Additional Coverage:
- 1975 No. 1 Pop Song, Sung by Nat King Cole’s Daughter, Is Still a Beloved Hit 61 Years Later (parade.com)
Natalie Cole’s 1975 hit “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” remains a timeless classic, cherished as a go-to song for weddings and celebrations of love. The track not only launched her successful solo career but also solidified her place in music history.
Born into a musical legacy as the daughter of jazz legend Nat King Cole, Natalie was surrounded by music from an early age. Nat King Cole’s iconic recordings, including “Unforgettable” and “Mona Lisa,” set a high bar, and even featured a young Natalie on his 1960 album The Magic of Christmas.
Yet, Natalie was determined to create her own path. In 1975, she stepped out of her father’s shadow and introduced herself to the world with her debut album Inseparable, featuring “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love).”
The song quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, topping the Hot Soul Singles chart, and making a strong showing on the Dance/Disco chart. Interestingly, Cole’s serious pursuit of a singing career didn’t begin until after her father’s passing, during her senior year at the University of Massachusetts, where she earned a degree in child psychology. Small performances eventually caught the attention of producers Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yance, who collaborated with her to craft the hit song.
Despite initial setbacks and rejections from various record labels, Capitol Records-her father’s former label-eventually signed her. However, even then, executives hesitated, feeling the album lacked a standout hit. That hesitation motivated Jackson and Yance to write “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love),” which quickly proved to be the breakthrough Natalie needed.
Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Cole recalled in her memoir Love Brought Me Back that at 25, she had modest success with club performances but was far from a star. The release and success of “This Will Be” changed that trajectory entirely, earning her Grammy Awards for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best New Artist-an impressive feat in a category long dominated by legends like Aretha Franklin.
Beyond its chart success and critical acclaim, the song has become a beloved anthem for generations of couples tying the knot. Its joyful energy has also made it a favorite in popular culture, featured in films such as While You Were Sleeping, The Parent Trap, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, A Cinderella Story, Taxi, and Bride Wars.
Natalie Cole’s enduring hit continues to resonate, celebrating love with the same warmth and spirit that first captured audiences nearly five decades ago.