Memphis had Sam Phillips’ Sun Records; Detroit, Berry Gordy’s Motown; Philly boasted Leon Huff/Kenny Gambles’ Philadelphia International Records;  Cincinnati’s King Records was home to James Brown, Hank Ballard & The Midnighters, Little Willie John, and one of “the greatest instrumentals of all time” (prominently featured in Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman”) “Honky Tonk Part 1 and 2”  by Bill Doggett, and that’s why Cincinnati has formed a commission to revive the memory and honor the King label—the original building is still there–to make a show piece of historical musical significance.

“King” was a legendary record label, and and so was its creator, Syd Nathan, who is best described as “indescribable” but “character out of a movie” comes to mind.  A street-wise, tough talking immigrant success story, as told by the boss himself.