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Playlist: King

Compiled By: Martin Fisher

Caption: PRX default Playlist image
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King Records: Cincinnati Legacy (Series)

Produced by WGUC/ WVXU

Most recent piece in this series:

King Records: Cincinnati Legacy

From WGUC/ WVXU | Part of the King Records: Cincinnati Legacy series | 59:00

Wvxucolorsm_small The legacy of King Records stretches across six decades of music history. Started in 1943 by Syd Nathan, King Records defined the times with not only the types of music recorded, but also in the way records were released to the public. This four-part series explores the label's impact on music and Cincinnati, its home. Included in the programs are interviews with former King Records musicians, music historians, and music fans. King's recordings form the centerpiece of each program. Part 1 - A historical overview of King Records and its founder Syd Nathan. The program features King's early music from the 1940's and early 1950's, including songs by the Delmore Brothers, Cowboy Copas, Grandpa Jones, The Casinos, Roy Brown, and James Brown. Part 2 - The strong rhythm and blues recordings of the 1950's are featured with interviews with session drummer Philip Paul and musician Otis Williams. Music includes songs from Otis Williams and the Charms, Sonny Thompson, the Platters, and Freddie King. Part 3 - From blues and country to rhythm and blues, King Records was an active player from the mid-1940's to the late 60's when Syd Nathan passed away. One reason was Nathan's economical approach to the record business. Every step of the process was completed within the walls of King Records' self-contained facility. Stories and music from the 1950's and 1960's highlight Nathan's genius. Featured are an interview with Waddell Falland, who played with James Brown as a member of the Famous Flames, and actualities of Syd Nathan addresing his staff in the early 1950's. Music by Little Willie John, Wynonie Harris, Bobby and the Expressions, Rusty York, Lonnie Mack and others. Part 4 - Syd Nathan was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. This final program in the King Records series focuses on the label's legacy with a look at its artists' influences on musicians such as Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan, as well efforts underway to recognize King for its contributions to the country's musical heritage. Music includes songs from Freddie King, Albert King, The Dominoes, James Brown and Bootsy Collins.