Obstacles and Challenges

Cole was threatened multiple times during his career. He was once threatened while leaving Beverly Hills and was even attacked onstage in during a performance in Alabama.

Many whites didn't like his quick rise to stardom and often criticized his singing talent and race. He eventually overcame this rising to the #2 spot on the Billboard pop chart

Cole was not only threatened by his race and fame but also by disease. In December of 1964 Cole was diagnosed with lung cancer and after a sort period of row months he succumbed to it.

Cole died at the extremely young age of 45 after his battle with cancer