Nat King Cole became the 1st Black to host a weekly TV show in 1956. Earlier that year, Nat was physically assaulted on stage performing in his home state of Alabama by local klansmen. Though his show did well ratings-wise, it struggled to find a national sponsor due to racism. #NatKingCole
'Nat King Cole Show' Challenged TV's Race Line : NPR
The Nat King Cole Show debuted in 1956, making singer and jazz pianist Nat "King" Cole the first black man to host a nationally televised variety program. Cole reluctantly challenged segregation on television and in American society, but a year later the show ended.
01:05 PM - Mar 18, 2023
