Behind the Music

Episode Synopsis

A look at the life of distinguished diva, Natalie Cole, daughter of Nat King Cole. Deciding to follow in her fatherÍs footsteps, Natalie began her singing career with a small band in her college town of Amherst, Massachusetts. Her big break came in 1975 when her first solo album, "Inseparable", went gold. But Natalie's heavy drug use and heroin addiction started to take their toll on her career and personal life-- Natalie's marriage to her songwriting partner, Marvin Yancy Jr., ended in divorce in 1980. Finally, after intense rehabilitation and support from her son, Robbie, Natalie re-emerged in 1987 with "Everlasting", a tribute to her father. The album was a commercial success; however, Natalie was dealt a hard blow in 1995, when she faced a lawsuit from her mother concerning legal rights to Nat King ColeÍs estate. The case was resolved in an out-of-court settlement. Includes interviews with: Natalie, Carole Cole (sister), Maria Cole (mother), Marvin Yancy Jr. (ex-husband), Kevin Hunter (former manager), and Ralph Goldman (business manager).