Tenderly: The Life and Times of Nat King Cole

Award-winning artist Duane Forrest brings the timeless music of Nat King Cole to life through soulful performance and storytelling. Blending velvety renditions with personal reflection, he explores how a Black artist in 1950s America became a cultural pioneer while navigating a world that celebrated him onstage but resisted him off it. Raised in Toronto, Forrest reflects on his own journey with jazz and belonging, discovering how Cole’s presence opened doors. Tenderly is a moving exploration of legacy, dignity and the quiet power of simply showing up.