Zero to 180 – Three Minute Magic
Browsing DeLuxe releases in chronological order in Discog’s database, Lord Thunder‘s “Thunder” from 1975 appears to be the last gasp of Starday-King: “Thunder” Lord Thunder (1975) But wait: 1975 sounds much too late in the post-Syd Nathan saga for a new production to come out of the Starday-King studios, especially
– This piece updated with new content in 2024 – LINK to companion piece – Bobby’s Smith King Productions 1963-1965 Bobby Smith, we now know, had been commissioned by Syd Nathan to build a recording studio in Macon, Georgia, the adopted hometown of King Records’ biggest star, James Brown. Thomas Goodwin
Soul singer Mickey Murray recorded only two full-length albums over the course of his career — one for SSS International, 1967’s Shout Bamalama & Super Soul Songs (the label’s first hit for Shelby Singleton), and the other, entitled People are Together, for King subsidiary Federal Records in 1970. People Are Together
Philip Paul‘s stellar stick work really drives this “killer” instrumental version of “Fever” that features organ (Milt Buckner), bass (Bill Willis), and vibes (Gene Redd) — recorded at Cincinnati’s King Studios on March 5, 1963: “Fever” Milt Buckner (1963) Organ: Milt Buckner Drums: Philip Paul Bass: Bill Willis Vibes: Gene
King Records Month 2018 — Extended Through October! After Syd Nathan passed, King Records was sold to Starday Records in 1968, who subsequently sold the combined Starday-King catalog to Nashville’s Lin Broadcasting. The new King owners would revive the Deluxe label in 1969 or so – check out this interesting
Syd Nathan ended up acquiring jazz label, Bethlehem Records, in a series of strategic moves over the course of years — so when exactly can Syd Nathan take credit for shaping the music released on that label? Unfortunately, that’s a question that each person has to answer for him/herself. I
This piece updated in 2019, 2020 & 2025 As you may have already gathered, Zero to 180 has a soft spot for music history related to Silver Spring, Maryland. We now know, for instance, that Track Recorders (with help from its chief engineer, Bill McCullough) was an important recording facility
Rob Chapman – in his review of the 6-CD box set Immediate Singles Collection for the June, 2000 edition of Mojo – takes issue with with the choice of tracks regarding American vocalist, Pat Cole “P.P.” Arnold (who kicked off her solo singing career in mid-60s UK), demanding to know “where is her ecstatic version of [Brian
“Man Came Down From the Mountain” — the B-side to Carolyn Blakey‘s one and only 45 for King Records — captures the mood and feeling of 1970 in ways that words (“hippy soul“) fail to capture. “Man Came Down From the Mountain” Carolyn Blakey (1970) According to Discogs.com contributor 1stVerse:
NOTICE! This is a majorly revamped and updated version of a piece from the summer of 2016 – now with enhanced content – that will be followed in close succession by a suitably elaborate history of Gene Rosenthal and Adelphi Records, although sandwiched in between will be a history spotlight
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