About the song
“Unforgettable,” penned by Irving Gordon, stands as a timeless classic in the annals of popular music. Initially titled “Uncomparable,” the song underwent a name change suggested by its music publishing company to the now-iconic “Unforgettable.” Released in 1951, its enduring appeal and emotional resonance have cemented its place in music history.
Nat King Cole’s rendition of “Unforgettable,” recorded in 1951 with an arrangement by Nelson Riddle, remains the definitive version of the song. Included in Cole’s album titled “Unforgettable” (1952), the track captivated audiences with its lush orchestration and Cole’s velvety smooth voice. The song’s popularity led to a re-recording in stereo in 1961, orchestrated by Ralph Carmichael for the album “The Nat King Cole Story” (1961), further solidifying its status as a classic.
In a poignant tribute to his father’s legacy, Elvis Presley’s musical director Joe Guercio proposed a groundbreaking idea in 1991: to remix Nat King Cole’s original recording of “Unforgettable” into a posthumous duet with his daughter, Natalie Cole. The resulting duet struck a chord with listeners worldwide, reaching number 14 on the Hot 100 and number three on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. The collaboration garnered critical acclaim and accolades, including three Grammy Awards at the 34th Annual Grammy Awards in 1992: Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.
The impact of “Unforgettable” extends beyond its chart success. Nat King Cole’s original recording was rightfully inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2000, honoring its enduring cultural significance and artistic merit. The song’s ability to evoke nostalgia, romance, and a sense of timelessness continues to resonate with audiences of all generations, reaffirming its place as one of the greatest love songs ever recorded.
Video
Lyrics
Unforgettable
That’s what you are
Unforgettable
Though near or far
Like a song of love that clings to me
How the thought of you does things to me
Never before has someone been more
Unforgettable in every way
And forevermore, that’s how you’ll stay
That’s why darling it’s incredible
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am unforgettable too
Unforgettable in every way
And forevermore, that’s how you’ll stay
That’s why darling it’s incredible
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am unforgettable too