November 5, 1956 - June 24, 1957 (15 minutes)
July 2, 1957 - December 17, 1957 (30 minutes)   

When Nat King Cole' NBC TV series began November 5, 1956 it originated from New York City while Cole was winding up his current stint at the Copacabana. After the fourth broadcast the series was broadcast from Los Angeles. where it would remain for its complete run. 

Nat King Cole became the first major black performer to headline a network variety series. His 15 minute show filled the remainder of the half hour in which NBC TV aired its nightly news program, THE HUNTLEY BRINKLY REPORT. 

On July 2, 1957 THE NAT KING COLE SHOW became a half hour program. Many stars appeared on the show for minimum fees as personal favors to him, in an effort to bolster low ratings. But the efforts were in vain, and it would be another decade before a black entertainer could begin to make a significant dent into he mass medium of television. 

Nat King Cole sings, "Only a Paper Moon," "Sweet Lorraine," "With Your on my Mind," "Stompin' At The Savoy," 

Nat King Cole with Oscar Peterson Jr. "Tenderly."

 Norman Granz introduces some of the musicians from his, "Jazz At The Philharmonic" series. Ganz has just completed his 18th annual tour. Nat King Cole tells his audience that this is the  first television appearance of, "Jazz At The Philharmonic." 

Opening is not archived. Otherwise complete. 

                                          

In todays one-hour telecast, outstanding jazz musicians demonstrate the basic jazz form, the blues, through playing, both solo and ensemble, and through singing. The music includes traditional and modern blues creations. Host / Narrator John Crosby intends to remain in the background as much as possible, letting the music speak for itself.
 
November 3,1957 - February 16, 1958
Host television critic John Crosby presided over this ambitious Sunday afternoon one hour series, containing varied dramatic documentaries and musical presentations.