“I was determined to create my own identity. My first hits, in fact, were straight-up rhythm and blues. My voice was compared to Aretha Franklin's - though, for my money, no one compares to Aretha.”

American singer, songwriter, and actress

Natalie Cole was an American singer, songwriter, and actress, and the daughter of singer and jazz pianist Nat King Cole. She rose to prominence in the mid-1970s and became known for her debut album, Inseparable, released in 1975, along with the song "This Will Be" and the album’s title track. That success brought her the Grammy Award for Best New Artist at the 18th Annual Grammy Awards. She was the first African-American recipient of that award and the first R&B act to win it. Her later singles included "Sophisticated Lady" in 1976, "I've Got Love on My Mind", and "Our Love" in 1977.