Originally published at: https://geektherapy.org/king-of-them-all-the-story-of-king-records-premieres-friday-october-10-on-pbs/
Author: Newsroom
CINCINNATI, OH; SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 — KING OF THEM ALL: THE STORY OF KING RECORDS, a new feature-length documentary directed and produced by Cincinnati filmmaker Yemi Oyediran, will premiere nationwide on Friday, October 10, 2025, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET (check local listings) on PBS, pbs.org and the PBS app, bringing to light the untold story of one of America’s most groundbreaking record labels.
Founded in 1943 by Syd Nathan, King Records reshaped the American musical landscape by recording country, rhythm & blues, and rock ’n’ roll under one roof—at a time when the music industry, and the nation itself, was divided by race and genre. The label launched the careers of legendary artists, including James Brown, Wynonie Harris, Hank Ballard, Little Willie John, The Stanley Brothers, and countless others whose influence can still be heard today.
Blending rare archival footage, newly colorized film reels, hand-drawn 1950s-style animation, and exclusive interviews with musicians, historians, and industry veterans, KING OF THEM ALL: THE STORY OF KING RECORDS is both a love letter to Cincinnati and a testament to King Records’ outsized role in shaping global popular music.
As part of PBS’s unwavering commitment to independent filmmakers, we’re thrilled to support Yemi Oyediran’s creative storytelling that resonates with communities across the U.S.,” said Wendy Llinás, Senior Director, Programming & Development at PBS. “KING OF THEM ALL: THE STORY OF KING RECORDS illuminates the unsung heroes who have shaped the soundtrack of American life and demonstrates the essential storytelling PBS uniquely platforms for national audiences.”
Director and Producer Yemi Oyediran adds that “King Records was far more than a record label—it was a revolution in sound and spirit. At a time when the country and the industry were divided by race and genre, King proved that great music has no boundaries. From James Brown to the Stanley Brothers, its artists helped shape the soundtrack of the 20th century. This film is about giving long-overdue recognition to the visionaries who changed American culture from right here in Cincinnati, and it has been an honor to bring their voices and legacies to the screen through the PBS platform.”
The film underscores the Midwest’s central role in American music history and features commentary from Vince Gill, Christian McBride, Seymour Stein, Tammy Kernodle, Alan Leeds, Clyde Brown, Daru Jones, John Curley, and others, alongside newly unearthed perspectives from the families of King Records’ artists and staff. View the film’s teaser trailer HERE.
KING OF THEM ALL: THE STORY OF KING RECORDS will stream October 10, 2025 and be available on all station-branded PBS platforms, including PBS.org and the PBS app, available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast and VIZIO.
Major Funding for KING OF THEM ALL: THE STORY OF KING RECORDS was provided by Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Bailey Lamson Family Foundation, Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation, Warrington Foundation, and Louise Semple Taft Foundation. Additional funding provided by Ohio Humanities, The Stephen H. Wilder Foundation, FC Cincinnati Foundation, The Erma A. Bantz Foundation, Cincinnati Institute of Fine Arts, Scott and Julie Jolson, and by viewers like you.
KING OF THEM ALL: THE STORY OF KING RECORDS is produced by Afrochine. Directed by Yemi Oyediran and produced by Oyediran and JP Leong, it marks the feature-length directorial debut of Oyediran. Executive in charge for PBS is Wendy Llinás.