King of the Queen City: The Story of King Records

by Jon Hartley Fox, Dave Alvin (Foreword)

King of the Queen City is the first comprehensive history of King Records, one of the most influential independent record companies in the history of American music. Founded by businessman Sydney Nathan in the mid-1940s, this small outsider record company in Cincinnati, Ohio, attracted a diverse roster of artists, including James Brown, the Stanley Brothers, Grandpa Jones, Redd Foxx, Earl Bostic, Bill Doggett, Ike Turner, Roy Brown, Freddie King, Eddie Vinson, and Johnny "Guitar" Watson. While other record companies concentrated on one style of music, King was active in virtually all genres of vernacular American music, from blues and R & B to rockabilly, bluegrass, western swing, and country. A progressive company in a reactionary time, King was led by an interracial creative and executive staff that redefined the face and voice of American music as well as the way it was recorded and sold. Drawing on personal interviews, research in newspapers and periodicals, and deep access to the King archives, Jon Hartley Fox weaves together the elements of King's success, focusing on the dynamic personalities of the artists, producers, and key executives such as Syd Nathan, Henry Glover, and Ralph Bass. The book also includes a foreword by legendary guitarist, singer, and songwriter Dave Alvin.

Genres: Music, History, Nonfiction

280 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first account of King Records where owner and founder Syd Nathan is portrayed almost as a good guy! The story lends itself to a good film about the legendary label that saw no color barrier. This is a great history of the legendary country and r&b and gospel label. The author highlights some of the lesser known recording artists with a rundown of their best songs. Ultimately, James Brown was the biggest star on the roster and he had trouble with Nathan from his first release. Nathan was such an abrasive sort that he started a label because a local recording studio barred him from the premises. He decided to build his own. King was a self contained business with a recording studio, pressing plant, and packaging unit contained in one building. A&R wizard Henry Glover was the labels real mover and shaker.His stories are fascinating.

[Garrett Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best, most informative music books I've read in a while. I can't say I knew much about King Records beyond maybe a handful of their top artists before reading this, so discovering what a major impact they had on early R&B/soul and country was a revelation. Many of the major independent record labels of the mid-century have their recognition and due. but King continues to be a little understood influence. Reading this book really opened my eyes and ears to a huge chunk of music I'm be listening to for a long time to come. I'll echo another Goodreads reviewer and say I wish there was a boxset that went with this, or at least or a more comprehensive discographical recommendations section!

[Michael Neno · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first introduction to King Records was standing in front of the decrepit remains of King Records studio, a historical landmark which has been allowed to decay by the city of Cincinnati. The offices of a defunct record label wouldn't be that big a deal if it weren't for the fact that King Records was one of the most important and influential record labels. Brazenly cross-pollinating genres and artists of different races and styles, an argument could be made that King Records is where rock 'n Roll was first created, in the late '40s/early '50s.

Producer Syd Nathan started the label in the '40s and hired a wide variety of artists over the next two decades, including Ike Turner, James Brown, Redd Foxx, Freddie King and many more. Bootsy Collins recorded on King Records!

King of the Queen City: The Story of King Records is the definitive chronicle of the label and its creative assets. Highly recommended.

[Mark Singer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The research and scholarship in this book is excellent. King records is explored inside and out. My only problem with this book is that sometimes it read like an encyclopedia in its effort to include every musician and every recording.

[Brian Butts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book to read with Spotify open. Learned a ton about the roots of country, soul, and more and Cincinnati’s place in it.

[Jonathan Frankel · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I found out there had been a record company in my hometown of Cincinnati, I became intrigued. I was further intrigued when I found out that some early 50's R&B was produced there.
I got the book to explore the history of King.
First off, I did learn about the origins of King and some of its artists. But I felt that there was a fair amount of filler on minor artists that I was unfamiliar with and/or were with King only briefly. No fault of the book, I just felt that the book was a bit labored for me. Glad I read it, though.