I strongly feel that this story has to be recorded here on my blog, because it’s the kind of family heirloom tale that should never be forgotten. This is written here as transcribed by my mom, dictated to her by my grandma as they were planning for her funeral during the last few weeks of her life.
“The girls could sing Tenderly, they all have such beautiful voices. Nat King Cole himself sang it to Jim and I when we were first married. We walked into a bar where new musicians came to play. As we were coming in the man at the piano, Nat King Cole( he was not well known yet), asked if we were married. We answered yes, we were. Then he asked what our favorite song was, as he would like to play it for us. Jim and I looked at each other and Jim said, we don’t have one. Nat said he would play a song he just wrote, one he had never played before. It was Tenderly and it has been our song every since.”
A few of her great-grandchildren (including me) are singing this at her funeral. I’m really looking forward to it.
February 26th, 2011 on 8:55 am
wow! that’s a really cool story! good luck singing, you’ll d o great!
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February 26th, 2011 on 8:58 am
I have always loved Nat King Cole. I’m glad you are going to have such a role in the memorial service. Thinking of you.
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February 26th, 2011 on 9:39 am
Aww… What a special story. Totally made me tear up. I am sure it will be just beautiful today. Thank you for sharing.
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February 26th, 2011 on 10:25 am
That is a beautiful story Jenna, thanks for sharing
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February 26th, 2011 on 11:13 am
Wow - that is an amazing story to have and pass down! Thanks for sharing it!
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February 26th, 2011 on 11:18 am
Wow that’s amazing! What a beautiful memory to have of your newlywed years.
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February 26th, 2011 on 11:22 am
That story gave me goosebumps! So sweet.
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February 26th, 2011 on 11:48 am
That is SO COOL. A song sung just for them - what a memory and I’m glad you are recording this for future generations. And even more wonderful that you also have their loving example to remember in your own marriage.
You and the others will sing it wonderfully I’m sure!
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February 26th, 2011 on 12:25 pm
What a wonderful story!
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February 26th, 2011 on 12:36 pm
That is an incredible story. Gave me goosebumps. I’m sure that song will be so special for everyone in the family from now on.
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February 26th, 2011 on 1:25 pm
What a beautiful story. How lucky they were to have such an amazing experience!
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February 26th, 2011 on 1:30 pm
That is amazing! What an interesting life your great grandmother led!
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February 26th, 2011 on 4:35 pm
What a beautiful story! Thanks for sharing!
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February 26th, 2011 on 4:52 pm
Wow! That is such a sweet story. I had to go look the song up on itunes.
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February 27th, 2011 on 10:43 am
What a lovely story! And what a sweet tribute to your great-grandmother.
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February 27th, 2011 on 1:36 pm
That is an amazing story. Definitely one to be recorded and retold. Saw your tweet that the funeral was beautiful. So glad.
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February 27th, 2011 on 7:20 pm
Wow - what an incredible story. I love Nat King Cole and I love that song. How special.
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February 27th, 2011 on 9:08 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss, Jenna — sounds like she was a pretty amazing woman who lived an amazing life. This story is one to be passed down, for sure!!
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February 28th, 2011 on 7:46 am
What a beautiful story to have & share! I am sorry for your loss & hope that everyone is doing okay
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February 28th, 2011 on 11:12 am
This makes me happy
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February 28th, 2011 on 4:39 pm
What an incredibly touching story! You’re so lucky to have gotten to spend so much time with your great-grandmother.
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