Tunesday Music Playlist: Crowned Classics from Cincinnati’s King Records

While Cincinnati isn’t often the first city associated with shaping American music, its impact through King Records is unmistakable. For this Tunesday playlist, we’re revisiting the legacy of King Records, a record label that not only became one of the most influential independent labels of its era, but also helped define the sound of R&B, blues, soul and early rock and roll. Founded by Syd Nathan in 1943, King Records emerged as a groundbreaking force in a deeply segregated Cincinnati, becoming a leader in bringing Black artists and their music to mainstream audiences. Their unique approach to handling every step of record production gave King Records a competitive edge, allowing them to release music faster, cheaper and with unmatched creative freedom. These are only a few of the iconic songs and artists that made King Records a musical powerhouse and left an enduring legacy in the industry.