King Records of Cincinnati: A Photographic History of the Legendary Record Label

King Records was an American record label founded in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1943. The label was founded by Syd Nathan, a former music store owner. King Records was one of the most successful independent record labels in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. The label released a wide variety of music, including rhythm and blues, soul, country, and rock and roll. King Records was home to some of the biggest names in music, including James Brown, Hank Ballard, and The Everly Brothers.

The Early Years

Syd Nathan founded King Records in 1943 with a $500 loan from his father. The label's first release was "Boogie Chillen" by John Lee Hooker. The song was a hit and helped to put King Records on the map. In 1945, Nathan signed James Brown to the label. Brown was a young singer who had been performing in local clubs. Brown's first single for King Records, "Please Please Please," was a hit and helped to make Brown a star.

King Records of Cincinnati (Images of America)

by Randy McNutt

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	36449 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	128 pages

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In the late 1940s and early 1950s, King Records released a number of hit songs, including "Rocket 88" by Jackie Brenston, "Work with Me Annie" by Hank Ballard, and "Shake, Rattle and Roll" by Joe Turner. These songs helped to establish King Records as one of the leading independent record labels in the United States.

The Golden Age

The 1950s and 1960s were the golden age for King Records. The label released a string of hit songs, including "Tutti Frutti" by Little Richard, "Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis Presley, and "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King. King Records also released a number of successful albums, including "James Brown Live at the Apollo" by James Brown and "The Everly Brothers: The Fabulous Style of the Everly Brothers" by The Everly Brothers.

During the golden age, King Records was home to some of the biggest names in music. The label's roster included James Brown, Hank Ballard, The Everly Brothers, Little Richard, Elvis Presley, and Ben E. King. These artists helped to make King Records one of the most successful record labels in the United States.

The Decline

The 1970s were a difficult time for King Records. The label's sales declined as new genres of music, such as disco and punk, became popular. In 1974, Syd Nathan sold King Records to Starday Records. Starday Records sold the label to MCA Records in 1979. MCA Records closed King Records in 1982.

Legacy

King Records was a major force in the American music industry for over 40 years. The label released a wide variety of music, including rhythm and blues, soul, country, and rock and roll. King Records was home to some of the biggest names in music, including James Brown, Hank Ballard, The Everly Brothers, Little Richard, Elvis Presley, and Ben E. King.

King Records' legacy is still felt today. The label's music continues to be popular with fans around the world. In 2012, the Grammy Foundation awarded King Records a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Images of America: King Records of Cincinnati

In 2019, Arcadia Publishing released a book titled "Images of America: King Records of Cincinnati." The book is a collection of over 200 photographs that tell the story of King Records. The book includes photographs of the label's artists, its recording studios, and its offices.

"Images of America: King Records of Cincinnati" is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in the history of King Records. The book provides a unique glimpse into the world of one of the most successful independent record labels in the United States.

King Records was a major force in the American music industry for over 40 years. The label released a wide variety of music, including rhythm and blues, soul, country, and rock and roll. King Records was home to some of the biggest names in music, including James Brown, Hank Ballard, The Everly Brothers, Little Richard, Elvis Presley, and Ben E. King.

King Records' legacy is still felt today. The label's music continues to be popular with fans around the world. In 2012, the Grammy Foundation awarded King Records a Lifetime Achievement Award.

King Records of Cincinnati (Images of America)

by Randy McNutt

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	36449 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	128 pages

FREE