Public Library commemorates King Records’ 70th anniversary In September 1943, singer-musicians Grandpa Jones and Merle Travis made the first recording for Cincinnati’s King Records, which was founded by record producer Syd Nathan. King Records’ list of artists went on to include James Brown, Betty Clooney, Steve Lawrence, Bob Braun, Trini Lopez, Minnie Pearl, Hank Ballard, Freddie King, the Stanley Brothers, Cowboy Copas, and Mickey Rooney. This year also marks the 60th anniversary of R&B vocalist Otis Williams’ first recording for King Records. Williams, a Walnut Hills native, was attending Withrow High School when he was signed to King Records in 1953. Several special events and programs are being held in September to commemorate the local record label’s 70th anniversary. The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County will host two author visits and two music listening programs at the Main Library, 800 Vine Street. King Records author visits Join author Susan Whitall at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, in the Genealogy & Local History program space. She’ll talk about the amazing music and tragic life of King Records artist Little Willie John. In her book Little Willie John: A Fast Life, Mysterious Death and the Birth of Soul, Whitall traces John’s meteoric climb to the top of the music charts after bursting onto the scene in 1955 as a 17-year-old with a huge, Blues-drenched voice. Arguably one of the greatest voices in music, Little Willie John went on to have 15 hit singles on the Rhythm & Blues chart, with considerable crossover success in Pop. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. Cincinnati Magazine Senior Editor R.J. Smith leads a discussion on one of the greatest music icons of the 20th century – James Brown – at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, in the Genealogy & Local History program space. Smith’s recent biography of Brown, The One, is the definitive look at Brown’s complicated life. Smith will present his fascinating findings on James Brown’s life as a Civil Rights activist, an entrepreneur, and the most innovative musician of our time. A dazzling showman, Brown played 350 shows a year at his peak and had more than 40 Billboard hits. The Godfather of Soul recorded for 15 years for King Records, where he redefined Funk, Soul, R&B and Pop. Brown was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. King Records music programs The Popular Library has a special King Records theme for its program series “Listen to This,” held in the Popular Library Reading Lounge at 7 p.m. On Wednesday, Sept. 11, the featured album will be “James Brown Live at the Apollo,” which was released 50 years ago in 1963 by King Records. On Wednesday, Sept. 25, the album “This is Otis Williams and the Charms,” released in 1958 will be featured. For more information about the King Records programs and events, call 513-369-6905 or visit kingstudios.org. Of Special Note: The Friends’ Shop, located on the mezzanine level of the Main Library, will have for sale the photo book King Records of Cincinnati by Randy McNutt and published by Arcadia. The book contains many never-before-published photos of King recording artists. The Friends’ Shop, open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., also has many other music-related books for sale, both new and used. For more information, visit friends.cincinnatilibrary.org.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Aug 2013 12:39:09 +0000
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