitting On Top of the World" (Nat), "Dream" (Nat and Cheerleaders), "Send For Me" (Johnny),
"My Heart Reminds Me" (Nat vocal/piano), "Save the Bones For Henry Jones" (Nat vocal/piano with Johnny),
Mercer Medley (Cheerleaders), Memory Song: "Autumn Leaves" (Nat)
Note:
Singer-songwriter Johnny Mercer was one of the founders of Capitol Records, Nat's label.
Johnny tells the audience that Nat will appear on Edward R. Murrow's Person to Person show the following Friday night,
which would make it November 1, 1957.

3.8 [52] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (30min)
05Nov1957 NBC Tue
Guests:
Cornel Wilde,
Peggy King,
Michel Ray,
Billy Preston (10 years old) sings "Blueberry Hill".
Clip of this on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1loV9_xLF8Q)
Carol Cole
Natalie Cole
Regulars:
The Cheerleaders (2 men, 2 women), unidentified orchestra,
dixieland combo with Teddy Buckner (trumpet), Barney Bigard (clarinet), George Washington (trombone),
Gerry Wiggins (piano), Art Edwards (bass), Lee Young (drums)
Songs:
"Who Cares" (Nat and Cheerleaders), "Fascination" (Nat), "Careless Love" (Nat and Combo),
"When I Fall In Love" (Nat), "Billy's Boogie" (Billy on organ), "Blueberry Hill" (Nat and Billy on vocal/organ),
Memory Song: "St. Louis Blues," "It's Just About That Time Again" (Nat)
Note:
Nat uses some of the actual sets from his upcoming movie St. Louis Blues, in which he plays songwriter
W. C. Handy. A future music star himself, 11-year-old Billy Preston, who in the film plays Handy as a boy,
sings and plays the organ. Also on hand are movie stars Wilde, King, and Ray, plugging their own pictures.
They each give Nat a cake and presents for his daughters Sweetie (Carol) and Cookie (Natalie).
Nat announces that this is the first anniversary of his show and debuts his new closing theme,
"It's Just About That Time Again."

3.9 [53] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (30min)
12Nov1957 NBC Tue
Mahalia Jackson
Regulars:
The Cheerleaders (2 men, 2 women), Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra
Songs:
"Button Up Your Overcoat" (Nat and Cheerleaders), "Raintree County" (Nat), "Diga Diga Doo" (Nelson and Orchestra),
"Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho" (Mahalia), "Steal Away To Jesus" (Mahalia and Nat),
Medley: "I Feel a Song Comin' On" (Nat and Cheerleaders)/"I Hear Music" (Cheerleaders)/"It Don't Mean a Thing If
It Ain't Got That Swing" (Nat)/"True Love" (Nat)/"Kingston Town" (Cheerleaders)/"Jailhouse Rock" (Nat)/
"Down By the River Side" (Mahalia)/"Sing, Sing, Sing"/"The Song Is Ended (But the Melody Lingers On)" (Nat and Cheerleaders), Memory Song: "My Heart Stood Still" (Nat)
Note:
Orchestra leader and arranger Nelson Riddle is one of the featured guests and Nat introduces him and his copyists.
My best guess is that the orchestra soloists are Conrad Gozzo (trumpet) and Buddy Collette (tenor saxophone).
The bassist is Charlie Harris (of the King Cole Trio), and ex-Duke Ellington sideman Juan Tizol can be seen in
the trombone section. Mahalia Jackson was featured in Nat's then-current movie St. Louis Blues. Nat introduces
The Cheerleaders individually as Tom, Patty, Donna, and Don.

3.10 [54] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (30min)
19Nov1957 NBC Tue
(WBRE-TV Wilkes-Barre PA, ch. 28 7:30pm) [RF]
Guest:
Ella Fitzgerald
Regulars:
The Cheerleaders (2 men, 2 women), Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra
Songs:
"Roll Out the Barrel" (Nat and Cheerleaders), "All the Way" (Nat vocal/piano), "The Lady Is a Tramp,"
"Perdido" (Ella), "Where or When" (Nat and Cheerleaders), "Dancing on the Ceiling" (Ella),
"Too Close For Comfort" (Nat and Ella), Memory Song: "Unforgettable" (Nat)
Note:
Ella Fitzgerald was featured in Nat's then-current movie St. Louis Blues.

[--] 26Nov1957 Pre-empted by "The Pied Piper of Hamelin" starring Van Johnson (Film).
Nat was appearing in Australia this week.

3.11 [55] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (30min)
03Dec57 NBC Tue
Guest:
Betty Hutton
Regulars:
The Cheerleaders (2 men, 2 women)
Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra
Songs:
"I Want To Be Happy" (Nat and Cheerleaders), "April Love, " "I Am In Love" (Nat), "Now That I Need You" (Betty),
"Tea For Two" (Nat on piano), Medley: "Mona Lisa" (Betty)/"Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief" (Nat)/"Answer Me, My Love"
(Betty)/"His Rocking Horse Ran Away" (Nat)/"Orange Colored Sky" (Nat and Betty), "Anything You Can Do,"
"That Old Soft Shoe" (Nat and Betty), Memory Song: "Once In a While" (Nat)
Note: In a lighthearted medley, Nat and Betty sing each other's hits and finish up with a duet on "Orange Colored Sky,"
a song recorded by both.
Highlights: [RF]
Betty Hutton bounces, even when she sings some of Nat's hits such as ''Mona Lisa" and "AnswerMe, My Love."
Nat retaliates with a few Hutton clicks,'including "Doctor. Lawyer, Indian Chief" and "His Rocking Horse
Ran Away." The two teanr~~on "Orange Colored Sky" and Nat goes it alone for "April Love,""Once in a While"
and-a piano version of "Tea for Two." Betty injects a little extra life into the outing. [RF]

3.12 [56] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (30min)
10Dec57 NBC Tue
Guests:
The Mills Brothers
Regulars:
The Cheerleaders (2 men, 2 women),
Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra
Juan Tizol (Nelson Riddle's Trombone section)
Harold Dina (Nelson Riddle's Trombone section)
Russell Brown (Nelson Riddle's Trombone section)
Songs:
"Love Is Sweeping the Country" (Nat and Cheerleaders), "Sayonara" (Nat), "Glow Worm,"
"I Believe In Santa Claus" (Mills Brothers), "Three Blind Mice" (Riddle Orchestra's trombone section),
"Lullaby of the Leaves" (Nat and trombones), Medley: "I Want To Be Happy" (Nat)/"I'm the Guy" (Mills Brothers)/
"If I Had You" (Nat)/"If I Had My Way" (Mills Brothers)/"I'll String Along With You" (Nat)/
"I'll Be Around" (Mills Brothers)/"Sweet Lorraine" (Nat)/"Sweet Adeline" (Mills Brothers and Nat),
"Opus One" (Nat, Mills Brothers, Cheerleaders, trombone section),
Memory Song: "These Foolish Things Remind Me Of You" (Nat)
Note:
As a change of pace, Nat features Nelson Riddle's trombone section (Harold Dina, Juan Tizol, and Russell Brown)
on a couple of numbers. In a medley, Nat and The Mills Brothers sing their hits with similar titles.
Highlights: [RF]
The Mills Brothers perform "Lazy River", "Paper Doll" and "I've Got My Love to Keep Me warm". [RF]

3.13 [57] The Nat "King" Cole Show: (30min) (final episode)
17Dec57 NBC Tue
Guests:
Billy Eckstine
Regulars:
The Cheerleaders (2 men, 2 women), Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra
Songs:
"When You're Smiling" (Nat and Cheerleaders), "The Party's Over" (Nat), "If I Can Help Somebody" (Billy),
"A Blossom Fell" (Nat), "Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries" (Billy with Nat vocal/piano),
"Rosetta" (Nat vocal/piano and Billy vocal/trumpet/jazzophone with Nat's combo),
Memory Song: "The Christmas Song" (Nat)
Note:
The rather peculiar-looking instrument Billy plays on "Rosetta" is called a jazzophone, which sounds like
a trombone, has valves and a mouthpiece like a brass instrument, but is shaped like a saxophone. At the close
of this, Nat's last show, a crawl lists all of the guests who were featured on the program, in the order in
which they appeared.

Replaced by the quiz show "Treasure Hunt" with Jan Murray

########## The Nat "King" Cole Show ##########
################## the end #################
##############################################

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