Gracious God, whose face we see in every flower, as the song goes, and whose eyes are in the stars above: We give you thanks for the artistry and faith of Montgomery, Alabama-born singer and jazz pianist Nat King Cole, who died 60 years ago this month in Santa Monica. He endured racism throughout his career as well some criticism that he had not done enough to combat it. But he stood tall when cross-burning racists tried to drive him out of his home in all-white Hancock Park in 1948, stopped performing at segregated concert venues, broke the color bar amid Easter lilies at St. James’ in the City Episcopal Church in 1962, and joined in the march on Washington in 1963. For years, he gave you the glory and praise as a member of the choir of Church of the Advent in Los Angeles. The designation of the dining hall at Camp Stevens as Cole Hall is “Unforgettable,” as is the sweet honey of his voice. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Photo: Cole with his daughter and fellow vocalist, Natalie)