album · June 12, 1959
Midnight Flyer / Sweet Bird of Youth
Nat “King” Cole
The restoration projectSee this day
jazzrhythm and bluespop
These two selections, "Midnight Flyer" and "Sweet Bird of Youth," were released as a single in 1959. The A-side, "Midnight Flyer," is a swinging track, while the B-side offers a more mellow ballad.
- The single was released on Capitol Records. The songs were recorded during the sessions for Cole's album "Welcome to the Club," though they did not appear on the original track listing. "Sweet Bird of Youth" was written by Metcalf and Newman.
- The single reached number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also charted on the Billboard R&B chart, reaching number 15. This release marked Cole's return to the Top 40 pop charts after a brief absence.
- Cole's smooth vocal delivery is showcased on both tracks. "Midnight Flyer" features a prominent horn arrangement, while "Sweet Bird of Youth" highlights his piano playing.
Nat "King" Cole was a popular American singer and jazz pianist. He rose to fame in the late 1940s and remained a successful recording artist for over two decades.
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