Underground is the opening number in Memphis: The Musical, which received 8 Tony nominations while winning 4 (2010) – including Best Musical. The story (loosely true) is about a white DJ in Memphis who played black music in the 1950s to a White audience. The musical’s script includes “race music” as a descriptive phrase.
In my almost 66 years, I haven’t heard “race music” before, well – until 10 days before attending a community theater performance of Memphis: The Musical when we saw the premier of a new play – Cincinnati King – a story about Cincinnati-based King Records. (Click for video ad.) From not ever hearing the term to it crossing my path twice within 10 days is a bit odd – but also a sign for a blog post.
Within a week after attending Memphis: The Musical, we saw a new movie (well, new at the time) – Green Book – many thumbs up! (Click for trailer.) Although not about race music, this movie involves both music and racism. Another timely event for my November and this post. However, this post is about Memphis and Cincinnati – so, let’s jump to Cleveland.
Cleveland is in the diagonally opposite corner of Ohio from Cincinnati – a 4 hour drive downtown-to-downtown. Cleveland is also home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Hall). Besides putting up the money to get the Hall, the location is based on Alan Freed, a Cleveland DJ (WJW) who coined the term rock and roll. Interestingly, Freed’s “sign-on” song was on the King Records label.
Then there is Terry Stewart, the Hall’s longest serving CEO and current President Emeritus, who said the following: “There are only three places in the country that can claim to be the birthplace of rock and roll: New Orleans, Memphis, and Cincinnati.” (Reminder of the two plays that I saw.)
King Records is the reason Cincinnati is in that quote. Syd Nathan, a local sales hustler, started King Records in 1943. With Cincinnati being home to one of the nation’s most powerful radio stations (WLW) and the local population having many Blacks and poor Appalachian Whites, Nathan saw a musical opportunity.
In time, Nathan grew King Records into one of the most successful independent record labels in the country, Nathan also controlled the recording, mastering, pressing, and shipping processes because they were typically done in-house – therefore a quick turnaround from recording to store shelves.
By realizing the importance of music to different populations, Nathan’s stable of artists included country & western, rhythm & blues, gospel, bluegrass, rockabilly, and boogie woogie. On the “B-side” of 45s, he often put a crossover song or artist to expand the music to different populations. Yes, Nathan promoted and distributed race music.
Fever was a hit for Peggy Lee in 1958 – but did you know that King Records Little Willie John recorded Fever two years earlier?
Everyone knows the success with The Twist. Did you know that the song was first done by Hank Ballard and the Midnighters on King Records? Ballard was unavailable for American Bandstand, so Dick Clark (who wanted the song on the show) turned to a local artist to perform the song as a cover – enter Chubby Checker.
Music buffs may know King Records names as Albert King, Grandpa Jones, Joe Tex, The Dominoes, The Charms, Freddie King, and John Lee Hooker – but the biggest name at King Records was none other than the Godfather of Soul – James Brown – with this mega-hit that won Brown his first Grammy Award (Best R&B Performance, 1966).
Syd Nathan died in 1968. Although King Records final demise would shortly follow, it’s impact on the music industry would last forever. Meanwhile, the City of Cincinnati is considering a King Records Museum. Let’s toast the pioneers of race music in Cincinnati and Memphis. Cheers!
Excellent, Frank. Growing up in Detroit we listened to soul music from the early 50’s.
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John,
Glad you can relate to this post. … and we know how influential the Motor City is to music history!
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Sometimes on Sundays we would tune into the church broadcasts. Excellent choir music ala “Oh Happy Day.” https://youtu.be/wv5n_eCGkvM
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Now that’s a great song by a classic artist!
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I like it.
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What a great post, Frank. There is no denying the love you have for your city…
Fascinating about those well-known songs. Just goes to show.
And, isn’t it funny how you don’t hear about something and then hear it over and over?
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Dale,
Thanks. The timing of the events that influenced his post was odd. Otherwise, this post wouldn’t have happened.
So many important things happen outside of New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago … and to think Memphis, Cincinnati, and New Orleans out-influenced all three of them. Plus – I love the music in this post!
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I know what you mean. It’s like when you buy a car. Suddenly you see the same model all over the place.
Of course. Not only those towns get all the kudos so you go for it and shout it to the rooftops. Excellent music!
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Well stated. I loved the opener to Memphis: The Musical!
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😀
I love musicals… I wish more came by Montreal.
I am still deciding on going to see “Beautiful”.
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We wanted to see that one – but cringed at the price.
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I feel ya. It’s completely ridiculous…
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As a whole, high-quality entertainment is pricey!
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But it has become out of world pricey…
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Yep … Musicals, Concerts, sporting events … I image Habs tickets are cheap.
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One would think, wouldn’t one?
Mind you… yes, there are some affordable ones…
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Are the affordable Habs tickets on the top row behind the scoreboard with a limited view?
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There we some sprinkled all over, from what I can see..
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Thank you, once again. You always teach me something new and make me think and reflect. So glad King Records was there to make music!
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Patti,
For this post, fortunately I was in the right place at the right time. Those events within weeks were the driving force to put this post together. Glad you appreciated my effort.
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That was interesting Frank, so many little snippets that I had no clue about – and I had no idea Cincinnati was/is so well connected musically. I had never heard of that term ‘race music’ before either – it sure would make me take notice if it came floating by once let alone twice.
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Pauline,
The way this post and information came together still amazes me. By the end of November I knew much more than I did at the end of October! … so I’m very pleased that you enjoyed this post.
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Some very interesting history Frank that I was not aware of. I am familiar with the artists music that you referenced, love them all ,my favorite being John Lee Hooker. Thanks for the links , great post!
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Holly,
A touch of music history is a good thing – and much of this was new to me until those November events that inspired this post. I was surprised to learn that John Lee Hooker was on King. Must have been during his early days.
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This was the great time in music… Loved so much, beautiful post dear Frank, Thank you, Love, nia
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Nia,
I know you love music, so I’m happy you saw and enjoyed this post. I imagine the first song got you dancing!
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Yes, I love music and dance… It was so nice beginning with your post dear Frank 🙂
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Thanks for confirming! 😀
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So so fascinating. I’ve never heard that term either. Not sure about it still even after reading your post.
But I grew up listening to a lot of rock and roll on vinyl when I found and old collection in a dusty corner of our house when I was about 11 or 12 in the 90s. It wasn’t really the type of music any of my friends were listening to a the time lol but it sparked a love in me for music from the 50s and 60s.
I’d love to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame one day.
Going to look up a lot of these songs you mentioned. I love Fever (yeah, yeah, I know. ..you’re not surprised) and used to sing it a few years ago when I was singing in a duo but had no idea about the original recording.
Anyway.
Really enjoyed this.
Thanks for sharing
X
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Fiery,
Glad this tapped into your love not only for music – but also the early days of rock and roll. After all, you didn’t live those days. The Rock & Roll HOF is quite the place – a place to can engulf a music lover.
Fever is so wonderful. I’ve always enjoyed the song – and even more when my wife and I took up ballroom dance some (I think) 11 years ago. Some versions are outstanding foxtrot songs. 😀
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I often think I would not have been out of place in the 60s lol.
My kind of time I think!
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Musically it was a great time … but it was also a time of social upheaval.
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I remember Hank Ballard and the Midnighters and the story behind Chubby Checker. I never knew that “Fever” was previously recorded. I really like the Little Willie John version. Rock and roll was an essential part of my upbringing in the 50s and 60s. It was almost a religion. My 45s are gone, but I still have my albums and my memories. Thanks for reactivating some of them.
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Gary,
As a long-time music lover and one who lived that era, I have no doubt you would have enjoyed Cincinnati King at the Playhouse! My 45s are also long gone – and as well as most of the albums (which we shed when we loved to the condo almost 5 years ago). Meanwhile, until I saw the play, I was unaware of Little Willie John. Seems he was quite the talent with a sad ending to his story.
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I have a copy of James Brown live at the Royal. It is a treasure. I also have the Cannonball Adderly Quintet live at”Operation Breadbasket.” We buy these albums as teenagers with no idea of their significance.
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Now that last sentence is powerful!
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A very interesting post Frank.
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Colline,
A little bit of musical history helps us all. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed this post linked to my city.
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Excellent! Now you’re really getting down into my musical ‘hood – past and present. Glad I got to see “Cincinnati King” at the Playhouse In The Park just before Christmas to sort out some of the key origins. Next up I need to make it to Cleveland to (finally) tour the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, then a trip to Memphis, then a return visit to New Orleans where last year I only scratched the surface of understanding that complex culture.
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Tim,
Knowing your musical interest and that you saw Cincinnati King, I knew you would appreciate this post. You mentioned New Orleans, unfortunately the are the missing component of this post. I imagine it is quite interesting. For you go to Memphis, you might as well watch Memphis: The Musical. Here’s the full version for you to mark to watch later. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuYsidMUmw0
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Fascinating Frank. I have to go see ZGreen Book. Heard many great things about it.
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Drew,
Thank you … and enjoy the wonderful movie! Let me know what you think.
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If “Underground” doesn’t get you toe-tapping you better check your pulse. Nice way to start out a cold, but sunny morning. Thanks, Frank!
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i’m sure I would really enjoy this musical, Frank, and I recall when it toured locally, but didn’t see it at that time. Maybe next time I will! This is so interesting to hear of the people who performed very famous songs before the “headliners” we all recognize. I’ve not heard the term “race music” before, so this alone is interesting to me. We have yet to see Green Book but we do intend to! Great post!
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Debra,
Glad you saw this post because I knew you would enjoy its many facets. FYI: You can find Memphis: The Musical (in its entirety) on YouTube … Now that’s a surprise! You would have enjoyed Cincinnati King – but I doubt if it comes your way. Will be interested to see even if other theaters pick it up.
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Lots of layers–and music–in this post, Frank. I thought of the musical “Ragtime”– there’s a scene where Coalhouse Walker explains that “coon songs” are for minstrel shows where white men are in blackface–then proceeds to play ragtime. I saw the musical Beautiful recently, and it’s interesting how many hit songs were written by King and Goffen.
I saw Green Book, too, recently. Kind of predictable, but great acting.
And you’ve seen Dale and I are obsessed with the music from “Cold War.” 🙂
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Merril,
Many layers in this post indeed. Love your reference to Ragtime as it fits well with this post.
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🙂
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That’s was an insightful read and some wonderful music reccos !
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Lady N,
Welcome first-time commenter. Glad you enjoyed this post about US music. Why did you select this post on your first visit?
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I am not at all familiar with music outside my own country or some popular English numbers .. But I have a dear friend who worships music in all ways ! And I got this habit of reading about music and giving a shot to new music from him. I enjoy musicals too ..
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Thanks for the thoughtful response. I know you are in Canada now – where is your home country?
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India !
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🙂 … that’s what I thought, but I didn’t want to be wrong! Welcome to North America!!!! … What brings you Canada?
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