Premieres Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 at 9 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream with KPBS+
"The Story of King Records" is a documentary directed by Yemi Oyediran that explores the groundbreaking legacy of Cincinnati's King Records. Founded in 1943 by Syd Nathan, King Records played a central role in shaping American popular music - from rock 'n' roll to soul and funk - while operating as one of the few fully integrated businesses in a segregated America.
Through interviews, restored archival materials, and animation, the film showcases King's boundary-breaking artists such as James Brown, Hank Ballard, Little Willie John, and Grandpa Jones. Guided by voices like Seymour Stein, Vince Gill, and Christian McBride, the film restores a lost legacy.
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