Unforgettable Dad
New York. The Cole twins have ambitious expansion plans: They want to replicate their efforts in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and other major cities. Augustus is particularly proud of the organization’s Summer Strings program, a partnership with the Palm Beach County School District and Lynn University. During the past three summers, the program has brought 320 elementary students to campus for a week of learning from the university’s music students. The camp culminates in a free concert performed by the students and their mentors. “It’s opening up their eyes to the world of music,” says Augustus. She plans to launch another summer program that trains students in digital recording. Whenever they bring instruments to donate to schools, Augustus and her sister talk with
Only 3 years old when her father died, Nat King Cole’s daughter is working to promote the values he embodied. BY KATHERINE GUSTAFSON ’01 MUSIC U Timolin Cole
Augustus ’83, daughter of legendary singer Nat King Cole, was only 3 years old when her father died. She has worked throughout her life to exemplify and promote the values he embodied: courage, perseverance, humility and passion for the arts.
MAJOR: ENGLISH
“Our dad was more than a voice.”
Katherine Gustafson ’01 is a Seattlebased writer. Nat King Cole with his twin daughters, Timolin and Casey. The sisters run a nonprofit that brings music education to schools.
THE COLE FAMILY COLLECTION
Early in her career in public relations, she handled the launch of sister Natalie Cole’s album Unforgettable… with Love. Now, in addition to serving as director of operations for King Cole Productions, Inc., Augustus is president of Nat King Cole Generation Hope, a nonprofit that brings music education to underfunded schools. Augustus founded the Boca Raton, Fla.-based organization with her twin sister, Casey, in 2008, after reading news about local cuts to music education in public schools. “It was like a call to action,” says Augustus. “It was in memory of our father, as well, and to keep his legacy alive. It’s all about providing music education to kids with the biggest need and the fewest resources.” Nat King Cole Generation Hope raises money to support music instruction, provide instruments, offer scholarships and create mentorship opportunities. So far it’s helped 30 schools and organizations in South Florida and one in
Timolin Cole Augustus ’83
students about their father. Many of the kids don’t know his name but instantly recognize his songs, especially “Unforgettable” and “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire).” The Cole twins explain that their father was a trailblazer in the music industry, breaking racial barriers to reach success. They talk about his persistence, passion and patience, characteristics they emphasize can be applied to anything one wants to do in life. “Our dad was more than a voice,” Augustus says. “He was an agent of social change. His legacy is not only musical excellence, but humility and goodwill.” Through his music, her father “brought harmony in a world of political and social disharmony.”
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