Nat King Cole
Born on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama, Nat King Cole was an American musician who first came to prominence as a jazz pianist. He owes most of his popular musical fame to his soft baritone voice, which he used to perform in big band and jazz genres. In 1956, Cole became the first African-American performer to host a variety television series, and for many white families, he was the first black man welcomed into their living rooms each night. He has maintained worldwide popularity since his death in 1965.
Nat King Cole became the first African-American performer to host a variety TV series in 1956. He’s best known for his soft baritone voice and for singles like “The Christmas Song,” “Mona Lisa” and “Nature Boy.”

Known for his smooth and well-articulated vocal style, Nat King Cole actually started out as a piano man. He first learned to play around the age of four with help from his mother, a church choir director. The son of a Baptist pastor, Cole may have started out playing religious music.
In his early teens, Cole had formal classical piano training. He eventually abandoned classical for his other musical passion—jazz. Earl Hines, a leader of modern jazz, was one of Cole’s biggest inspirations. At 15, he dropped out of school to become a jazz pianist full time. Cole joined forces with his brother Eddie for a time, which led to his first professional recordings in 1936. He later joined a national tour for the musical revue Shuffle Along, performing as a pianist.

Winemaker/Founder  Phil Long of Longevity Wines, began his journey making wine in the garage with his wife Debra.  Now with over a decade of winemaking experience, and a list of awards too long to print, Winemaker Phil continues his journey with the constant of always improving in place.  “In the business of winemaking, the minute you think you know it all, it’s time to get out.”
The cellar practices and techniques that Phil uses in the production of wine are constantly re-evaluated and improved, to ultimately elevate the quality of the wines produced.  The grapes are personally sourced and chosen by Phil.  “Great wine starts with great fruit, there is no way around that”.  Grapes are sourced from only the best vineyards for use in the production of Longevity Wines.  Phil began making wine in the Livermore Valley in 2006 under the Longevity label, using other facilities.  It was only a matter of time before production was moved from other facilities, to Longevity’s own facility in Livermore.  Yearly production from 500 cases per year, to the current production of 2500.  Phil enjoys the challenge of making many different wines, and continues to strive for wines that are high in quality instead of high quantities.

Our beautifully appointed rooms will bring you the perfect blend of the nostalgia of 1940’s and the modern luxury you will come to expect from the Sojourn Heritage Brand.

We welcome you with a complimentary bottle of our signature wines, made by African American winemaker Phil Long.   Each of our guest rooms also features a curated library full of wonderful reads about the artist, writers, musicians and entrepreneurs who made the Harlem Renaissance one of the most progressive and empowering times for African Americans. Relax and enjoy some of the movements most iconic books such as “The Souls of Black folk” by W.E.B Dubois or a “Their Eyes were watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston.

Experience our hand-crafted, eco-friendly shea butter infused toiletries all custom designed for Sojourn, not only to nourish your body but also delight your senses.

Hi speed internet and cable are also included in your stay, along with exciting new technology designed for the hospitality market.

Topping it all off, a complimentary full breakfast is prepared each morning just for you.