New Nat King Cole Scholarship Honors Family Legacy at Berklee College

A new $75,000 scholarship has been established at Berklee College of Music. It honors the legacies of Nat King Cole and his daughter, Natalie Cole. The first recipient is a talented sophomore named Paris Pineyro.

The scholarship was created by the singers’ family foundations. It commemorates the 75th anniversary of Natalie Cole’s birth. The award will support one promising student each year.

Substantial Financial Backing and First Recipient

The Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole Scholarship is backed by two non-profits. These are the Natalie Cole Foundation and Nat King Cole Generation of Hope. The substantial $75,000 award aims to ease the financial burden for a deserving student.

The inaugural recipient is Paris Pineyro, who performs as Paris Dior. She is a sophomore studying music business and performance. According to Billboard, Pineyro expressed deep gratitude for the award.

A Lasting Musical Legacy and Future Impact

Nat King Cole was a legendary jazz pianist and vocalist. He recorded timeless classics like “Mona Lisa” and “Nature Boy.” His daughter, Natalie, became a Grammy-winning star in her own right.

Casey Cole and Timolin Cole-Augustus, Nat’s twin daughters, released a statement. They said they are happy to connect their family’s legacy to a “voice of the future.” This scholarship ensures their family’s profound impact on music continues to inspire new generations of artists at a premier institution like Berklee.

The new Nat King Cole scholarship solidifies an unforgettable musical dynasty. It provides crucial support for the next wave of artistic talent. This initiative beautifully bridges a historic legacy with the future of music.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is funding the Nat King Cole scholarship?

The scholarship is funded by two family-linked non-profits. These are the Natalie Cole Foundation and the Nat King Cole Generation of Hope. Together, they are providing the $75,000 annual award.

Who is the first student to receive the award?

The first recipient is Berklee sophomore Paris Pineyro. She is a singer studying music business and performance. Pineyro performs under the stage name Paris Dior.

What was Natalie Cole’s connection to Berklee?

Natalie Cole received an honorary doctorate from Berklee in 1995. She was a celebrated Grammy-winning artist. This scholarship honors her and her father’s shared legacy at the institution.

How will the scholarship impact future students?

The scholarship will be awarded to one student each year. It provides significant financial support for their education. This helps ensure the Cole family’s influence continues in music.

Why was this particular scholarship created?

It was established to mark the 75th anniversary of Natalie Cole’s birth. It also serves as an ongoing tribute to both her and her father. The family aims to support the next generation of musical talent.