Berklees Inaugural Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole Scholarship Awarded to Paris Pineyro

Berklees Inaugural Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole Scholarship Awarded to Paris Pineyro The new $75,000 scholarship, created in tribute to the Cole family's legacy, will help carry their influence forward to the next generation of musicians.

November 25, 2025

By

Tori Donahue

Paris Pineyro, who performs as Paris Dior, is a sophomore studying music business/management and performance.

Image courtesy of Lifetouch

Berklee has awarded the inaugural Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole Scholarship to Paris Pineyro, a student majoring in music business/management and performance. The scholarship honors pioneering pianist and singer Nat King Cole, whose smooth style, crossover appeal, and groundbreaking success as an African American artist helped shape American popular music and open doors for generations to come. It also recognizes the legacy of his daughter, Natalie Cole, a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and actor who received an honorary doctorate from Berklee in 1995.

The $75,000 fund was established to celebrate what would have been Natalie Cole's 75th birthday this year, honoring her legacy of artistic excellence and commitment to supporting those in need, as well as the lasting legacy of Nat King Cole on American music.

Pineyro, who goes by the artist name Paris Dior, is a second-year Berklee student originally from Cranston, Rhode Island. She said the scholarship represents both recognition and a reminder of every late night, every struggle, and every moment I pushed through my doubts, and that even when the path feels impossible, perseverance can lead to something truly unforgettable,' to quote the iconic Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole. She added that she is deeply grateful to the Natalie Cole Foundation and Nat King Cole Generation Hope for believing in her potential and investing in her journey.

The Cole family shared their enthusiasm for partnering with Berklee. Establishing the Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole Scholarship at Berklee College of Music is especially meaningful because it is a place where so many young artists find their voice, said Casey and Timolin Cole, twin sisters of Natalie Cole and daughters of Nat King Cole. We see this partnership as a way to uphold our father and sister's belief in the power of music to educate, uplift, and unite. By supporting Berklee students, the scholarship is investing in the next generation of teachers and leaders who will keep their legacy alive.

Phil Lima, assistant chair of the college's Voice Department, echoed that impact. The scholarship opens more doors for Paris to further advance her education and her career, he said. We are excited for many more young Berklee musicians to have the same opportunity in the years to come.

More information on Berklee scholarships is available online.

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