Singer Natalie Cole Has Passed Away At Age 65

She will always be unforgettable
From: NewNowNext

 2016 begins on a blue note with the news that music legend Natalie Cole has passed away at age 65.

Cole, who had struggled with a variety of health issues in recent years, died Thursday night, according to publicist Maureen O’Connor. The cause of death was reportedly congestive heart failure.

A physically weakened Cole, winner of nine Grammy Awards, was forced to cancel a string of concert performances over the last three months after a recurrence of hepatitis C linked to her earlier drug abuse.

The daughter of another legend, Nat King Cole, Natalie was able to carve out her own place in music history, starting with her 1975 debut “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)”, which earned her Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Female R&B Vocal Performance.

Many more classic hits followed, including “Our Love,” “I’ve Got Love On My Mind,” and “Someone That I Used To Love,” but a long battle with drug addiction decimated her career.

After she reclaimed her life and sobriety, she made a comeback in the late 80’s with the album Everlasting, and its trio of hits “Jump Start,” “Pink Cadillac,” and “I Live For Your Love.”

More success followed, capped by the 1991 album Unforgettable, in which she performed covers of standards made famous by her late father. The album hit #1, sold over seven million copies, and won the Grammy for Album Of The Year.

The title song blended the voices of father and daughter seamlessly, becoming an enduring classic for a second time.

Over the last two decades Natalie has continued to record and tour, becoming a mentor and role model for young singers, earning her iconic status.

Her voice and presence will be missed.