Welcome to the Club (Nat King Cole album)

Welcome to the Club is a studio album by Nat King Cole, released in 1959 by Capitol Records. The album features Cole singing to the accompaniment of a big band arranged and conducted by Dave Cavanaugh.

The concept behind Welcome to the Club was to present Cole in a more swinging, uptempo setting than some of his previous recordings. Cavanaugh's arrangements emphasized brass and percussion, giving the album a vibrant and almost theatrical feel. While still maintaining Cole's signature smooth vocal style, the album explored a sound closer to jazz and swing than traditional pop.

The tracklist includes standards and popular songs of the era, reinterpreted with the big band arrangement. Notable songs include "Welcome to the Club," the title track, and covers of popular tunes such as "Anytime, Anyday, Anywhere." The album was a commercial success and further cemented Cole's reputation as a versatile and adaptable vocalist, capable of excelling in various musical styles. Welcome to the Club is generally well-regarded by critics and fans as a strong example of Cole's work within the big band genre.