Ike Cole, 73, Singer And Brother Of Nat King Cole, Dies

Jet, May 21, 2001

Isaac "Ike" Cole, noted pianist and composer who was the younger brother of the legendary singer Nat King Cole, recently died of lung cancer at his home in Sun Lakes near Phoenix. Cole was 73 years old.

Cole also worked with his niece, Natalie Cole, on the hit, Grammy Award-winning Unforgettable With Love album in 1991, playing the keyboard.

Cole told the L.A. Times that at one point he considered changing his famous last name but yielded to Nat's wishes shortly before his death in 1965 at age 45 that he carry on the family name.

In 1990, on the 25th anniversary of Nat's death, Ike teamed with brother Freddy on a tour titled "We Remember Nat ... A Salute to Our Brother."

He performed regularly at Chicago's famed Pump Room and the Playboy Club for many years. He and his wife moved to Sun Lakes, AZ, in 1986.

Cole is survived by his wife of 52 years Margie Cole; sons Larry, Jimmy and Eddie; and a brother, acclaimed singer Freddy Cole.