Berklee College of Music Presents Inaugural Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole Scholarship

Berklee College of Music is announcing the recipient of the inaugural Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole Scholarship: Paris Pineyro. The $75,000 scholarship — a joint presentation from the Natalie Cole Foundation and Nat King Cole Generation of Hope — was established to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Natalie Cole’s birth this year as well as celebrate the trailblazing and enduring legacies of pianist/singer Cole and his singer-songwriter daughter.

In a joint statement given to Billboard, twin sisters Casey Cole and Timolin Cole-Augustus, said, “Our father and sister were known for their vocal abilities and emotional delivery, even with dad often insisting he was a pianist first and foremost. Their dedication to their vocal craft is one of the reasons we’re so happy that Paris is the inaugural recipient of the Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole Scholarship. Paris is a talented singer and an exemplary student, and we’re honored to connect our family’s legacy to a voice of the future through this scholarship with Berklee College of Music.”

Pineyro, a sophomore at Berklee who goes by the artist name Paris Dior, is studying music business/management and performance. In the Berklee press announcement, Pineyro commented, “It’s more than recognition — it reflects every late night, every struggle and every moment I pushed through my doubts. It reminds me that even when the path feels impossible, perseverance can lead to something truly ‘unforgettable,’ to quote the iconic Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole. I wish to express my sincere appreciation for being selected as the first recipient of this scholarship. It was an unexpected honor that fills me with deep gratitude. I am so grateful to the Natalie Cole Foundation and Nat King Cole Generation Hope for believing in my potential and investing in my journey.”

A jazz and pop vocalist as well as a pianist, Nat King Cole is known for standards such as “Mona Lisa,” “Nature Boy” and holiday classic “The Christmas Song.” Daughter Natalie won nine Grammys during her career — including best new artist. Her repertoire includes “This Will Be,” “I’ve Got Love on My Mind” and “Unforgettable,” a 1991 duet with her late father that reprised his own 1951 hit. Natalie was also awarded an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music in 1995.

“It is an absolute privilege to be part of the first ever Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole Scholarship, honoring the legacy of two of the most inspirational artists of all time,” said Phil Lima, assistant chair of the Voice department at Berklee, in a statement provided to Billboard. “It is fitting for Paris to become the inaugural recipient of this award as she has already inspired so many of her instructors and peers in our community through her impressive abilities and instincts as a creator, and her generous and affirming nature as a collaborator and supporter. The scholarship opens more doors for Paris to advance her education and her career. We are excited for many more young Berklee musicians to have the same opportunity in the years to come.”

Find more information about Berklee scholarships here.