Zero to 180 – Three Minute Magic

Discoveries of a Pop Music Archaeologist

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King Records — In a Nutshell

What a revelation to find out that World Radio History‘s website not only allows access to a comprehension collection of music trade publications, including Billboard, Cash Box, and Record World, but also the ability to search all back issues simultaneously! What’s especially helpful is how the search results often show each magazine page rendered in miniature, while the search terms are shown in relation to the other text on the page, thus allowing you to see more readily which articles are actually germane to your search (and not simply “noise”).

This new reckoning of World Radio History’s vast holdings, consequently, impelled me to pull together a comprehensive bibliography of periodical literature that documents King Records during its years of operation – within the context of Cincinnati’s own substantial popular music and media (radio & TV) history – as well as the impact of King’s legacy in the decades following Syd Nathan’s passing in 1968. Utilizing journal and newspaper clippings from my own files, as well as bibliographic references from Steven C. Tracy‘s Going to Cincinnati (1993), Jon Hartley Fox‘s King of the Queen City (2009), and David Bottoms‘ sweeping Stacks of Wax – The Complete Story of the Record Labels of Cincinnati, Ohio (2020), not to mention information gathered on field trips to the Library of Congress’ Recorded Sound Research Center (plus a trial subscription to Newspapers.com, and even gleanings from an early incarnation of this website), I have been able to encapsulate the King story through 75 years or so of news and journal literature.

Just from reading the titles of the articles and summary notes cited below, one can take in the magnitude of the King musical legacy — a remarkable span of commercial success for an independent operation that restlessly sought to exploit areas of the marketplace that were insufficiently served by the major labels. This detailed bibliography of over 1,000 items — many in full text — will be updated over time and is a public service of Zero to 180:

King Records & Cincinnati Music History in the Periodical Literature

Updated: April 4, 2021

1935-1945

“SRO [Standing Room Only] an hour before the show!”

April 23, 1944

  • WLW Promotions ad = “Year After Year – Still Packing ‘em In!” [“Paced by America’s No. 1 Rural Radio Show … Boone County Jamboree … WLW’s personalities continue to establish new box office records wherever they appear”] – Billboard – May 27, 1944
  • WLW’s Boone County Jamboree referenced in “Mountain Music Moves Into Manhattan With Barn Dance” – Billboard – July 22, 1944
  • “Phonograph Records to Be Made Here” – Cincinnati Times Star – Nov. 1, 1944
  • “Company is Formed; To Make Recordings; Located in Evanston” – Cincinnati Enquirer – Nov. 12, 1944
  • “Deals Include Store Units, Parcel for Sears Expansion” – Cincinnati Enquirer – Dec. 13, 1944
  • WLW Promotions ad = Boone County Jamboree – ‘Still Best in the Middle West” – Billboard – 1944 Yearbook

Hank Penny’s Plantation Boys –

Featuring Roy Lanham (2nd from right below)

1946

1947

  • “Sidney“ Nathan – ‘Hillbilly Is Our Business‘ (Coin Machine Industries Convention issue) – Cash Box – Jan. 27, 1947

Cash Box ad –

July 21, 1947

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  • Review = ‘Do You Ever Worry’ by Boots Woodall & Radio Wranglers – Cash Box – Aug. 4, 1947
  • Ad = “King Proudly Presents Cowboy Copas – Exclusive King Artist” – Cash Box – Sep. 1, 1947
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  • ‘Call Me Darling Once Again’ by Grandpa Jones – Bullseye of the Week – Cash Box – Sep. 22, 1947
  • Syd Nathan quoted in article about ‘hillbilly’ music’s growing popularity – “How Ya Gonna Keep ’em Down on the Farm?“– Cash Box – Oct. 27, 1947
  • “King Records Pacts Wynonie Harris” – Cash Box – Dec. 6, 1947
  • ‘Jamboree’ by Cowboy Copas – Bullseye of the Week – Cash Box – Dec. 20, 1947
  • Reviews = ‘SF Blues’ by Ivory Joe Hunter + ‘Gold Mine in the Sky’ by Lord Essex – Cash Box – Dec. 20, 1947
  • “King Records Sign Folk Artist Team” [Curly Fox & Texas Ruby] – Cash Box – Dec. 27, 1947
  • King ad = ‘sepia’ & ‘hillbilly’ – Cash Box – Dec. 27, 1947
  • ‘Good Rocking Tonight’ by Roy Brown = #2 in New Orleans – Cash Box – Dec. 27, 1947
  • ‘I Love You Yes I Do’ by Bull Moose Jackson = #1 in Harlem – Cash Box – Dec. 27, 1947
  • ‘Signed Sealed Delivered’ by Cowboy Copas – #1 hillbilly folk & western juke box tune – Cash Box – Dec. 27, 1947

Jukebox operators:

Key vinyl market

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1948

Billboard ad – Feb. 28, 1948

Radio Artists Records – affiliated with E.T. Herzog Studios

  • ‘All My Love Belongs to You’ by Bull Moose Jackson – #1 in Harlem – Cash Box – Apr. 10, 1948
  • Front-page story about Harry Carlson of Fraternity Records – Cincinnati Times-Star – Apr. 10, 1948
  • News = WCKY’s Nelson King cuts ‘Deck of Cards’ for King – strong early sales – Billboard – Apr. 17, 1948
  • ‘Good Rocking Tonight’ by Wynonie Harris – #1 in New Orleans – Cash Box – May 8, 1948
  • “King Records Pact Folk Singer Jimmie Osborne” – Cash Box – June 12, 1948
  • “King’s Solid Disk Sales” – Cincinnati label establishing itself as both hillbilly and “race diskery” – Billboard – June 19, 1948
  • ‘Tennessee Moon’ by Cowboy Copas – Bullseye of the Week – Cash Box – July 3, 1948
  • ‘Tomorrow Night’ by Lonnie Johnson – #1 in Harlem – Cash Box – July 17, 1948
  • “King Offers [Jukebox] Operators 5% Return – Only Given Dealers in Past” – Billboard – Jul. 17, 1948
  • ‘King Records Gives Music Ops 5% Return Privilege + Buys Ravens & Gant Masters [Also – “Petrillo Rejects Peace Plan”] – Cash Box – July 24, 1948
  • ‘Sweeter Than the Flowers’ by Moon Mullican – #3 folk-hillbilly jukebox hit – Cash Box – Aug. 7, 1948
  • ‘Can’t Go On Without You’ by Bull Moose Jackson – #1 in Harlem – Cash Box – Aug. 14, 1948
  • “[Cowboy Copas] Inks Pact with King, WSM” – Billboard – Aug. 21, 1948

Syd Nathan, Cowboy Copas & WSM’s Harry Stone backstage at the Opry

“80-year-old hunk of hemp”

Billboard ad –

Nov. 27, 1948

Four of the Top 10 R&B Crescent City jukebox hits for Apr. 24, 1948:

King Records

1949

  • Editorial:  “The Record Business – No Place for Prejudice” – Record Retailing – May 1949
  • Full-page King-DeLuxe ‘hillbilly’ & ‘sepia’ ad – Record Retailing – May 1949
  • “Country Music Enjoys Greatest Popularity” – Paul Cohen, Decca Records – Record Retailing – May 1949
  • “New Look for 3 R’s:  Record Retailing by Radio” — Nelson King of Cinti’s WCKY – Record Retailing – May 1949
  • “[King] Disk Fund to Kid Hospital” [‘Death of Kathy Fiscus’ by Jimmie Osbourne] – Billboard – May 21, 1949
  • ‘Over the Hill’ by Clyde Moody – Bullseye of the Week – Cash Box – May 21, 1949
  • Review = “Jean” b/w “Get Lost” by The Jubalaires – Billboard – May 28, 1949
  • “King Records Pact Harry Prime & Lucas Ork” – Cash Box – May 28, 1949
  • “Crosley Radio-TV Sales Up” – Record Retailing – June 1949
  • “King Hits New High [800,000 monthly sales]” – Record Retailing – June 1949
  • “King Signs Johnny Long & Vincent Lopez” – Record Retailing – June 1949
  • ‘Wrong to Love You Like I Do’ by Cowboy Copas – Bullseye of the Week – Cash Box – June 4, 1949
  • “King Records Hypo Folk Festival in [Blackstone] VA” – Cash Box – June 18, 1949
  • ‘Little Girl Don’t Cry’ by Bull Moose Jackson #1 in LA + ‘Waiting in Vain’ by Ivory Joe #2 in Chicago – Cash Box – June 25, 1949
  • ‘Little Girl Don’t Cry’ by Bull Moose Jackson #1 in LA + ‘Waiting in Vain’ by Ivory Joe #2 in New Orleans – Cash Box – July 2, 1949
  • ‘The Longer We’re Together’ by Hawkshaw Hawkins – Bullseye of the Week + Paul Howard & Ark Cotton Pickers – Cash Box – July 9, 1949
  • ‘Little Girl Don’t Cry’ by Bull Moose Jackson – #1 on Chicago’s South Side – Cash Box – July 16, 1949
  • “Crosley Announces Portable TV” – Record Retailing –August 1949
  • “DeLuxe & Day [Miltone, Sacred & Foto labels] Master Exchange” – Record Retailing –August 1949
  • Review = ‘Blues Stay Away From Me’ by Delmore Brothers – Cash Box – Aug. 13, 1949
  • Review = “This Day Is Mine” b/w “St. Louis Lou” by The Jubalaires – Billboard – Aug. 13, 1949
  • ‘Package Tied in Blue’ by Johnny Rion – Bullseye of the Week + Texas Ruby & Curly Fox + Cope Brothers 78s – Cash Box – Aug. 27, 1949
  • “King and DeLuxe Split Confirmed by Syd Nathan” – Billboard – Sep. 3, 1949
  • ‘Why Don’t You Haul Off and Love Me’ by Wayne Raney – #2 folk-hillbilly hit – Cash Box – Oct. 8, 1949
  • ‘Love Sick Blues’ by Hank Williams (#1) + ‘Haul Off’ by Wayne Raney (#2) – Cash Box – Oct. 15, 1949
  • “Henry Stone Opens New Distribution Firm [in Miami]” – Cash Box – Oct. 22, 1949
  • ‘My Bucket’s Got a Hole In It’ by Hank Williams – Bullseye of the Week – Cash Box – Nov. 12, 1949
  • ‘Guess Who’ by Ivory Joe Hunter – #1 in New Orleans  – Cash Box – Nov. 12, 1949
  • ‘Love Sick Blues’ by Hank Williams (#1) + ‘Haul Off’ by Wayne Raney (#2) – Cash Box – Nov. 12, 1949
  • News = WCKY’s Nelson King (top national DJ) named A&R advisor-producer for King – Billboard – Nov. 19, 1949
  • Full-page ad = ‘Midwestern Hayride’ & ‘WLW on Parade’ – What Listeners Want at 1950 Fairs [photos of Kenny Roberts, Ann Ryan, Pleasant Valley Boys, Bob Shreve & Louis Innis, et al]– Billboard – Nov. 26, 1949
  • ‘Love Sick Blues’ – 1949’s Hillbilly Record of the Year = Jukebox Operators of America Poll Winners – Cash Box – Dec. 3, 1949
  • ‘Why Don’t You Haul Off and Love Me’ by Wayne Raney (#2) + ‘Blues Stay Away’ by Delmore Bros (#3) hillbilly-folk jukebox hits – Cash Box – Dec. 10, 1949
  • Reviews = Johnny Rion (King) + Rex Allen with Jerry Byrd & the String Dusters recorded at Herzog Studios (Mercury) – Cash Box – Dec. 17, 1949

All three Hank Williams songs (below) –

Recorded at E.T. Herzog Studios — Cincinnati

  • Ad = ‘Thanks from Hank’ – ‘Love Sick Blues‘ 1949’s #1 hillbilly record – Cash Box – Dec. 24, 1949
  • “Nathan-Braun DeLuxe Fuss Erupts in Court Litigation” – Billboard – Dec. 31, 1949
  • ‘Why Don’t You Haul Off and Love Me’ by Wayne Raney + ‘Blues Stay Away’ by Delmore Bros + ‘My Bucket’s Got a Hole In It’ by Hank Williams = Top 5 folk-hillbilly hits – Cash Box – Dec. 31, 1949

1950

  • “The Man Who Is King [Syd Nathan]” – Saga – January, 1950

[Note:  According to Jon Hartley Fox, this article (above) presents information on Syd Nathan “that formed a basis for subsequent discussions of him in print”]

  • ‘Blues Stay Away From Me’ by Delmore Bros – (still) #3 folk-hillbilly jukebox hit – Cash Box – Jan. 7, 1950
  • “Paul Cohen Named Sales Manager Decca’s Country-Sepia Department” – Cash Box – Jan. 7, 1950
  • ‘Blues Stay Away From Me’ by Delmore Bros – #2 folk-hillbilly jukebox hit – Cash Box – Jan. 14, 1950
  • ‘I Love You Because’ by Clyde Moody – Bullseye of the Week – Cash Box – Jan. 14, 1950
  • ‘Blues Stay Away From Me’ by Delmore Bros – #2 folk-hillbilly jukebox hit – Cash Box – Jan. 28, 1950
  • ‘I Love My Baby’s Pudding’ by Wynonie Harris – Award o’ the Week – Cash Box – Feb. 18, 1950
  • “King Now Operating 33 Factory Owned Branches” – Cash Box – Feb. 18, 1950
  • Ohio Ballroom Operators’ Association forms – Milt Magel, owner of Cincinnati’s Castle Farm & Louisville’s Club Madrid, elected president – Billboard – Feb. 25, 1950
  • “King Expanding Firm Branches” – 33 branches now in operation – Billboard – Feb. 25, 1950
  • “King Records Spikes Rumors on Chi(cago) Branch Closing” – Cash Box – Feb. 25 1950
  • “King Records Spike False Rumors About Closing Branches” – Record Retailing – March 1950
  • Syd Nathan quoted in “Record Industry Hails Music Operators of America Meet as Smash Success” – Cash Box – Mar. 15, 1950
  • ‘A Fool in Love’ by Bull Moose Jackson – Award o’ the Week – Cash Box – Mar. 25, 1950
  • “King Set For Big Promotion in Pop Field” – Cash Box – Apr. 8, 1950
  • “King Revamps; Back in Pops” – Billboard – Apr. 8, 1950
  • “King Adds Shorty Long, Mabel Scott & Wild Bill Moore to Roster” – Cash Box – Apr. 15, 1950
  • Syd Nathan on the run = LA sessions with Hank Penny; Moon Mullican sessions in Odessa, TX; Paul Howard session in Shreveport & Grandpa Jones-York Brothers sessions in Cincinnati – Cash Box – Apr. 22, 1950
  • “King Confusion [Joe Thomas vs. Joe Thomas]” – Record Retailing – May 1950
  • ‘Say You Were Wrong’ by Clyde Moody – Bullseye of the Week + ‘Al Dexter Signs King Wax Pact’ + Zeb Turner 78 – Cash Box – June 3, 1950
  • ‘Southern Hospitality’ by Moon Mullican – Bullseye of the Week + Al Dexter & Hank Penny 78s – Cash Box – June 24, 1950
  • King signs Lucky Millinder to long-term pact – Record Retailing –July 1950
  • ‘Well Oh Well’ by Tiny Bradshaw – #1 on LA’s Central Ave – Cash Box – July 1, 1950
  • ‘Good Morning Judge’ by Wynonie Harris – Award o’ the Week – Cash Box – July 1, 1950
  • ‘Hard Luck Blues’ by Roy Brown – #1 in LA – Cash Box – July 8, 1950

Cash Box

July 15, 1950

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  • Ad = “King Goes Direct to Writers for New Songs” – Billboard – July 22, 1950
  • Reviews = Zeb Turner & Redd Stewart (King) + Red Kirk with Jerry Byrd & String Dusters @ Herzog Studios (Mercury) – Cash Box – July 29, 1950
  • “King Told to Pull Moon Mullican Disk” – Billboard – July 29, 1950
  • ‘Well Oh Well’ by Tiny Bradshaw – #1 in LA – Cash Box – Aug. 5, 1950
  • ‘I’ll Sail My Ship Alone’ by Moon Mullican – #2 folk-hillbilly hit – Cash Box – Aug. 12, 1950
  • Review = ‘Hi De Ho Boogie’ by Al Dexter – Cash Box – Aug. 19, 1950
  • ‘Well Oh Well’ by Tiny Bradshaw (#1) & ‘Hard Luck Blues by Roy Brown (#2) in Detroit – Cash Box – Aug. 19, 1950
  • ‘I’ll Sail My Ship Alone’ by Moon Mullican – #2 folk-hillbilly hit – Cash Box – Sep.  9, 1950
  • ‘Rock Mr Blues’ by Wynonie Harris – Award o’ the Week – Cash Box – Sep.  9, 1950
  • ‘Want to Love You Baby’ by Wynonie Harris – Award o’ the Week – Cash Box – Oct.  14, 1950
  • “Roselawn School Opening Marred by Lawn Damage Caused by Castle Farm Patrons” – Cincinnati Enquirer – Oct. 23, 1950

Castle Farm

(image courtesy of Kenton County KY Libraries)

  • “King Signs Margaret Phelan” – King’s first ‘name’ signing – Cash Box – Nov. 4, 1950
  • “King Sets New Tag – Federal” + “King Buys Miracle Masters”– Billboard – Nov. 4, 1950
  • “King Sets New Label – Federal” – Cash Box – Nov. 18, 1950
  • ‘Breaking Up the House’ by Tiny Bradshaw – Award o’ the Week – Cash Box – Dec. 2, 1950
  • ‘Teardrops From My Eyes’ by Hawkshaw Hawkins – Bullseye of the Week + Bob Newman, Moon Mullican & Al Dexter 78s – Cash Box – Dec. 9, 1950
  • Ad introducing King’s new Federal label, under the leadership of Ralph Bass – Cash Box – Dec. 16, 1950
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  • “Federal Releases 1st Record” – Ralph Bass with Billy Ward & Dominoes – Cash Box – Dec. 16, 1950 [BLOOPER = incorrect photo]
  • “Federal Releases 1st Record” – Ralph Bass with Billy Ward & Dominoes – Cash Box – Dec. 23, 1950

1951

“first regular telecast to be beamed out of Cincinnati to a national network“

NOTE = WLW’s Midwestern Hayride drew Jerry Byrd & The Pleasant Valley Boys to Cincinnati in late 1948 thanks to lucrative pay, including side session work — Zero to 180’s detailed history of the “Pre-Nashville A Team” at Cincinnati’s Herzog Studios reveals the Queen City to be one of country music’s earliest recording centers.

A whopping four King and two Federal releases reviewed in the April 19, 1952 edition

1952

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Happy 10th Anniversary, Cash Box from King Records –

June 28, 1952

  • ‘Have Mercy Baby’ by The Dominoes – #1 in Harlem, Chicago’s South Side, New Orleans, Dallas & LA – Cash Box – June 28, 1952
  • Reviews = ‘Grant It Lord’ by Swan’s Silvertone Singers + ‘Lay It on the Line’ by Tiny Bradshaw – Cash Box – July 5, 1952
  • “Musical Platters … Made in Cincinnati” – Cincinnati Enquirer – July 6, 1952 [Sunday Magazine]
  • “King Shuffles A&R Set Up” – Billboard – July 12, 1952
  • News = 1st recording session for Jimmy Witherspoon, signed by Ralph Bass, who also signed Big Jay McNeely – Cash Box – July 12, 1952
  • Reviews = ‘My Ding a Ling’ by Dave Bartholomew (King) + Preston Love & The Four Internes (Federal) – Cash Box – July 12, 1952
  • Reviews = Delmore Bros, Jimmy Thomason & Bob Newman King 78s – Cash Box – July 26, 1952
  • “Unknown Warblers [i.e., Ruby Wright & Dick Noel] Sought in ‘Bible’ of Theatrical Trade Revealed in Cincinnati” – Cincinnati Times-Star – Aug. 20, 1952
  • Reviews = Four Internes (Federal) & Billy Hadnott (Federal) – Cash Box – Sep. 6, 1952
  • “Syd Nathan Off to Europe [for Licensing Deals in Various Countries]” – Cash Box – Sep. 6, 1952
  • “Syd Nathan to Europe for Looksee” – Billboard – Sep. 13, 1952
  • Reviews = Delmore Bros, Brown’s Ferry Four & Howdy Kemp King 78s – Cash Box – Sep. 20, 1952
  • Reviews = Spirit of Memphis Quartet + The Royals + Sarah McLawler + Kitty Mann King 78s – Cash Box – Sep. 20, 1952
  • Reviews = Jimmy Witherspoon (Federal) + Jimmy Rushing & Eddie ‘Cleanhead’ Vinson (King) 78s – Cash Box – Sep. 27, 1952
  • ‘I’d Be Satisfied’ by Billy Ward & Dominoes – Award o’ the Week + ‘Big Jay Shuffle’ by Big Jay McNeely – Cash Box – Oct. 18, 1952
  • “Syd Nathan Acquires Hot Lips Page Masters on European Trip” – Cash Box – Oct. 18, 1952
  • “Syd Parlevouz With Hot Lips” – Billboard – Oct. 18, 1952
  • Reviews = Lula Reed (King), Spirit of Memphis Quartet (King) & Four Internes (Federal) – Cash Box – Nov. 8, 1952
  • Reviews = Delmore Bros, Jimmy Ballard & York Bros King 78s – Cash Box – Nov. 15, 1952
  • “Syd Nathan Finds American Music Creates European Goodwill” – Cash Box – Nov. 15, 1952
  • Reviews = ‘Night’s Curtains’ by The Checkers – Award o’ the Week + Kitty Mann (King) & Little Esther (Federal) – Cash Box – Nov. 22, 1952
  • Review of 3 King 78s – Wayne Raney, Moon Mullican & Jimmie Osborne – Cash Box – Nov. 22, 1952
  • Full-page ad = WLW’s ‘Midwestern Hayride’ – a boost to your 1953 fair’s popularity – Billboard – Nov. 29, 1952
  • ‘Trying’ by Todd Rhodes = #1 in San Francisco – Cash Box – Nov. 29, 1952
  • ‘Love Me Now’ by Cowboy Copas – Bullseye of the Week + Rabon Delmore dies – Cash Box – Dec. 20, 1952

17 years later, Lou Reed would release an album titled after, and inspired by, this song

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  • ‘The Bells‘ by Billy Ward & Dominoes – Award o’ the Week – Cash Box – Dec. 20, 1952
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1953

  • Tiny Bradshaw’s ‘Soft’ – Award o’ the Week + Wynonie Harris, Big Jay McNeely & Lucky Millinder 78s – Cash Box – Jan. 10, 1953
  • ‘Tangled Heart’ by Hawkshaw Hawkins – Bullseye of the Week – Cash Box – Jan. 17, 1953
  • Reviews = Hot Lips Page & Spirit of Memphis Quartet (King) + Ray Charles (Rockin’) + Spiritual Harmonizers (Glory) – Cash Box – Jan. 24, 1953

One of Ray Charles‘ earliest recordings!

King’s Rockin‘ subsidiary label

1954

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Music — the perfect gift

  • News = WLW to replace Pee Wee King’s TV show with Eddie Cantor on films – Cash Box – Dec. 25, 1954

1955

  • King signs Lucky Millinder + Thanks from Midnighters – 1954’s #1 R&B group – Cash Box – Jan. 1, 1955
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CLICK here to learn more about “Henry Glover’s Monumental Legacy“

Billboard ad — Sep. 17, 1955

1956

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  • ‘Fever’ by Little Willie John – #1 R&B hit – Cash Box – June 16, 1956
  • ‘Please Please Please’ by James Brown – breaking in Cleveland – Cash Box – June 16, 1956
  • Syd Nathan – ‘Two biggest consecutive business days in last five years‘ – Cash Box – June 16, 1956
  • ‘Fever’ by Little Willie John – #1 R&B hit – Cash Box – June 23, 1956
  • ‘Please Please Please’ by James Brown – breaking in Atlanta – Cash Box – June 23, 1956
  • ‘Fever‘ by Little Willie John – #1 R&B hit – Cash Box – June 30, 1956
  • ‘Fever’ by Little Willie John – #1 R&B hit – Cash Box – July 14, 1956
  • ‘Fever’ by Little Willie John – #1 R&B hit – Cash Box – July 28, 1956
  • Reviews = Margie Day (DeLuxe) + Rudy Moore (Federal) + 5 Royales (King) – Cash Box – July 28, 1956
  • ‘Thanks from Little Willie John = Most Promising Vocalist’ – Cash Box – July 28, 1956
  • R&B Ramblings = Syd Nathan thrilled that first 20,000 copies of ‘Honky Tonk’ sold out lickety split – Cash Box – July 28, 1956
  • ‘Half Hearted Love’ by Mac Curtis – Bullseye of the Week + ‘Cincinnati Cut-Ups’ column turns two – Cash Box – Aug. 4, 1956
  • ”Fever” vs “Honky Tonk” vs “Flying Saucer“ vs. “Please Please Please“ – Cash Box – Aug. 18, 1956
  • ‘Honky Tonk’ (#2), ‘Flying Saucer’ (#3), ‘Fever’ (#4) R&B hits – Cash Box – Aug. 25, 1956
  • News = MGM artist Jimmie Williams recorded at new Herzog Studios in Rookwood Building – Cash Box – Aug. 25, 1956
  • Ad = ‘Honky Tonk’ vs ‘Fever’ – Cash Box – Sep. 1, 1956
  • ‘Honky Tonk’ by Bill Doggett – #1 R&B two weeks in a row – Cash Box – Sep. 1, 1956
  • ‘Honky Tonk’ by Bill Doggett battling ‘Fever’ by Little Willie John – Cash Box – Sep. 1, 1956
  • Ad = ‘Bigger, Bigger, Bigger – ‘Honky Tonk’ & ‘Fever” – Cash Box – Sep. 8, 1956
  • Ad = ‘Honky Tonk’ by Bill Doggett on the way to #1 in the nation – Cash Box – Sep. 8, 1956
  • ‘Honky Tonk’ by Bill Doggett – #1 R&B hit – Cash Box – Sep. 8, 1956
  • ‘Honky Tonk’ by Bill Doggett – #1 R&B hit – Cash Box – Sep. 15, 1956
  • ‘Whirlwind’ by Otis Williams & Charms – Award o’ the Week – Cash Box – Sep. 15, 1956
  • ‘Honky Tonk’ by Bill Doggett – #1 almost everywhere (a) – Cash Box – Sep. 22, 1956
  • ‘Honky Tonk’ by Bill Doggett – #1 almost everywhere (b) – Cash Box – Sep. 22, 1956
  • ‘Honky Tonk‘ by Bill Doggett – #1 R&B hit– Cash Box – Sep. 22, 1956
  • ‘Honky Tonk’ by Bill Doggett – #1 R&B hit– Cash Box – Sep. 29, 1956
  • ‘Honky Tonk’ by Bill Doggett – #1 R&B hit– Cash Box – Oct. 6, 1956
  • ‘Honky Tonk’ by Bill Doggett – #1 almost everywhere (a) – Cash Box – Oct. 13, 1956
  • ‘Honky Tonk’ by Bill Doggett – #1 almost everywhere (b) – Cash Box – Oct. 13, 1956
  • Otis Williams – R&B Ramblings – Cash Box – Oct. 20, 1956
  • ‘Honky Tonk’ by Bill Doggett – #1 almost everywhere (a) – Cash Box – Oct. 27, 1956
  • ‘Honky Tonk’ by Bill Doggett – #1 almost everywhere (b) – Cash Box – Oct. 27, 1956
  • ‘Honky Tonk’ by Bill Doggett – #1 almost everywhere – Cash Box – Nov. 3, 1956
  • ‘Gypsy Lady’ by Otis Williams & Charms – Award o’ the Week – Cash Box – Nov. 10, 1956
  • News = Country musicians to get axe at WLW along with Midwestern Hayride [pssst – jump ahead to Dec. 15, 1956] – Cash Box – Nov. 17, 1956
  • ‘Honky Tonk’ by Bill Doggett – Top 5 everywhere – Cash Box – Nov. 17, 1956
  • Cover photo = Bill Doggett, Clifford Scott, Billy Butler, Shep Shepherd & Syd Nathan – Cash Box – Nov. 24, 1956

Doggett’s follow-up single “Slow Walk”: #1 in Detroit (p. 35)

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1957

  • ‘Pardon Me’ by Otis Williams & Charms – Award o’ the Week – Cash Box – Jan. 5, 1957

Billboard ad –

Jan. 12, 1957

  • Otis Williams (et al) ‘strong King releases this week’ – R&B Ramblings – Cash Box – Feb. 23, 1957
  • ‘Walkin’ After Midnight’ by Otis Williams & Charms – Award o’ the Week – Cash Box – Mar. 2, 1957
  • News = WLW’s Ruth Lyons profiled by Sat Evening Post as ‘one of the most successful TV personalities’ – Cash Box – Mar. 30, 1957
  • ‘Chloe’ by Bill Doggett – Award o’ the Week – Cash Box – Apr. 13, 1957
  • ‘Hurts To Be in Love’ by Annie Laurie – #1 in Detroit – Cash Box – Apr. 13, 1957
  • “WLW to Start Local Color” = Crosley Broadcasting Corporation “will begin local colorcasting at WLW-T in June”
  • “All That Rockin’ and Not Much ‘Kingly’ Music” by Dick Schaefer – Cincinnati Enquirer – May 19, 1957
  • NY News = Syd Nathan back after having a stroke – Cash Box – May 25, 1957
  • ‘Ding Dong’ by Bill Doggett – Award o’ the Week – Cash Box – June 1, 1957
  • Reviews = ‘Ding Dong’ by Bill Doggett – Award o’ the Week + ‘Think’ by 5 Royales + Don Gardner (DeLuxe) + The Gum Drops (King) + Kenny & Moe (DeLuxe) – Cash Box – June 1, 1957
  • Review = Washboard Bill single (King) – Cash Box – June 29, 1957
  • ‘United’ by Otis Williams & Charms – Award o’ the Week – Cash Box – July 6, 1957
  • “Carl Lebow Named General Manager of Bethlehem” – Cash Box – July 20, 1957
  • “Midwestern Hayride (Hosted by Paul Dixon) Goes Network” – ABC – Cash Box – July 20, 1957
  • “King Boosts Prices of 78s” – Billboard – Aug. 5, 1957
  • Reviews = ‘Hammer Head’ by Bill Doggett – Award o’ the Week + ‘Rolling Home’ by Otis Williams (DeLuxe) + Ike Turner and Billy Ward & the Dominoes (Federal) – Cash Box – Aug. 10, 1957
  • R&B Ramblings = 5 Royales, Tiny Topsy & Ralph Bass – Cash Box – Sep. 21, 1957
  • ‘Think’ by 5 Royales – Top 10 R&B hit – Cash Box – Oct. 5, 1957

Billboard ad-

Oct. 28, 1957

1958

Bill Doggett & Little Willie John

Cash Box –

Feb. 8, 1958

1959

  • “Beverly Ann Gibson on King Records” – Montgomery Ala Tribune – July 24, 1959
  • “King Gets (Cozy) Cole” – Cash Box – July 25, 1959
  • Review = Bob Newman’s classic truck-driving doubleheader – Cash Box – July 25, 1959
  • “King Disks Triples Its Custom Jobs” – Billboard – Aug. 24, 1959
  • ‘Cute Little Ways’ by Hank Ballard & Midnighters – Award o’ the Week – Cash Box – Aug. 29, 1959
  • ‘Dark Eyes’ by Earl Bostic – Award o’ the Week – Cash Box – Sep. 19, 1959
  • Cincinnati News = Seymour “Steinbeigle” [future Sire Records co-founder] “youthful New York platter expert” was “house guest last week of Syd Nathan” – Billboard – Sep. 21, 1959
  • ‘Ain’t No Rocking No More’ by Roy Brown – Award o’ the Week – Cash Box – Sep. 26, 1959
  • “Syd Nathan Signs [Rudy] West” – Cash Box – Oct. 3, 1959
  • “[Henry Glover] Joins [Hy] Weiss” = formed new label, Glover Records – Cash Box – Oct. 10, 1959
  • “[Otis] Blackwell Joins Glover” = Glover Records disk pact – Cash Box – Oct. 17, 1959
  • ‘My Sugar, Sugar’ by 5 Royales – Award o’ the Week – Cash Box – Oct. 24, 1959
  • ‘Once in a While’ by Earl Bostic – a Best Bet + ‘Zeen Beat’ by Gene Redd – Cash Box – Oct. 24, 1959
  • ‘Never Knew’ by Hank Ballard & Midnighters – Award o’ the Week – Cash Box – Nov. 7, 1959
  • “Recording Firm Admits Payoffs” – UPI – Nov. 20, 1959
  • “DJ Payoffs Revealed” – Cincinnati Times-Star – Nov. 20, 1959
  • “Cincinnati Firm Called In on Disc Jockey Payments” – Cincinnati Enquirer – Nov. 21, 1959
  • “Gave Disk Jockeys Checks” – UPI – Nov. 21, 1959
  • ‘Uh Oh’ by The Nutty Squirrels – R&B Sure Shot – Cash Box – Nov. 21, 1959
  • Syd Nathan quoted in “Ready to Make Like Canaries” – Billboard – Nov. 23, 1959
  • Dallas News = King artist Trini Lopez – Cash Box – Nov. 28, 1959
  • ‘Look at Little Sister’ by Hank Ballard & Midnighters – Award o’ the Week – Cash Box – Dec. 5, 1959
  • “Gagging Up ‘The Taste’” – Syd Nathan sends Christmas card of a piano-playing Santa bearing the message ‘Play-ola Greetings’ – Billboard – Dec. 28, 1959

1960

  • News = Starday’s Don Pierce in Cincinnati to confer with King’s Syd Nathan over shared commercial venture – Billboard – Jan. 11, 1960

Billboard editorial on ‘The R&B Scene‘ –

same issue

  • “King Launches Summer Pitch” – Billboard – July 11, 1960
  • “King A&R Men, Branch Managers [4-Day] Confab” = Syd Nathan, Hal Neely, Billy Myles, Sonny Thompson, Andy Gibson, Gene Redd, Jack Pearl, Jim Wilson, Jim Namey & Richard Kline – Billboard – July 18, 1960
  • “King Summer Special – 1 free LP for 4 ordered” + 12 LP presses – Cash Box – July 16, 1960
  • Review = ‘Finger Poppin’ Time’ by Stanley Brothers – Cash Box – July 30, 1960
  • ‘This Old Heart’ by James Brown – a Pick of the Week – Cash Box – Aug. 13, 1960
  • “King Reissues Hank Ballard ‘Twist’” – Cash Box – Aug. 13, 1960
  • “King Debuts New LP Line” – Billboard – Aug. 15, 1960
  • “King Announces New International Series” – Cash Box – Aug. 20, 1960
  • ‘Let’s Go Let’s Go Let’s Go’ by Hank Ballard & Midnighters – a Pick of the Week – Cash Box – Sep. 17, 1960
  • Cover photo = Hank Ballard & Syd Nathan – Cash Box – Sep. 24, 1960

“Finger Poppin’ Time” –

Juke Box Top Ten (p. 30)

  • “Coltrane on Coltrane” – Earl Bostic cited as an early influence – Downbeat – Sep. 29, 1960
  • “Henry Glover to Roulette’s A&R Staff” – Cash Box – Oct. 1, 1960
  • Reviews = Five Keys (King) + El Pauling & the Royalton (Federal) – Cash Box – Oct. 8, 1960
  • “Local Firm Bows to FTC on Payola” – Cincinnati Post – Oct. 18, 1960
  • Review = ‘Crying Tears’ by Smokey Smothers – Cash Box – Nov. 5, 1960
  • “Unknown Fan Attacks Little Willie John” – Pittsburgh Courier – Nov. 12, 1960
  • “Buy Big in December, Urges Nathan” – Billboard – Nov. 14, 1960
  • Reviews = ‘Then You Know’ by Trini Lopez + ‘Bowling USA’ by The Blue Flames – Cash Box – Nov. 26, 1960
  • “Roulette Answers [‘You Talk Too Much’] Hit” – produced by Henry Glover – Cash Box – Nov. 26, 1960
  • News = Syd Nathan’s draws 150 at annual Christmas party hosted at his home – Billboard – Dec. 26, 1960
  • Review = ‘Now Baby Don’t Do It’ by El Pauling & the Royalton – Cash Box – Dec. 31, 1960

1961

  • “Roulette Reactivates Gee – Henry Glover Heads A&R” – Cash Box – Apr. 22, 1961
  • ‘Spring Fever’ by Little Willie John – a Best Bet + ‘Brother in Law’ by Paul Peek (Fairlane) – Cash Box – May 6, 1961
  • News – Chuck Seitz named King studio engineer – Billboard – May 22, 1961

Billboard ad — May 22, 1961

  • Reviews = Otis Williams (‘Just Forget About Me’) & Five Keys 45s (‘Stop Your Crying’) – Cash Box – May 27, 1961
  • “King Offers Buy-1-Get-1 Plan” – Cash Box – June 3, 1961
  • “New King Plan, Post for Increased Promo” – Cash Box – June 3, 1961
  • “King Extends Deals” – Cash Box – July 8, 1961
  • “King Records Sets Guaranteed Singles-LPs Exchange Policy” – Billboard – July 10, 1961
  • Roulette’s Henry Glover writes ‘The Mule’ in answer to ‘The Pony’ – Cash Box – July 22, 1961
  • ‘You’re the Reason’ by Joe South (Fairlane) – a Best Bet – Cash Box – July 22, 1961
  • ‘San-Ho-Zay’ by Freddy King – a Pick of the Week – Cash Box – July 29, 1961
  • Mickey & Sylvia 45 on new King-distributed Willow label – Cash Box – Aug. 5, 1961
  • ‘The Secret’ by Otis Williams – a Pick of the Week – Cash Box – Oct. 7, 1961
  • “King Inks Rep Deal with England’s Ember” – Cash Box – Oct. 21, 1961

  • ‘Masquerade’ by Joe South (Fairlane) – a Best Bet ” – Cash Box – Oct. 28, 1961
  • ‘Darling (I Miss You So)’ – B side of Mickey & Sylvia ‘Best Bet’ Willow 45 – Cash Box – Nov. 4, 1961
  • Ray Pennington & Sonny Thompson – 2 of 35 songwriters given BMI award– Cash Box – Nov. 4, 1961
  • Hank Ballard’s ‘Let’s Go Again’ LP – a Pop Pick – Cash Box – Dec. 16, 1961

1962

  • Joey Dee soundtrack scored by Henry Glover – Cash Box – Jan. 6, 1962
  • ‘Fever (with Strings)’ by Little Willie John & ‘Dark Glasses’ by Billy Joe Royal (Fairlane) – Best Bets – Cash Box – Jan. 20, 1962
  • Syd Nathan & Henry Glover @ 10th Annual BMI Award Dinner– Cash Box – Feb. 3, 1962

  • “Hawkins Back on King in Country Build-Up” – Cash Box – Sep. 29, 1962
  • “Beltone Sues King for $3,000,000” – Cash Box – Oct. 6, 1962
  • “King Announces Fall Sound Festival” – discounts – Cash Box – Oct. 6, 1962
  • “King Cuts Prices 15% for October” – Billboard – Oct. 6, 1962
  • “King offering 12.5% discount on King, Bethlehem & Audio Lab” – Cash Box – Nov. 3, 1962
  • “King Expands Premium, Promotion Disk Biz with Bob Weems at Helm” – Billboard – Nov. 24, 1962
  • “Franny Jenson Scores a Coup” = Milwaukee youngster to record ‘Don’t Wait Till the Night Before Christmas’ on Bob Kames’ recommendation – Billboard – Nov. 24, 1962

1963

Virtually all of Lonnie Mack’s 1960s recordings were made at King Studios

1964

Although it has been pretty hush-hush up to now there have been talks between responsible parties representing King Records and Columbia Records, with the possible purchase of King by Columbia. So far the talks are merely that, but there is a possibility that they could lead somewhere. If they do, insiders say, King would sell its record catalog and publishing firms, but retain its pressing plant and studios in Cincinnati.

  • Morris Levy buys Doris Gee Music, previously jointly owned by Levy & Henry Glover – Cash Box – Aug. 22, 1964
  • “The James Brown Case” [King vs. Mercury lawsuit] from Bob Rolontz’s ‘Man About Music’ column – Music Business – Aug. 22, 1964
  • Front-page ad = ‘Out of Sight’ by James Brown – Billboard – Sep. 5, 1964
  • “Country Goes Color on Crosley TV Net” = new ‘Jamboree’ weekday show – Billboard – Sep. 5, 1964
  • ‘I Found a Love – Oh What a Love’ by Jo Ann (Campbell) and Troy (Seals) – a Best Bet – Cash Box – Oct. 24, 1964
  • “King Wins [James] Brown Suit” – Billboard – Oct. 24, 1964
  • “[Hal] Neely Joins Starday” – Music Business – Oct. 24, 1964
  • ”Hal Neely Joins Starday” – Record World – Oct. 24, 1964
  • “Hal Neely Named Gen. Mgr. of Starday” – Cash Box – Oct. 24, 1964
  • “Neely Goes to Starday” – Billboard – Oct. 31, 1964
  • “Music City Recorders – Ray Pennington” – Nashville Tennessean – Nov. 1, 1964
  • “Pamper [Music] Sets R&B Dept” = Ray Pennington to head new division [PHOTO] – Record World – Nov. 7, 1964
  • “King Sellling LPs, 45s Under Consignment Deal” – Cash Box – Nov. 21, 1964
  • “Consignment Policy at King” – Record World – Nov. 28, 1964
  • James Brown – Artist of the Year – R&B Awards – Music Business – Dec. 19, 1964

Recordings, publishing + King plant for a reported $1,250,000

1965

1966

“I Got You” by James Brown — #3 Billboard pop hit (1/1/66)

Record World

January 29, 1966

Syd Nathan & Criteria Studio’s Mark Emerman

“It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World“

#1 on the ‘Radio Active Chart’ (p. 10)

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WLW‘s ‘Midwestern Hayride‘

Billboard ‘s “World of Country Music” –

Oct. 29, 1966

Baldwin advertisement

c. 1966

1967

*

  • ‘If You Love Me’ by Marva Whitney – a ‘Newcomer Pick’ – Cash Box – Sep. 23, 1967
  • ‘Funky Soul #1’ by Bobby Byrd & The Dapps – one of ‘Best Bets’ – Cash Box – Sep. 30, 1967
  • Chuck Seitz referenced in “The Unsung Heroes” – Billboard – Oct. 28, 1967 [special ‘World of Country Music’ issue]
  • ‘I’ll Work It Out’ by James Crawford – a Best Bet – Cash Box – Nov. 4, 1967
  • “Bob Shreve – Cincinnati’s Most Entertaining Bartender” – Cincinnati Enquirer – Nov. 7, 1967
  • Review – ‘She Cried Just a Minute’ by Charles Spurling – Cash Box – Dec. 2, 1967
  • ‘Cold Sweat’ by James Brown – #6 R&B hit of 1967 – Cash Box – Dec. 23, 1967

1968

EXCERPT –

The Ivorian radio and television system sponsors an annual gala, under the director of minister of information, M. Mathieu Ekra, in order to collect funds to finance the various national charities. A recent government Gallup revealed that James Brown was the most popular artist in the Ivory Coast. The Ivory Coast Consulate in New York City contacted Jack Bart, President of Universal Attractions, and negotiated for the appearance of Brown for the gala. The Ivorian government and its radio and television system will be paying for the costs of bringing the show to the country. The reported price for the one-nighter is $70,000, perhaps the highest figure for a one-nighter to date. This will be Brown’s first appearance in Africa.

EXCERPT –

James Brown, mainstay of the King roster, is aiding the firm’s executives in all areas, including production and promotion, and a suite of offices to house James Brown Productions has been set up on the King premises in Cincinnati, staffed by Bud Hobgood. Brown will continue his a&r production function in channeling sides into King through his James Brown Productions firm which now produces Bobby Byrd, Vicki Anderson, Marva Whitney, and the Dapps.

[Newly-appointed VP and manager of sales, manufacturing, and general activities, Johnnie] Miller has been with King for 21 years, serving in various executive capacities, and since 1964 he was the firm’s manager, reporting directly to Nathan. Miller is now looking for personnel to staff a&r activities and other general management functions.

King recently completed the building of a studio with 8-track facilities, a new 40-mike console, mix down room, and a mastering technique setup that includes a new compatible system developed by the firm’s engineers, Ron Lenhoff and Dave Harrison. King’s pressing plant now has 50 presses operating from a dry-blend system. Miller said that they are now renovating the pressing plant under a $600,000 program. King’s printing plant, which as full color presses, is capable of turning out more than 500,000 fronts a day. The jacket fabrication plant has a daily capacity of more than 25,000 jackets. The King operation also includes its own art and photo lab, plating and mill rooms.

SUMMARY –

According to Billboard, K&S (a division of K&S Films) recently opened at 10490 Taconic Terrace as an 8-track facility that encompasses 3,000 square feet of floor space and offers complete recording services, “including masters, plating, pressing and customer design jackets.”

CLICK here to read “Funk Under Fire” – an overview of James Brown’s visit to Vietnam

King Custom Record Service

Billboard‘s International Buyer’s Guide

August 31, 1968

  • ‘I’m Tired I’m Tired I’m Tired’ by Marva Whitney – a ‘Best Bet’ – Cash Box – Oct. 12, 1968
  • “Starday Buys King Records” – Nashville Tennessean – Oct. 19, 1968
  • ‘Say It Loud – I’m Black And I’m Proud’ by James Brown & His Famous Flames = #1 R&B hit – Billboard – Oct. 19, 1968

‘Say It Loud’ — #9 on Record World‘s Top Pop 100 Chart

LINK to The Dapps at King Records

  • Bio of James Brown & other ‘leading artists of 1968‘ – Cash Box – Dec. 28, 1968

Cash Box

Dec. 28, 1968

1969

Billboard

Feb. 1, 1969

*

Record World

Mar. 9, 1969

The Sacred Mushroom

Featuring Larry & Danny Goshorn

Billboard

May 10, 1969

James Brown flanked by Burt Bacharach & Hal David

Billboard

June 14, 1969

Lonnie Mack

Cash Box

Oct. 11, 1969

Billboard full-page ad –

Oct. 18, 1969

Starday-King sales executive, Tina Drake

with Hal Neely & Jim Wilson

Cincinnati’s Ludlow Garage

Promotional ad for The Kinks’ Arthur Tour

Billboard‘s Nov 1. 1969 issue

  • ‘Ain’t It Funky Now’ by James Brown – a Pick of the Week – Cash Box – Nov. 8, 1969
  • Starday-King flies 30 guests for Wayne Cochran @ Flamingo, Las Vegas – Cash Box – Nov. 8, 1969

1970

Starday-King Artist Roster

Billboard

Apr. 25, 1970

Second life for Ludlow Garage

LINK to Birth of The JB’s at King Records

  • PHOTO = Arthur Prysock & Hal Neely – Nashville Tennessean – Sep. 8, 1970
  • “Midnight Show @ Playhouse in Park with the Midnighters” – Cincinnati Enquirer – Sep. 10, 1970
  • “1970:  A Key Year of Growth” by Hal Neely – Record World – Oct. 17, 1970

1971

  • “Tony & Carol Bow on King” – Record World – Feb. 6, 1971
  • “Carlson’s Fraternity” by Tom McElfresh – Cincinnati Enquirer – Feb. 7, 1971
  • “Bob Patton of James Brown Organization joins Starday-King” – Cash Box – Feb. 20, 1971
  • Music Hall concert salute to Harry Carlson of Fraternity” + Henry Glover flies tapes of Tony & Carol’s debut single to Cincinnati – Cash Box – Feb. 20, 1971

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1972

  • “King of the Blues Pt. 2” by Steve Tracy – Blues Unlimited – January 1972
  • Hodges, James Smith & Crawford 45 (Mpingo) – a Hit of the Week – Record World – Jan. 1, 1972
  • Leiber, Stoller, Bienstock buy material for their Hudson Bay song catalog – Cash Box – Jan. 22, 1972
  • “International Copyright to Hudson Bay” – Billboard – Jan. 22, 1972
  • News = “acceptance is at hand” for new Starday-King distributed label, Mpingo – Billboard – Jan. 22, 1972
  • “James Brown Moves Hdqtrs to Augusta GA Home Town” – Cash Box – Jan. 29, 1972
  • “King of the Blues Pt. 3” by Steve Tracy – Blues Unlimited – Feb- Mar 1972
  • Ad = King equipment for sale (pressing, printing, etc) – Billboard – Feb. 5, 1972

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Cash Box

Oct. 21, 1972

  • ‘You’ll Lose a Good Thing’ by Little Royal (Tri Us) – Choice Programming – Cash Box – Nov. 11, 1972
  • ‘Me & My Baby’ by Lyn Collins – a Pick of the Week – Cash Box – Nov. 11, 1972
  • “Starday Old King Gold R&B Set” – Cash Box – Nov. 18, 1972
  • “Starday-King 2nd Oldies Set Issued” – Billboard – Nov. 28, 1972
  • “Starday-King Promo for Hard Rock Group Boot on Agape Subsidiary” – Cash Box – Dec.  2, 1972
  • “Starday-King Sets Gospel Release” – Record World – Dec. 2, 1972
  • “Starday-King Bows Oldies, Gospel Series” – Cash Box – Dec. 9, 1972
  • “Bio LPs Plug Mandala [dist. by Starday-King]” – Billboard – Dec. 16, 1972
  • “Red Sovine Returns to Starday-King” – Cash Box – Dec. 23, 1972

1973

  • Chappell ad = 10 Top 100 singles from 1972 are by James Brown artists – Cash Box – Jan. 20, 1973
  • “Atlantic Inks Troy Seals to Long-Term Exclusive Contract” – Cash Box – Jan. 20, 1973
  • “Nashville Publishers:  Creative Forces” = King’s catalog “a strong one” with over 35,000 copyrights [“some 15,000 of them country”] – Billboard – Jan. 27, 1973
  • “Polydor/King Continue Ties on Global Basis” – Cash Box – Feb. 3, 1973
  • “Merle Kilgore Heads Starday-King Pub Companies” – Cash Box – Feb. 10, 1973
  • “King, Polydor Renew Pact” – Billboard – Feb. 17, 1973
  • James Brown’s ‘Black Caesar’ – a Pop Pick of the Week – Cash Box – Mar. 3, 1973
  • ‘Black Caesar’ by James Brown doing record-breaking box office – Cash Box – Mar. 10, 1973
  • ‘There’s a Honky Tonk Angel’ by Troy Seals – a Best Bet – Cash Box – Mar. 17, 1973
  • “Starday-King Expands Via Reconstruction” – Cash Box – Apr. 14, 1973
  • “QCA Releases Lonnie Mack–Rusty York LP” – Cash Box – Apr. 21, 1973

  • “Shepherd Heads Starday-King National Pop Promo” – Cash Box – May 12, 1973
  • “Shepherd to King Promo Post” – Record World – May 19, 1973
  • “Polydor Sets 5 LP Release” + JB’s 2nd solo LP – Cash Box – July 7, 1973
  • “James Brown’s [‘Doing It To Death’ by Fred Wesley & the JB’s] Single Certified Gold” – Cash Box – Aug. 4, 1973
  • ‘Goodbye Sam’ by Shad O’Shea (on Plantation) – a Pick of the Week (“stunning allegory”) – Cash Box – Aug. 4, 1973
  • JB’s hilarious promotional stunt for ‘Slaughter’ LP – Cash Box – Aug. 18, 1973

  • Fred Wesley & the JB’s ‘If You Didn’t Get It the First Time, Back Up and Try Again’ 45 – Pick of the Week – Cash Box – Sep. 23, 1973
  • “Hal Neely on Starday-King (Tenuous) Relationship” – Cash Box – Sep. 29, 1973
  • “King-Starday Adds Progressive Label [Good Medicine]; Reshuffling Executives” – Billboard – Oct. 20, 1973

NOTE = A comprehensive and chronological collection of James Brown-related trade ads and covers can be found within Zero to 180’s “Goodbye Cincinnati” piece from 2022.

*

1974–1979

1980s

  • Key quote in “Sire Records Expands Through Its Lengthy Involvement with the British Music Scene” by Seymour Stein [“At one meeting [EMI’s Len Wood] and Syd Nathan were heatedly debating King’s attempt to secure an option on all EMI repertoire if it was passed on by Capitol.  Nathan did not succeed, but it was not until several years later that I realized how important this option could have been.” = see seed money for Sire] – Cash Box – Mar. 15, 1980
  • “James Brown’s ‘Live & Lowdown’ LP – Play It Once a Year’ – Louisville Courier-Journal – Nov. 16, 1980
  • “The Charts Are Alive With the Sound of Dayton” by Nelson George – Record World – Mar. 21, 1981
  • “When King Was King” by Randy McNutt & Steve Rosen – Cincinnati Enquirer – July 5, 1981
  • “Mr. Love Talks About Mr. Blues:  Preston Love on Wynonie Harris” by Dan Kochakian – Whiskey, Women and … – March 1982
  • “A DeLuxe and Regal Feast:  DeLuxe Records 1944-1949 (pt. 1)” by Bill Daniels – Whiskey, Women and … – July 1982
  • ‘McLove Story’ by Shad O’Shea & the McHamburger Helpers – a Recommended 45 – Billboard – Aug. 28, 1982
  • “The Saga of Lovin’ Dan:  A Study in the Iconography of Rhythm & Blues Music of the 1950s” by Mark J. Zucker –  Journal of Popular Culture – Fall 1982
  • “Queen Records” by Bill Daniels – Whiskey, Women and … – June 1983
  • “BMI Adds 30 Songs to ‘Million-Air’ List” (including “Honky Tonk” by Billy Butler, Bill Doggett, Henry Glover, Clifford Scott & Shep Shepherd) – Billboard – Aug. 11, 1984
  • ‘Honky Tonk’ by Bill Doggett one of BMI ‘Million-Airs’ honored – Cash Box – Sep. 22, 1984
  • “Bob Shreve – Late Night TV King Dethroned” by Cliff Radel – Cincinnati Enquirer – Sep. 13, 1985
  • “BIll Doggett & the Hit That Started in Lima OH” – Chicago Tribune – June 6, 1986
  • “James Brown Still Shining” – Louisville Courier-Journal – June 7, 1986
  • PHOTO = Producer Henry Glover receives award at NARAS annual luncheon – Billboard – Nov. 15, 1986
  • “’The Twist’ Turns 30” by John Swenson – UPI – Nov. 23, 1988
  • “Troy Seals, Eddie Setser & Oak Ridge Boys” – Nashville Tennessean – June 25, 1989
  • “Paul Gayten” by Billy Vera – Whiskey, Women and … – Fall 1989

1990s

  • “Listening to History (Syd Nathan, et al)” – Boston Globe – Jan. 13, 1991
  • Obituary = Henry Glover – Billboard – Apr. 20, 1991
  • “Syd Nathan – King of the Vinyl” by Cliff Radel – Cincinnati Enquirer – May 5, 1991
  • “King’s Ruler Led His Vinyl Empire Into History Books” – Cincinnati Enquirer – May 6, 1991
  • Obituaries = Henry Glover & Leo Fender & Roger ‘Jellyroll’ Troy – Rolling Stone – May 16, 1991
  • “Bob Krasnow Mentions King Records” – Dayton OH Daily News – July 21, 1991
  • “Roots of Rock and Roll:  Henry Glover at King Records” by John W. Rumble – Journal of Country Music – vol. 14, no. 2 – 1992
  • “Plenty of Inspiration for Indie Hopefuls [Oh Boy, Step One Share Secrets]”- Ray Pennington (Step One Records) says he learned the music business from indie pioneer, Syd Nathan – Billboard – May 30, 1992
  • “Little Willie John’s ‘Fever’ Rides Charts” – Staunton VA News – Aug. 28, 1992
  • “The Majestic Sound of the Five Royales” by Eddie Huffman – Goldmine – Feb. 18, 1993
  • “Rhino [King series] Unearths Some R & B Royalty” by Joel Selvin – San Francisco Chronicle – Mar. 13, 1994
  • “Rhino Records Reissues King (Rodney Dangerfield of labels)” by Cliff Radel – Cincinnati Enquirer – Apr. 19, 1994
  • “Record Label Reissues a Treasured Collection of Rhythm-and-Blues” by Peter Watrous – NY Times – June 9, 1994
  • “Film Songs Score Wins; [Henry] Glover Estate Files Suit” – Billboard – June 11, 1994
  • “King-Sized-Dreams” by Cliff Radel – Cincinnati Enquirer – Nov. 6, 1994
  • “Royal Legacy – Five Cincinnati Labels Follow Lead of King” by Cliff Radel – Cincinnati Enquirer – Nov. 7, 1994
  • Indie Spotlight = “Shad O’Shea – He Does Do It All” – Cash Box – Dec. 10, 1994
  • “Rock & Roll Hall Ignores Session Musicians (& Syd Nathan)” by Larry Nager – Cincinnati Enquirer – Jan. 14, 1996
  • “Music Just Part of New [R&B] Box Set on King Records” by Chris Morris – Billboard – Mar. 9, 1996
  • King R&B Box Set – Robert Hilburn review – Los Angeles Times – June 14, 1996
  • “Rock Hall to Induct Local Men” by Larry Nager – Cincinnati Enquirer – Sep. 20, 1996
  • “King Records’ Totals Add Up to City History” by Cliff Radel – Cincinnati Enquirer – Oct. 14, 1996
  • “King Records Plant Touches Soul in City” by Cliff Radel – Cincinnati Enquirer – Oct. 21, 1996
  • Obituary = Bill Doggett by Chris Morris – Billboard – Nov. 30, 1996
  • Joel Selvin’s ‘Q&A with Charles Brown’ – San Francisco Examiner – Dec. 15, 1996
  • “King Records Rocks Into History” by Rick Kennedy – Cincinnati Magazine – January 1997
  • “King Exhibit @ Rock & Roll Hall” by Larry Nager – Cincinnati Enquirer – Jan. 24, 1997
  • “The Precarious Position of the African-American Entrepreneur in Post-WWII American Pop Music by David Sanjek – American Music Journal – Winter 1997 (vol. 15, no. 4)
  • “The Man Who Was King” by Darren Blase – CityBeat – March 19, 1997
  • “Rock Hails a King” by Rick Bird – Cincinnati Post – May 2, 1997
  • “Bootsy Collins’ King-Sized Break” by Larry Nager – Cincinnati Enquirer – May 4, 1997
  • “King of Cincinnati Sound – Sydney Nathan Enters Rock and Roll Hall” by Larry Nager – Cincinnati Enquirer – May 4, 1997
  • “Syd Nathan to Get Spot in Rock Hall” – Columbus Dispatch – May 4, 1997
  • “Ohio Legend in Rock & Roll Hall” – Richmond IN Palladium-Item – May 4, 1997
  • “Bootsy @ Rock & Roll Hall” by Larry Nager – Cincinnati Enquirer – May 7, 1997
  • “Hall of Fame Inductions Emphasize Unity” by Larry Nager – Cincinnati Enquirer – May 7, 1997
  • “James Brown to Visit King Site” by Larry Nager – Cincinnati Enquirer – June 5, 1997
  • “King Visit Soul Shocks Brown” by Larry Nager – Cincinnati Enquirer – June 6, 1997
  • “James Brown Wants to Re-Open King” – Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune – June 6, 1997
  • “Rhythm-and-Jews:  The Story of the Blacks and Jews Who Worked Together to Create the Magic of R&B” by Mark Lisheron – CommonQuest:  The Magazine of Black-Jewish Relations – Summer 1997 (vol. 2, no. 1)
  • “R&R Hall Faces Money, Growth & Integrity Issues” by Larry Nager – Cincinnati Enquirer – Aug. 31, 1997
  • Seymour Stein acknowledges Sire as a tribute to “Syd Nathan and King Records” in “The Album Network’s 120 Influential People” by Kevin Stapleford – Album Network – July 1, 1998
  • Review – ‘James Brown – Say It Live & Loud’ + Psychodots Official Bootleg – Cincinnati Enquirer – Oct. 2, 1998
  • Review – Randy McNutt’s ‘Little Labels, Big Sound’ – Cincinnati Enquirer – Apr. 11, 1999
  • Randy McNutt’s ‘Little Labels, Big Sound’ – book review – San Francisco Examiner – July 25, 1999
  • Skyline Chili’s 50th Anniversary Music Mix – Cincinnati Enquirer – Oct. 10, 1999

2000s

  • Ralph Stanley profile by Larry Nager – Cincinnati Enquirer – Jan. 25, 2001
  • “James Brown Replaces Isleys @ Taste Fest” by Larry Nager – Cincinnati Enquirer – May 25, 2001
  • James Brown @ Apollo II album – Larry Nager’s review – Cincinnati Enquirer – July 22, 2001
  • “Funk Legend Bootsy Chills in Rural Ohio Studio” – Windsor [Can.] Star – Aug. 28, 2001
  • “Bootsy Collins – Living Legend” – Southtown Star [Chicago] – Sep. 9, 2001
  • “Musicians Sought for King CD” by Larry Nager – Cincinnati Enquirer – Oct. 17, 2001
  • “Dick Clark Mentions Syd Nathan” by Larry Nager – Cincinnati Enquirer – Jan. 6, 2002
  • “Cammys to Feature King Tribute” by Larry Nager – Cincinnati Enquirer  – Jan. 20, 2002
  • “King of the Session Drummers (Philip Paul)” by Larry Nager – Cincinnati Enquirer  – Mar. 8, 2002
  • “Mr. Brown“: 20-pg James Brown profile by Philip Gourevitch – New Yorker – July 28, 2014
  • “Proposed Marker for King” by Cliff Radel – Cincinnati Enquirer  – Aug. 1, 2002
  • “Mayersons Philanthropy – Hidden Treasures Project” – Cincinnati Enquirer  – Aug. 29, 2002
  • “Famous Flames Reuniting”  by Hal Lamar – Atlanta Voice – Sep. 21, 2002
  • “King CD – A Worthy Tribute” by Larry Nager – Cincinnati Enquirer  – Oct. 13, 2002
  • “The Label That Would Be King” by Barry Mazor – No Depression – Jan/Feb 2003
  • “Cammy Awards – King History” by Larry Nager – Cincinnati Enquirer  – Mar. 9, 2003
  • “Otis Williams Charmed Life” by Larry Nager – Cincinnati Enquirer  – Apr. 10, 2003
  • “King’s Memory May Be Preserved in Museum” – Coshocton OH Tribune – Apr. 27, 2003
  • “Fans Want to Rescue King Building” – Lancaster OH Eagle-Gazette – May 4, 2003
  • James Brown Live @ Apollo LP – ‘Celebrating NYC’s Musical Heritage’ – New York Daily News – Apr. 5, 2004
  • “Henry Glover – The Man Behind the Scenes” by Stephen Koch – Arkansas Times – Mar. 3, 2005
  • “Bootsy Collins Working on King Records Documentary” by CE Hanifin – Cincinnati Enquirer  – Apr. 15, 2005
  • “Thousand Tears Too Late” – Cincinnati Soul exhibit at Contemporary Arts Ctr. – Cincinnati Magazine – Oct. 1, 2005
  • “Students & Bootsy Help Shelter Get Back on Beat” by Jennifer Mrozowski – Cincinnati Enquirer  – Mar. 27, 2005
  • “Shining a Light on Cincy Soul” = Kenny Smith profile by Brian Baker – City Beat – May 17, 2006
  • Obituary = James Brown by Gregory Korte – Cincinnati Enquirer – Dec. 26, 2006
  • Obituary = James Brown by Cliff White – The Guardian – Dec. 26, 2006
  • Obituary = James Brown by Jon Pareles – New York Times – Dec. 26, 2006
  • ‘The Payback‘ – An Oral History (featuring Bootsy, et al) – Entertainment Weekly – c. 2006

.

NOTE: There are 4 King & 3 Federal releases listed in the Grammy Hall of Fame

+ “Good Rockin’ Tonight” by Wynonie Harris [King – 1948] — inducted 1994

+ “Blues Stay Away From Me” by Delmore Brothers [King – 1949] — inducted 2007

+ “Sixty Minute Man” by The Dominoes [Federal – 1951] — inducted 2015

+ “Please” by James Brown & Famous Flames [Federal – 1956] — inducted 2001

+ “Hideaway” by Freddy King [Federal – 1961] — inducted 1999

+ “Cold Sweat” by James Brown & Famous Flames [King – 1967] — inducted 2016

+ “I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine” by James Brown [King – 1970] — inducted 2014

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King’s same-day capacity –

From recording to disk

“Aiding and abetting all of those aspiring producers were countless new independent studios and pressing plants.. Small studios like Sam Phillips’ Memphis Recording Service (which advertised, ‘We Record Anything, Anywhere, Anytime’) charged a mere $2 for a single-sided acetate, or $3 for a double.. King executive Jim Wilson recalled, ‘Theoretically, you could walk into King Records in the morning, record, then walk out of there with a dee-jay copy in your hand to take to radio stations.”

American Record Companies and Producers 1888-1950

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