I found this documentary on Netflix streaming. The title is a direct reference to the non-black general public, especially in the Southern US, being "afraid" of dark-skinned people who may be successful. I grew up in the South in the 1950s and 1960s, it was very much a mood of "blacks knowing their place." Nat Cole of course wasn't the only one, but as a superb piano player and singer it is unfortunate he came along at a time when prejudice was near its highest point.
The documentary is well made, it features Nat himself plus most members of his family, and many friends and co-workers who knew him well. He was not perfect, his long-time wife and mother of his children even referred to an affair she was aware of, but on balance his positives far outweighed his negatives. And he truly had a magical singing voice and style.
Nat was a long-time, heavy smoker and finally gave way to lung cancer. I remember when he died, it seemed that he lived a full life. But to put his young death in perspective, two of my children now are older than he was.
The documentary is well made, it features Nat himself plus most members of his family, and many friends and co-workers who knew him well. He was not perfect, his long-time wife and mother of his children even referred to an affair she was aware of, but on balance his positives far outweighed his negatives. And he truly had a magical singing voice and style.
Nat was a long-time, heavy smoker and finally gave way to lung cancer. I remember when he died, it seemed that he lived a full life. But to put his young death in perspective, two of my children now are older than he was.