Nature Boy (2:43)
143,364 plays (57,151 listeners)
This song was written by Eden Ahbez, one of the strangest songwriters of the pre-Hippie era. He was a beatnik poet, but more accurately a proto-Hippie, choosing to wear long hair, a full beard and long, white, flowing garments that promoted a Christ-like appearance. He lived in Griffith Park in Los Angeles and ate fruit, vegetables and nuts. Ahbez was born in Brooklyn in 1908, and he claimed to have been raised in an orphanage and to have crossed the US on foot 8 times before age 35. He moved to Los Angeles in the ’40s, lived on 3 dollars a week, and lectured on Hollywood street corners about Oriental mysticism.
Ahbez implored Nat King Cole’s manager to look at his manuscript of “Nature Boy.” Cole recognized the Yiddish melody, liked the lyrics and added it to his act. It was well received so Cole decided to record it. One problem: Cole and Capitol Records could not find Ahbez in order to secure the publishing rights. Finally they located Ahbez, camped beneath the first L in the “Hollywood” sign.
Nat King Cole recorded one other Ahbez song - “Land of Love.” Ahbez released his own album in 1960 called Eden’s Island. He spent time with Brian Wilson before The Beach Boys recorded Pet Sounds. Ahbez, his wife, Anna, and their son Zoma lived in Griffith Park with their bicycle, sleeping bags and a juicer. With their unusual lifestyle, the family became legendary.
According to his friend Joe Romersa, Ahbez wanted to correct the last lyric. He decided that “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is to love and be loved in return,” was not really what he wanted to say, since to be loved in return is too much of a deal and has nothing to do with love.
Ahbez implored Nat King Cole’s manager to look at his manuscript of “Nature Boy.” Cole recognized the Yiddish melody, liked the lyrics and added it to his act. It was well received so Cole decided to record it. One problem: Cole and Capitol Records could not find Ahbez in order to secure the publishing rights. Finally they located Ahbez, camped beneath the first L in the “Hollywood” sign.
Nat King Cole recorded one other Ahbez song - “Land of Love.” Ahbez released his own album in 1960 called Eden’s Island. He spent time with Brian Wilson before The Beach Boys recorded Pet Sounds. Ahbez, his wife, Anna, and their son Zoma lived in Griffith Park with their bicycle, sleeping bags and a juicer. With their unusual lifestyle, the family became legendary.
According to his friend Joe Romersa, Ahbez wanted to correct the last lyric. He decided that “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is to love and be loved in return,” was not really what he wanted to say, since to be loved in return is too much of a deal and has nothing to do with love.
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A major innovator both as pianist and singer
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Shouts
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babamulon wrote:
This was beautifully placed in a movie called "Baboon Heart" with Cristian Slater and Marisa Tomei. Try to watch it.
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Marjo47 wrote:
and this is such a classic by him.
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micktosin wrote:
how come i never heard this.
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Retro_Saiyan wrote:
Another Great Song. An unusual yet catchy song.
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Fiema-Yenene wrote:
See this movie "the boy with green hair"! It is its theme and a wonderful film!
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sammyke wrote:
oh yes........
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citymad wrote:
Nat was a Legend in his own time -what a smooth voice brilliant gifted and black.
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caroleona wrote:
simply adorable........
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moonglasses wrote:
What a voice,memories of good times He fascinates me forever:)
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VedderGirl wrote:
the greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return so true i think, wise man.
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hbsaul wrote:
One of the best Voice. I still have goosebumps when I hear it.
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Fasstili wrote:
Is this the original version?
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canakkale26 wrote:
GREAT VOICE
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PsychicDinosaur wrote:
Woah. This track has been covered so many times. All which are wonderful and so are this.
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Bassi81 wrote:
one of my all time favourites...amazing
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kdoggle wrote:
This song is truly enchanting, I have not other way to describe it.
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countryfreckle wrote:
The BEST version is from Moulin Rouge, but NOT David Bowie singing in their soundtrack. Look for the one in the movie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwL67X2lRV0 Listen to THAT version. That will bring a tear to your eye. I love that version--so sad and deep.
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Silver-Dad wrote:
The Voice!
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leenyq wrote:
beautiful!
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fkierzek wrote:
Cool! I've heard this on Moulain Rouge (sounded excellent!) but this one has real charcter too! :-)
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