I have recieved a bulletin informing me of a WVXU radio show highlighting the history of King Records:
Sundays in October at 8:00 PM
Join us for King Records: Cincinnati Legacy, a four-part series airing Sunday evenings at 8 during October. This special series is hosted by Lee Hay and is produced to honor the label’s impact on Cincinnati and music.The series will include interviews with former King musicians, music historians, and music fans. A roundtable discussion of King Records moderated by music journalist Larry Nager and including Otis Williams and the Charms (Jimmy Railey, J.J. Peterson, and Rufus Allen), session drummer Philip Paul and his wife Juanita, and vocalist Keith Little will also be featured. Jimmy Railey, Otis Williams, Larry Nager, J.J. Peterson, Rufus Allen, Juanita Paul, Philip Paul and Keith Little
King Records: Cincinnati Legacy, Part I October 7
This episode begins with an historical overview of King Records and its founder Syd Nathan. Darren Blasé, a noted historian of King Records, will participate along with Randy McNutt, author of the just released book “The Cincinnati Sound.” The legacy of King Records stretches across over six decades of music history. Started in 1943 by Syd Nathan in Cincinnati, King Records defined the times with not only the types of music recorded, but also the way records were released to the public. The early music of King Records from the 1940’s and early 1950’s will also be included in part one of the special with songs by the Delmore Brothers, Cowboy Copas, Grandpa Jones, Bullmoose Jackson, Roy Brown, Boyd Bennett & His Rockets, the Casinos, Wynonie Harris, the Royals, and many others.
King Records: Cincinnati Legacy, Part II October 14
Part 2 features the strong rhythm & blues recordings of the 1950’s. Interviews with Philip Paul, Jimmy Railey, Otis Williams, and other members of the roundtable discussion will be included along with others with ties to King Records over the years. There will be music from Little Willie John, Otis Williams and the Charms, Hank Ballard and the Midnighters, The Dominoes, Freddy King, Rusty York, Philip Paul’s work as a session player, and many more. There will also be sound actualities of Syd Nathan addressing his staff back in the early 1950’s.
King Records: Cincinnati Legacy, Part III October 21
The third part features stories and recordings from the 1950’s and 1960’s. H-Bomb Ferguson recording of “Midnight Ramblin’ Tonight” will be featured along with others including Cody Black, James Brown and the Famous Flames, the Solars, and Bobby & the Expressions. There will also be interviews with Jimmy Railey and Waddell Falland, both of whom played with James Brown as members of the Famous Flames. Mr. Falland will discuss his work with the Solars and Bobby & the Expressions, as well as the Famous Flames. Also included will be more of the roundtable discussion moderated by Larry Nager with Otis Williams & the Charms, Philip Paul and Keith Little. Local music historian Randy McNutt will discuss Rusty York and Lonnie Mack’s work at King Records.
The legacy of King Records stretches across over six decades of music history. Started in 1943 by Syd Nathan in Cincinnati, King Records defined the times with not only the types of music recorded, but also the way records were released to the public. From blues and country to rhythm & blues, King Records was an active player from the mid-1940’s to the late 60’s when Syd Nathan passed away. One of the main reasons for King’s success was the economical approach to the record business. Every step of the process was done within the walls of King Records. From recording, to pressing, designing and printing album covers, and placing in the warehouse for distribution… all of these activities were performed in a self-contained facility. This system was a stroke of genius by Syd Nathan – a way to lower his costs and remain in competition with the major labels.
King Records: Cincinnati Legacy, Part IV October 28
Through the years since King Records pulled out of the studios in Evanston, there have been attempts by several individuals to honor the label and its founder. Syd Nathan was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. But, the famous building at 1540 Brewster Avenue still sits there with no plaque, no memorial, no statue of Syd Nathan… a plain concrete building. James Brown visited the building a few years ago with hopes of bringing attention to the historical landmark. Bootsy Collins is currently trying to get the building restored. Perhaps with his efforts plus support from blues fans and Cincinnati City Council, King Records will be officially recognized as a testament to its important contributions to the country’s musical heritage. One only need to review the success of the King Tribute concert at this year’s Cincy Blues Fest to know that there are still fans of this important part of Cincinnati’s history.
Therefore, part 4 will focus on the legacy and efforts of music fans to keep the memory of King Records alive for future generations. There will be a lively discussion by the members of the roundtable moderated by Larry Nager of the reasons why attempts to honor not only King Records, but also the musicians who recorded there, have failed. Blues guitarist Stuart Holman will share the influences of Freddie King on later blues musicians like Eric Clapton when he played with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, as well as Albert King. Darren Blase and Rusty McNutt will also reflect on King's legacy.
For more details go to King Records MySpace
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