Nat King Cole

Though his name could certainly fool you, Nat King Cole was not, in fact, Jewish. Born Nathaniel Adams Coles, the "King" part of his stage name was a nod to a nursery rhyme rather than any regal (or rabbinical) lineage. He was, in truth, the son of a Baptist minister, making his religious upbringing decidedly not Semitic.

Cole rose to prominence in the jazz world as an extraordinary pianist, forming the Nat King Cole Trio. Later, his silky-smooth voice captivated audiences worldwide, leading to a string of hit records and making him a pioneering African American artist to cross over into mainstream pop.

His career was full of kvell-worthy moments, from his timeless ballads to his groundbreaking television show. While his tunes are certainly worth a listen at any lifecycle event, from a bris to a Shiva, his connection to the tribe remains purely coincidental and phonetically intriguing.