Jazz great, Atlanta resident Freddy Cole dies at 88

ATLANTA — Jazz great Freddy Cole, the younger brother of Nat “King” Cole who built his own reputation as a pianist and vocalist, died Saturday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. He was 88.

The cause was complications from a cardiovascular ailment, his manager, Suzi Reynolds, told The Washington Post.

Freddy Cole, an Atlanta resident, long performed in the shadow of his famous brother – a towering figure in jazz and popular music. But he earned plaudits of his own – including Grammy nominations – during a decades-long career playing traditional jazz, swing and the blues. Most recently, he was nominated last year for best jazz vocal album for “My Mood Is You.”

Cole’s signature song – “I’m Not My Brother, I’m Me” – delighted audiences. But he told the AJC he was proud of Nat, and the brothers had a great relationship.