King Records (3)

King Records on vinyl: R&B, soul and James Brown from Cincinnati

In short: King Records was founded in 1943 by Syd Nathan in Cincinnati, Ohio, and became one of the most important labels for R&B and country. Recording, pressing and printing all happened under one roof. This is where James Brown’s career began – first on the subsidiary Federal, later on King itself. The Vinyl Room currently has 11 records on King.

From our stock

First pressings

Soul & funk

New in

→ James Brown · Marva Whitney · Rhythm & blues · Soul & funk on vinyl

What makes King Records special?

James Brown’s funk family: “Let A Man Come In And Do The Popcorn” shows him in the late sixties on his way to funk. With “It’s My Thing” (1969) Marva Whitney sang an answer to an Isley Brothers hit, and Vicki Anderson duets with James Brown – both were part of his revue.

Before and alongside: saxophonist Earl Bostic, whose powerful alto brought him hits in the early fifties, Charles Brown with Christmas songs, organist Hank Marr with “Greasy Spoon” and the soul singing of The King Pins.

FAQ

Is this the same King Records as in Japan? No – this is the US label from Cincinnati. King Records in Japan is a different company.

Who founded King Records? Syd Nathan, in Cincinnati in 1943.

Who was Marva Whitney? A singer in the James Brown Revue; “It’s My Thing” was produced by James Brown.

What do you have on King? R&B, soul and jazz from the fifties to the seventies – 11 records in all.