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

Berklee Names Paris Pineyro First Recipient of Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole Scholarship

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Berklee College of Music has announced that Paris Pineyro — who records as Paris Dior — is the inaugural recipient of the Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole Scholarship. The award, a $75,000 endowment created by the Natalie Cole Foundation in partnership with Nat King Cole Generation Hope, honors the artistic legacies of Nat King Cole and his daughter Natalie.

“Our father and sister were celebrated for their expressive vocals, even though Dad always said he was a pianist first,” said twin sisters Casey Cole and Timolin Cole-Augustus in a joint statement. “Paris is a gifted vocalist and a committed student — an ideal choice to carry forward our family’s musical legacy through this scholarship.”

Pineyro is a sophomore at Berklee studying music business and performance. In Berklee’s announcement, she described the scholarship as more than recognition — a reminder that perseverance through long nights and setbacks can lead to extraordinary opportunities. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Natalie Cole Foundation and Nat King Cole Generation Hope for investing in her musical future.

Nat King Cole, a celebrated pianist and vocalist, is remembered for standards such as “Mona Lisa,” “Nature Boy” and the enduring holiday favorite “The Christmas Song.” Natalie Cole achieved widespread acclaim in her own right — winning nine Grammy Awards and recording hits like “This Will Be,” “I’ve Got Love on My Mind” and the posthumous duet “Unforgettable.” In 1995, Berklee awarded Natalie Cole an honorary doctorate in recognition of her contributions to music.

Phil Lima, assistant chair of Berklee’s Voice department, praised the scholarship and Pineyro’s selection: “It’s a privilege to inaugurate this award honoring two monumental artists. Paris has already inspired peers and teachers with her artistry, generosity and creative instincts. This scholarship will broaden her opportunities and we look forward to supporting many more talented students in the years ahead.”

For details about scholarship opportunities at Berklee, visit
Berklee’s scholarship page.

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