King of Them All: The Story of King Records

By Jennifer Robinson / Web Producer

Published October 8, 2025 at 3:14 PM PDT

"King of Them All" unfolds like a listening session with history. From James Brown’s soul to the Stanley Brothers’ bluegrass, King Records shaped genres that still echo today. Guided by voices like Seymour Stein, Vince Gill, and Christian McBride, the film restores a lost legacy.

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"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.

James Brown’s breakout hit “Please, Please, Please” drew directly from the gospel tradition, channeling its pleading repetition and raw emotion into a new sound. Misunderstood by critics but electrifying to audiences, the song became a turning point in popular music, marking the rise of Brown’s unmatched career and the birth of a new era in soul.

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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Hank Ballard brought raw energy and provocative lyrics to King Records, with a catalog so edgy fans had to listen under the covers. Seen by many as one of the first soul singers, Ballard blurred the lines between R&B and rock, leaving an indelible mark on American music and opening the door for future artists.

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Every photo and film clip you see in "King of Them All" is authentic archival material. However, some images had faded or even suffered water damage over time, so they restored and enhanced them to make the history clearer. Learn how they combined old and new approaches in this process.

King of Them All: The Story of King Records

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