Zero to 180 – Three Minute Magic
King Records, who no doubt envied the massive success of “Tequila” by The Champs, did their level best to cash in, as Johnnie Pate‘s 1958 Federal 45 “Muskeeta” clearly demonstrates, with the flute (substituting for sax) as the lead instrument: “Muskeeta” by Johnny Pate (1958) Recorded in Chicago on March
This other one-off recording from 1957 – released on King subsidiary label, Federal – establishes a Cincinnati-New Orleans connection via musical artist, Little Mummy (i.e., Marvin Gauthreaux): “Where You At Jack” Little Mummy (1957) “Where You At Jack” and its flip side “Oh Baby Please” were both recorded in New
R A R E & O B S C U R E K I N G Click on song titles below for streaming audio (where available) Merle Travis — along with Grandpa Jones — would inaugurate King Records in 1943 as the first two musical artists to
I’m a little surprised more ink has not been expended on a snappy early reggae 45 from 1970 on the Doctor Bird label that can command up to £200 [i.e., $300ish] at auction: “Rum Bum a Loo“ The Message (1970) * “Rum Bum a Loo” was produced for the UK
[For an update on the perilous status of the original King Records site, click here] A recent Cincinnati visit allowed me the chance to verify that the former King Records complex is still standing. But for how long? Polly Lucke, Zero to 180’s West Coast correspondent, recently brought to my
Joe Goldmark is not only a musician but also a scholar, whose International Steel Guitar and Dobro Discography – “a resource book that attempts to list every steel guitar and Dobro instrumental ever recorded” – is a fascinating reference tool for those interested in Syd Nathan’s King Records legacy. Jerry
On March 12, 1956 drummer and vocalist, Billy Gayles, recorded “I’m Tore Up” at Cincinnati’s King Studios backed by Ike Turner and His Rhythm Rockers: “I’m Tore Up” Billy Gayles (1956) “I’m Torn Up” received a B from Cash Box (“an okay deck”), who characterized the song as a “middle
The song that launched a national dance craze – “The Twist” – cast an unbelievably long shadow. Even though Hank Ballard’s original version of the song was released on King in 1959, groups were putting out twist songs well into 1962.* I was reminded of this fact recently when listening
We all know that 1954 was the year of Elvis Presley’s famous and influential Sun recordings, but 1954 was also highly noteworthy for the combined impact of these three particular tunes – all instrumentals: 1. “Stratosphere Boogie” by Speedy West & Jimmy Bryant – Phenomenal, blazing twin guitar work — rock
COPYRIGHT © 2012-2022 ZERO TO 180. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Recent Comments